| If you plan to show or compete with your horse, it is | | | | The purpose of these rigs is not to force your horse |
| essential that you get your horse into shape. His | | | | into the proper position, but to show him how he should |
| muscle strength and stamina will determine how he | | | | carry himself. Use them as tools rather than |
| handles rigorous work, and a fit horse will not be as | | | | instruments of doom and you'll experience positive |
| stressed on show day. Of course, even if you are not | | | | results. That said, make sure you ask a trainer or riding |
| competing your horse, fitness is an important issue. | | | | instructor to show you the proper ways to use them. |
| Many riders focus only on themselves: developing leg | | | | Weather |
| strength, improving balance, increasing stamina. This | | | | A horse you think is in shape during the winter might |
| philosophy is a mistake because it increases the | | | | reach the blistering summer months and suddenly |
| chance your horse will be hurt because he isn't in | | | | seem lethargic and weak. Horses respond to |
| shape. | | | | differences in the weather much the same as we do, |
| Endurance | | | | and it is important to consider the weather outside |
| The first way to get your horse into shape is to focus | | | | when you're trying to get your horse into shape. |
| on endurance. This simply means the length of time | | | | Not only is the hear a factor during the summer, but |
| your horse can perform certain activities without | | | | also the humidity. It can affect respiration and wear |
| dangerously accelerating his respiration and heart rate. I | | | | your horse out faster than he would in a dry clime. |
| recommend that horse owners observe endurance | | | | My policy, when the weather begins to heat up, is to |
| rides at least once a week. | | | | start all over with getting my horse into shape. I begin |
| An endurance ride is usually conducted in a field or on | | | | again with short endurance rides, working up to longer |
| a trail because the arena can become monotonous. | | | | bouts as he develops a tolerance for the heat. The |
| Depending on whether or not your horse is currently in | | | | same goes for the winter; I allow my horse to slowly |
| shape, an endurance ride could take an hour or more, | | | | grow used to the drop in temperature. |
| so prepare for longevity. In the beginning, however, an | | | | Discipline |
| out-of-shape horse shouldn't be ridden longer than 30 | | | | It is easy for horseback riders to become so |
| minutes for endurance. | | | | entrenched in their chosen disciplines that they forget |
| Contrary to popular belief, trot work is the most | | | | the amazing versatility and flexibility of riding in general. |
| conducive to endurance. It combines moderate speed | | | | They work every day on reining, dressage, jumping, |
| with constant activity in the legs, and won't wear the | | | | cutting, western pleasure or any number of other |
| horse out as fast as cantering or galloping. Your horse | | | | disciplines because that is where their focus lies. |
| can definitely trot for thirty straight minutes, but it is | | | | Big mistake. |
| doubtful he can canter that long. | | | | Your horse will find it easier to get into shape when he |
| Form | | | | has some variety in his workouts. You might compete |
| The way in which a horse moves is directly related to | | | | only in dressage, but would your horse benefit from |
| his fitness level. A fit horse will be able to move | | | | trail riding, jumping or regular flat work occasionally? |
| correctly, using his muscles efficiently and balancing | | | | You bet. It will challenge him to use muscles that are |
| himself both on the straight-away and on corners and | | | | not commonly exercised in dressage. |
| circles. When you work to get your horse into frame | | | | It's just like people. You ride horses, so you probably |
| on a regular basis, he will automatically increase his | | | | think you're in shape. But what if you took up karate or |
| fitness level. | | | | basketball? You'd use different muscle groups in |
| Working your horse in a rig is one way to get him into | | | | different ways, and you'd probably be sore in the |
| shape. Rigs include draw reins, side reins and training | | | | morning. |
| forks, and must be used properly for the horse's | | | | Getting your horse into shape will take time, and it |
| safety. Side reins, for example, are only used in hand | | | | requires constant effort. Horses can experience |
| or on the lunge line, while draw reins and training forks | | | | fluctuating fitness levels just like we can, so make |
| can be used while mounted. | | | | exercise a primary goal for you and your horse. |