Training
A typical training schedule includes the following:
5 days a week (training rides or lessons)
1 flex day (hack, lunge, light workout, stretch)
1 day off (turnout, hand walk/graze)
We allot one full hour of ride/training time per horse in my daily schedule. A full hour allows the horse to have time to walk for 10-15 minutes on a long rein before and after the ride to ensure proper warm-up and cool down of the muscles. Proper walking is an easy way to keep the horses fit and sound with minimal concussion on the joints. The remainder of the lesson or training session is used to strengthen, supple, and train toward the goals set by the owner.
Flex days/Days off
We always give the horses 1 day off per week. The second day is what we call a flex day. This means that the day is flexible depending on that week’s training schedule. If we feel the horse is tired after a particularly hard week or session, they can have an extra day off. If we feel that they need one more work day, we schedule that as a flex day. Mostly flex days are used for hacking, stretching, light easy work, or moving around on the lunge line so the horses do not get stiff or tight.
Young horse starting and training programs are organized on a per horse basis. With young horses, consistency is very important. However, 3-4 year-old horses are not physically or emotionally mature enough to handle a rigorous training program. We usually work with young horses daily, in short sessions to ensure consistency without “overloading” or “burning them out.” It is important that when starting horses they always have a positive experience, and like people, it is important that they feel successful. All young horse training programs are modified to work for the individual horse/situation.