The Best Ways to Work a Weak Horse

Bringing a sick or weak horse back into healthy condition requires an intensive combination of care, feeding and training. A weak horse is often not going to be able to perform much work and may not improve quickly even with the best of efforts. The best training programs for weak or ill horses involve bringing them slowly back into prime condition and allowing them to improve without being put under a strain to do so.

  1. Develop a Training Plan

    • Before you begin working a weak horse or one who is severely out of condition, you should develop a training plan by consulting both your veterinarian and an experienced horse trainer. You need to set goals that are realistic for your horse's condition, age, physical limitations and training level. You also need to develop a high quality feeding program for your horse to provide it with nutrients and supplements to help improve its condition. Without a training plan, it is easy to become frustrated or lose track of what you want to accomplish with your horse. Once you have developed a training plan, you can adjust it as needed to match your horse's abilities and progress.

    Lunging and Round Pen

    • Working your horse in the round pen or on a lunge line can help improve your horse's conditioning dramatically. Ask your horse to walk and trot laps in both directions, building up its stamina. Initially, you may only be able to get your horse to walk or trot a few laps for a short amount of time, but over time its conditioning should improve and you should be able to work the horse for longer periods of time. Do not work a horse in a round pen for more than 30 minutes, as the small circles put stress on the horse's legs and joints.

    Light Riding

    • Light riding activity helps condition your horse and allows you to enjoy riding it at the same time. Work your horse in the arena or take it on a trail ride to help improve its condition. Just make sure not to overdo it, and give your horse plenty of breaks in between activities and exercises.

    Natural Exercise

    • Not all conditioning and training require spending hours on a lunge line or in the arena. Let your horse spend plenty of time outside in the pasture where it can move around and interact with a gentle pasture companion. Natural activity helps bring a weak horse back into healthy condition by encouraging it to walk and move as the horse feels up to it. Your horse's conditioning does not improve standing around in a stall, so let the horse out to wander as often as possible. Make sure your horse has plenty of water and shade. Pasture toys may also encourage your horse to be more active while outside.