How to develop an intensive exercise programme for a horse?
I've got a 6 year old Irish sports horse who was at peak fitness before getting a nasty gash to his leg which has since seen him confined to his stable for 4 weeks. He is now back out in the field full time and getting hacked out. Im looking for ideas for an intensive fitness programme which I could follow to get him back to peak fitness ASAP but without stressing him out.
Answers:
Work from the ground first. Walk him and trot him on the lunge, for example but don't push him too hard. Keep it steady and if you see any signs of pain, you must stop. Hills are good for gaining muscle as well as swimming. If you don't have a swimming pool near you, try a lake or river. Always take a friend if you are going to go swimming, just in case you need some help. Start riding gently at first, walk and trot until you feel he is strong enough to canter. Consult your vet or contact a horse physiotherapist (yes they do exist) as they will be more experienced and will be able to see your horse to decide what it is best to do next. Even if you just make a phonecall to them, they can help. Also, ask around, there may be someone in a similar situation near you. Experience is always the answer. If not, try writing in to a reputable magazine such as Horse&Rider or Your Horse. Hope this helps.
Since he was injured I would recomend swimming him for a week or so before you start riding him hard.
Glad your horse is getting better i agree that you shouldn't jump in at the deep end by working your horse really hard. I think you should seek the advise from a horse veterinary person near you .I hope your horse becomes successful.
I searched on the net and came up with this lot. Don't rush it, tackle it steadily, and don't jump him too soon.
HILLS!! Uphill trotting is a GREAT program for re building muscle and stamina. So if you have any hills you can go trot on like on a trail or something that would be the best bet. Other then that lunging, daily workouts consisting of at least 20-30 minutes.mostly trotting! Be careful to not rush it too..start out slow.
Ride the doggone HORSE!!!!!
If i were you i would contact your vet for a chat and see if they could give you some helpful information, or a rehabilitation centre for horses.
It may also be worth while contacting some large compitition yards to see if the riders may give you some help as they have to go through it every year because of injuries or holidays, ie. Eventing,showjumping,dressage or even better try to speak to a trainer of your closest racing yard for the fast work.
If you have had your horse for a reasonable time you should have a fair idea about the amount of work they can handle, If it was me in your situation i would bring him back at a steady pace instead of trying to rush him so i know that no more damage would happen.
I would still be careful with his leg as any hard strain or stress on the wound could reopen it, ( talking from past experience about accident prone horse )
I hope everything works out and that he manages to stay injury free. Good luck.
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Answers:
Work from the ground first. Walk him and trot him on the lunge, for example but don't push him too hard. Keep it steady and if you see any signs of pain, you must stop. Hills are good for gaining muscle as well as swimming. If you don't have a swimming pool near you, try a lake or river. Always take a friend if you are going to go swimming, just in case you need some help. Start riding gently at first, walk and trot until you feel he is strong enough to canter. Consult your vet or contact a horse physiotherapist (yes they do exist) as they will be more experienced and will be able to see your horse to decide what it is best to do next. Even if you just make a phonecall to them, they can help. Also, ask around, there may be someone in a similar situation near you. Experience is always the answer. If not, try writing in to a reputable magazine such as Horse&Rider or Your Horse. Hope this helps.
Since he was injured I would recomend swimming him for a week or so before you start riding him hard.
Glad your horse is getting better i agree that you shouldn't jump in at the deep end by working your horse really hard. I think you should seek the advise from a horse veterinary person near you .I hope your horse becomes successful.
I searched on the net and came up with this lot. Don't rush it, tackle it steadily, and don't jump him too soon.
HILLS!! Uphill trotting is a GREAT program for re building muscle and stamina. So if you have any hills you can go trot on like on a trail or something that would be the best bet. Other then that lunging, daily workouts consisting of at least 20-30 minutes.mostly trotting! Be careful to not rush it too..start out slow.
Ride the doggone HORSE!!!!!
If i were you i would contact your vet for a chat and see if they could give you some helpful information, or a rehabilitation centre for horses.
It may also be worth while contacting some large compitition yards to see if the riders may give you some help as they have to go through it every year because of injuries or holidays, ie. Eventing,showjumping,dressage or even better try to speak to a trainer of your closest racing yard for the fast work.
If you have had your horse for a reasonable time you should have a fair idea about the amount of work they can handle, If it was me in your situation i would bring him back at a steady pace instead of trying to rush him so i know that no more damage would happen.
I would still be careful with his leg as any hard strain or stress on the wound could reopen it, ( talking from past experience about accident prone horse )
I hope everything works out and that he manages to stay injury free. Good luck.
Throw it off a container ship in the English Channel
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