Instructions
Preparation
Decide on an end goal for the horse, as this goal will help determine which muscle fittening program you choose. A horse uses different muscles for jumping than for dressage, and a horse that is expected to hunt three times a week will need to build more muscle than one that is to be ridden for pleasure a couple of times a week.
Calculate how long your horse's muscle building program will need to be, based on your aim. A basic plan will need to be eight weeks, and a horse that is expected to attend competitions or hunt will require 12 weeks.
Prepare your horse ready for ridden work by checking her feet to ensure they are roadworthy. If necessary, have the farrier visit to trim and put shoes on. Have the veterinary surgeon or horse dentist check her mouth, as sharp teeth can cause problems when a bridle is fitted. Ensure that all her tack fits correctly, as she will have changed shape since she was last ridden. Badly fitted tack is uncomfortable for the horse and dangerous for the rider.
Give the horse a thorough grooming and include some strapping, which stimulates the main muscle groups to contract and relax. To strap, use a leather or cactus pad and firmly slap three times the muscles in the neck, shoulder and buttocks. Be careful not to hit the horse, as he would flinch and react badly. Drag the pad down over the muscle group after each bang to ease the movement. Repeat daily, and increase the amount of strapping gradually.
Lunge or long-rein the horse in full tack before riding for the first week to re-introduce her to the saddlery and allow her muscles to become accustomed to the shape and feel of the leather. Lunging requires the horse to move on the end of a long rope in a large circle around the handler, who holds the rope in one hand and a long whip in the other hand to drive the horse forward. Start with 10 minutes on the first day of walking, changing directions frequently, and progress to 20 minutes at the end of the week, including short periods of trot.
Evaluate the horse's feeding program on a regular basis to ensure all his needs are being met as his exercise levels change.
Riding
Start by walking on the level for 20 minutes, and build up over the week to 45 minutes of walking. This will help gradually prepare the muscles and tendons without initially over-stretching.
Build up to an hour's work a day over the second week. Introduce short bursts of trot, until by the end of the week the horse is intermittently trotting for 10 minutes out of the hour.
Introduce more trot work in week three, and start including a few mild inclines. By the end of week four the horse should be ridden for up to one and a half hours, including active trot work. Part of the exercise time can be on the lunge.
Gradually include some canter work and more inclines over the next month. Also include some schooling such as circles, changes of direction and changes of pace to start working different muscle groups.
Increase intensity and variety, including schooling and jumping, over the next few weeks, depending on the aim of your program. For more stamina include longer periods of exercise; for greater muscular strength, do more hill work and jumping.
How to Build Muscle on a Horse Who Hasn't Been Ridden in 6 Months
A horse that has not been ridden for six months will need a careful program of building muscle and stamina, known as a fittening program, to ensure he does not damage his muscles by too much work too soon. After so long without being ridden, his muscles will not be used to the added strain of carrying a rider and performing all the tasks required with the extra weight. Following a gradual plan of fittening will enhance the horse's long-term performance and his overall muscular strength.