Training Tip: Spring Fitness & Conditioning
Spring is almost upon us and Rodeos and Jackpots will soon be in full swing!
A simple and old-school rule I loosely stick to when building up cardio with our barrel horses to improve our spring fitness is doing consistent outdoor field-work. Take advantage of the fields before farmers begin seeding. Sprint work is great for humans and horses in training and conditioning.
SPRINT Fitness - train with long, slow workouts (this boosts endurance)!
LONG DISTANCE Fitness – train with short, high-energy workouts!
LONG TROTTING - What is it?
This is a term used when speaking of fitness work for barrel and rodeo horses. In simplest terms, it means to trot in a lengthened or extended trot in a long, relaxed frame ideally on a loose rein.
Keep in mind it is most effective to maintain a workout schedule with minimal to midrange exertion as frequent and consistent as possible as opposed to sporadic workouts requiring heavy exertion at random.
In summary, when building up fitness within our horses, stay in tune with how they feel and when they start to tire. Pay attention to the respiration rate and the recovery time when you take a break or cool down. This will be a leading indicator and is a great reference point as you develop fitness levels through the spring.
Happy riding!
Michaela
Barrel racing - riding in muddy spring conditions in Alberta
“FUN FACT: If you live in the prairie provinces and are relying on neighboring farmer’s fields for outdoor workouts, the land is broken up into 1-mile x 2-mile quadrants (every 16 ST. by 32 AVE/TWN vs. RgeRd)
Pay attention to the roads around you and this will give you an approximate idea of the distance you are covering. ”