How to Strengthen a Horse

Proper nutrition and exercise are the two most important ingredients when trying to strengthen a horse. Both of these elements must be used together in order for the horse to gain strength and muscle. By feeding a high-quality pelleted feed and the best hay you can find, you can increase your horse's strength and endurance. Horses that are being exercised require quality calories and protein in their diet in order to gain strength. To avoid boredom, always vary your horse's workouts.

Things You'll Need

  • Pelleted feed
  • Alfalfa/grass hay mix
  • Lunge line
  • Halter
  • Round pen
  • 5 ground poles
  • Standard horse jumps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the horse on a quality feed program of pelleted feed and top-quality hay such as an alfalfa/grass hay mix. Feed according to the feed bag instructions. Always take into account the age of the horse. For example, young growing horses should be fed a pelleted feed of 14 to 16 percent protein; older horses should be fed a pelleted feed of 12 to 14 percent protein. Always make hay or grass pasture the majority of your horse's diet.

    • 2

      Put the horse in a round pen and free lunge the horse for 10 minutes going in each direction three times per week. Make the horse work at a trot and progress to a canter. Gradually increase the workout time to 20 minutes in each direction over the next two weeks.

    • 3

      Attach a lunge line to the horse's halter and work the horse on a hill using the lunge line and whip. Warm the horse up by starting at a walk, then progress to a trot and end with a canter. Start with 15 minutes, three times per week, and gradually increase the time and frequency over several weeks. Working the horse up and down hill will greatly increase their chest and hindquarter muscles, which will add to their overall strength.

    • 4

      Arrange three ground poles in an open area at 5-foot intervals. Ride or work the horse in hand over the poles at a trot. This will strengthen both the horse's back and abdominal muscles. Gradually increase the number of ground poles over several weeks.

    • 5

      Ride the horse several times per week on a trail ride. Encourage the horse to jump small objects and ride at varying gaits such as walk, trot and canter throughout the trail ride. Start with short trail rides and gradually increase the time and frequency over several weeks. Varying the route of the trail ride will keep the horse from getting bored.

    • 6

      Back up the horse in a straight line for approximately 20 feet. Once the horse has mastered backing up in a straight line, back the horse in a circle pattern. Be sure to work in both directions. Backing your horse will strengthen the horse's back, stomach, hindquarters and chest. This will also increase their flexibility.

    • 7

      Set up a standard horse jump on the lowest ring. Ride or jump the horse in hand over the jump. Once the horse has mastered the single jump, add two more jumps in a straight line spaced at 6-foot intervals. Gradually raise the bar on the jumps to the middle level. Once the horse has mastered jumping several jumps, you can work up to five to six jumps placed in varying patterns. Jumping will strengthen the horse's legs and hindquarters.