How do I build up my show jumper's fitness?

Question

I recently suffered from an injury which meant i was unable to ride for four months. I am now looking towards preparing for the upcoming jumping season but am not sure how i should go about increasing my horses fitness. I want him to have a powerful and long-strided canter. He has been back in work for over a month now. Thanks.

Answer 1

Don't know what you've been doing so far, but start with 2x week flat work - - making sure he's using himself properly, ie using his hind end, moving with impulsion and balance, working on flexibility as well, and obedience.  2x conditioning work, hacking out, up and down hills, if you have, working at w,t,c.  Starting gradually, don't start with hills if he's not physically ready,  As I said, don't know what kind of a base (if any) you've put on him.  1x week starting back jumping, low obstacle, and very few to start.  Start off slowly with everything, don't ever increase time and intensity at the same time.  Start flat (meaning no hills and no jumps).  All of the horse's systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, musculo-skeletal,etc) need time to adapt to the exercise in order to avoid injury.  It's impossible to give more precise answers as we don't know how fit your horse is at this moment, and what he's been doing for the month.  If he's been turned out while you were off, that's great, it will benefit a lot, and much better if he's turned out now 24/7.

Take one day off, be sure to get him out to walk on that day if he's stuck in a stall.  If at any time he feels leg weary or his respiration is above what seems normal for the activity, back off immediately!

Good luck

Answer 2

seriously if you have suffered an injury then i would be looking at a personal trainer

he or she will give you the right exercicses and steer you cllear from aggrivating your prevoius injury

you sound really serious about your show jumping so i think the extra

price for the extra trainer would be well worth it.