| FITNESS TRAINING StartUp
This schedule is recommended for unfit horses initiating a cross-training program. Since your horse may not be currently experiencing a high level of work, we are going to have to gradually increase work intensity in an attempt to prevent injury.
We have prepared a schedule that is designed to increase your
horse’s level of fitness over a 4-week period. This
way, your horse will increase fitness gradually,
allowing ample time for appropriate tissue remodeling.
Please
note certain "rules" when following this schedule:
- Any activity performed on a previous day is permitted for
the scheduled day.
- Do not skip days!
- Carefully assess your horse’s soundness each day prior
to exercising.
- If any unsoundness is detected, place your horse in a stall
and call your veterinarian.
| DAY
0: |
Last
day of rest. |
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DAY
1: |
Tack walk (under saddle) on a flat surface (straight line, uncollected) for at least 30 minutes. |
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|
DAY
2-4: |
Tack walk (under saddle) up a hill (straight line, uncollected) for at least 15 minutes. |
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|
| DAY
5-7: |
Tack walk (under saddle) up a hill (straight line, uncollected) for at least 30 minutes. |
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| DAY
7-14: |
Tack walk (under saddle) up a hill (straight line, uncollected) for at least 30 minutes. Trot (under saddle) up a hill (straight line, uncollected) for at least 15 minutes. |
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| DAY
14-21: |
Trot (under saddle) up a hill (straight line, uncollected) for at least 30 minutes. |
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| DAY
21-30: |
Trot (under saddle) up a hill (straight line, uncollected) for at least 30 minutes. Canter up a hill (straight line, uncollected) for at least 15 minutes. |
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| DAY
31: |
Begin full fitness training schedule. Trot and canter up hills AT LEAST 45 minutes per day AT LEAST 5 days per week for AT LEAST 30-45 days. |
If
you would like any more information pertaining to your horse and/or
a specific injury, please ask one of our staff. We will be glad
to help you in any way that we can. |
