If you don’t have access to a riding school or field to ride your horse, there are still ways you can work on getting your horse fit:
- Lunging: Lunging is a good way to get your horse moving and build up their cardiovascular endurance. You can use a lunge line to have your horse walk, trot, and canter in circles around you. Lunging can also help improve your horse’s balance and coordination.
- Ground work: Ground work, such as groundwork exercises and obstacle courses, can help improve your horse’s strength and flexibility without having to ride. This can include things like lunging over poles, ground driving, and lateral movements.
- Hill work: If you have access to hills or slopes, hill work can be a good way to build up your horse’s hind end and improve their overall fitness. Start by walking up and down hills at a moderate pace and gradually increase the intensity as your horse’s fitness improves.
- Stretching: Stretching exercises can help improve your horse’s flexibility and range of motion. These can be done while your horse is on the ground or under saddle.
- Conditioning rides: If you do have access to a field or other large area, you can incorporate conditioning rides into your training program. Start with shorter rides at a moderate pace and gradually increase the distance and intensity as your horse’s fitness improves.
It is important to remember that conditioning a horse takes time and patience, and it is important to listen to your horse and not push them too hard. It is also a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or a professional trainer to develop a safe and effective conditioning program for your horse