How do I build a training plan that works for both my horse and me?

by Amy Ryals

Carving Out Time

I have found that most people struggle with sticking to a training program because time just doesn’t allow. Heck, I am a trainer and my own horses can get slid to that back burner faster than you can say “trot”! There’s hope! Horses have the most amazing capacity to remember things. They also have amazing muscle memory. We don’t need to drill it. If you want to be successful, just start by being realistic with the amount of time you have. Put it into your calendar, like a regular appointment.

It may only be 15 minutes with your horse. There are some really effective exercises we can do in just 15 minutes a day, so don’t worry. The most effective tool we have in our training is our attitude. If you adjust your expectations and work within your busy schedule, your horse will feel more relaxed and so will you. Don’t feel like you have to cram a lot in. Just learn to be efficient with the time you do have.

If you have more time to add, that’s great too! I think it’s important to note here, that I see a lot of riders, who board their horses, get caught in a bit of a vicious cycle of shame when it comes to spending time with their horse. They get busy with work, school, or family and all of a sudden, they haven’t seen their horse in a week. The best thing you can do is to practice giving yourself some grace. It will come together, and it does take a serious time commitment on your part, but it need not be hours every day. A few consistent minutes, just a few days a week, will help you reach your goals.

Rider Fitness

I love helping riders with their own fitness so that they can be at their best when they do ride. There are several ways to improve your balance and overall core strength when you aren’t able to ride.

I use a small yoga ball and practice seat position while I am writing or reading a good book. If the weather is inclement and I’ve finished chores, I might take a few moments to do some low-impact stretching on the yoga mat. Just adding this to your routine for 5 minutes a day will add to your riding stability.

A great way to get in some time practicing your seat when you are not on your horse is to sit on the yoga ball while you do your hair and makeup or maybe while making calls for work. The important part is to mimic proper riding position and practice engaging all your muscle groups independently.

Quality over Quantity

When it comes to our horse’s fitness, the most valuable thing we can offer them is correct movement in short sessions. It doesn’t benefit a horse to trot circles for twenty minutes if they aren’t carrying themselves properly. Exercises that encourage self-carriage are far more effective for building top line and core strength.

If you want to get the most out of your sessions and build the best condition in your horse, work toward helping them find relaxation and balance through specific ground exercises. The great thing about working from the ground is you can do this while still in your office attire and just need to change into your boots.

Lay a few ground poles down and work on asking your horse to go over them while walking a straight line and bending on a circle. While you do this, try to keep their head in a neutral position, with just a slight flexion in the poll. Aim for suppleness through the neck and shoulders, and engagement from the hind end.

Your Horse, Your Dream

I’ve focused on a training plan, mostly for the rider who is working their own horse and might find themselves pressed for time. The key thing to remember is that your goals with your horse have to be your own and not be influenced by anyone else.

If you are a weekend trail rider, your sessions should include things that will help your horse be confident with things you may encounter on the trail. If you are a competitive rider, you want to focus on keeping your horse confident and relaxed while in the arena.

Fitness in your horse can be enhanced by varied terrain and changing patterns of movement. Your show horse will benefit greatly from a weekend trail ride, and your trail horse might surprise you at a local fun show. Keep in mind, we all do this because we love horses and we want to have fun with them. If you aren’t having fun, you are probably in need of some refocusing.

Keep your dream of what you want most with your horse in perspective. Be flexible and gracious enough to not be rigid in your demands of yourself or your horse. Develop a training program that works well for both of you, and don’t worry about what others think. Your journey is your own.

Something that works great for me when I am training is to remember to smile. It conveys such a great energy, helps us to relax, and it seems to help my horses know that I am proud of them and enjoying our time together.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or beliefs of Equine Balanced Support as a whole. Any content provided in this article is for informational and discussion purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Equine Balanced Support encourages open dialogue and diverse perspectives but does not endorse or take responsibility for any individual viewpoints presented herein.