Things You'll Need
- Training area with safe footing
- Appropriate tack (light weight racing saddle, light saddle pad and complete bridle)
- Standing leg wraps and quilts
- Bathing tools
- Stop watch to record times
Instructions
Groom your horse thoroughly, paying particular attention to overall body condition, heat or swelling in the extremities and the general attitude of your horse. A horse that is uncomfortable in some area will often act disagreeable, and it is important that the trainer be aware of any problems. Also take a look in the horse's feed tub to make sure all of the feed has been eaten, and check the levels in water buckets to make sure your horse is hydrated properly.
Place the saddle pad, lightweight racing saddle and training bridle on your horse. Use care to place the saddle in the proper area, which is slightly behind the withers. Always make sure to double check your over-girth as well. Slipping of the saddle will result in a sore backed horse, and possible galls (area that are rubbed raw) from the girth.
Mount and walk your horse to warm up its muscles and stretch out the horse's legs. A strong, forward walk for 10 minutes will allow the horse to warm up, and help to prevent injury. Maintain a strong forward trot for at least 10 minutes to complete the warm up, before moving up into a canter or faster.
Canter or slow gallop (known as breezing) for an easy half mile. Do not expect too much fast work early in the process of conditioning your horse, or you could lead your horse into a career-ending injury. Expect to gradually increase speed and distances over six to 10 weeks, depending upon your horse and how it tolerates the conditioning.
Walk your horse post workout for at least one lap around your training area. This allows the horse's respiration to return to normal, and lactic acid that builds up in the muscles to dissipate.
Bathe your horse post work, to remove sweat and salt crystals. A rinse with a body brace, such as Vetrolyn, will ease potential stiffness and soreness in the muscle masses over the neck, back, hind quarters and loins. Running cold water from the hose over the legs and feet will reduce any swelling or heat, helping to keep your horse sound. Walk your horse by hand until its coat is dry and breathing is back to normal rates. The chest should also be cool to the touch. Offer small sips of water during your walk, to rehydrate the horse.
Massage lineament, such as Absorbine, on the horses legs from the knees down in front, and hocks down in back. Some trainers apply standing bandages and quilts to the legs after the massage, to prevent a condition known as "stocking up" from occurring. Other trainers prefer to leave the legs open to fresh air. What you do will depend on your particular horse.
Work your horse on a schedule of three days on, and one day off. You will gradually build up speed and distance, and work on improving times for set distances. It is advisable to work a longer distance than your horse will be running, in order to help build strength and endurance. Using trotting in the early stages of training will help condition your horse tremendously, and continuing to use trotting stages through training will keep your horse fit. A fast work every two to three weeks will show you how your horse is progressing.