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This is a progressive work schedule that will take 60 to 90 days. The ideal schedule is to work 6 days per week.
The first two weeks entails road work (the ditch bank works well). Begin at a walk and slow trot. Work in a long and low frame. This will stretch the horse’s top-line and back muscles. Ride for one hour (3-6 miles). Start slow and gradually build. For example: the first week can consist of 40 minutes of walking with 15 minutes of trotting interspersed. Over the second week, work up to 30 minutes each.
Use the following as a general guideline:
- Walking=3 mph
- Trotting=6 mph
- Canter=12 mph
After 2 weeks of road work, ring work can begin 2 days per week. Continue doing road work 4 days per week. The ring work should initially consist primarily of warming up in a long and low frame. Ground rails can be used at a trot to help further round your horse’s back- be sure to ride the rails in a two point position and give your horse his head to allow him to free up his back. 6-8 repetitions over the rails should be the maximum. Start out warming up for 20 minutes, and working for 20 minutes. After the first week gradually work up to 45 minutes of working, but be sure to always warm up for 20 minutes first.
Repetitious work in the ring should be avoided, as this can cause fatigue and muscle strain. Maintaining a variety helps to work different muscle groups more evenly, and keep your horse’s interest. Alternate walk-tot transitions, serpentines, leg yields, shoulder-in, haunches-in, etc.
Road work should gradually increase in intensity. The goal is to be able to work at the extended trot for 6-10 miles (1-2 hours). It should take 60 days to reach this point. Once this level of condition has been reached, the intensity of the ring work can be increased. At this point more intensive training that is specific to your discipline can be started.
Vigorous muscle massage, especially any sore muscles in the back and croup, before and after exercise can be helpful. See the posture exercise sheet for additional helpful exercises and stretches.
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