Is this enough for my horse?

Question

I have a 9 y/o, TB/paint gelding who I am teaching to jump. I ride 3-4 times a week in the summer and 2-3 times a week during the school year. Is this enough? It seems like if I go out there 5 times or more, he gets really lazy and does not want to work for me. Also I board him somewhere and I can't always get out there as much as I'd like. Also he has a problem with keeping weight, so he is a bit skinny because there is an alfalfa shortage. Is that enough for him? Someone told me that I am ruining him for not riding him at least 5-6 times a week. Is this true? Yeah, we show and stuff, but only schooling shows.

Here is a few videos of him working.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayHSJsyCcT0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJrIlGIQong&feature=user

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHxfBsx7Cjs&feature=related

Oh, and I have a trainer. Oh and he is turned out 24/7 in a run.

Answer 1

2 times isnt bad.. for me it'd be kinda pushing it...

closer to 4 times a week is perfect.

i go for every other day, every two days if im in a situation like you.. cuz for us, gas is high right now... but 3-4 is enough

Answer 2

Some horses sour if you ride them frequently, and others won't stay polished if you don't ride them more often.  I would listen to my own instincts about this horse rather than to other people's opinions (except mine, of course!)

If the horse is out 24/7 he doesn't need riding for exercise as would a horse kept stabled most of the time.  If he gets lazy the more you ride, I think he's telling you "okay...enough...I don't need to do this every single day".

Answer 3

Cute horse. Looks like you are having fun!=)

Don't worry most horses don't need to be ridden more than that once the aren't stabled all day. Since your guy is out 24/7 I don't see a problem.

Don't take this the wrong way this is just my opinion not an attack. I think you are doing great but jumping 4 days a week is hard work for your pony, jumping is very strenuous work. I  train over jumps about once a week although through showing season I would probably jump twice a week. Horses tend to get bored and sour if you train to much. I didn't notice any boots on your horse you should try to put front boots on him, for support. You only seemed to be going in the on direction on the first video I didn't watch them all so you may have changed after that but make sure you switch reins regularly.

Answer 4

Ask your trainer. He might know

Answer 5

Everyone is going to have their own opinion about how often you should ride your horse. When I was riding english (for 13 years) I had a trainer and I took lessons. I had two lessons during the week and one on  Saturday(unless there was a show that weekend of course). I would also go out to the ranch and ride at least two more times, but just a hack. If I wasn't in a lesson usually I would ride my horse bare back and just play around and have fun. But, it mostly depends on your horse and how much he needs to be ridden, so I would ask your trainer and get their opinion since they know your horse.

Answer 6

think its ok (Y)

Answer 7

Different horses have different needs. I had a horse once who would start to ignore me if I rode him more than 3-4 times per week. He would just tune me out. But if I rode him less than that, he would forget stuff from lesson to lesson. So I found the right balance for him by experimenting.

You are not ruining him by not riding a certain number of times. There is no set number of rides that every horse needs. It depends on you, your horse, your time available, and what you want to do. You would only be ruining him if your rides were not rewarding for him, and I doubt that is the case.

As for his weight problem, I would look into augmenting his alfalfa with grass hay if there is an alfalfa shortage. You could also start him on a grain ration if he is not already getting grain. A good idea would be to get the vet to check his teeth to make sure they are in good shape and talk to her about the best way to put weight on him.

Answer 8

what does your trainer say? I'd ask them they know you and your horses schedule

Answer 9

i definetly think that is fine especially if you jump and ride beacause over summer the horses get over heated and so that is fine! Oh and by the way i think you are so graceful when you jump! You and your horse were ment to be! I love your horse he is so pretty and so are you lol! i Am actually saving up for this one horse i am trying to convince my parents to get it! Well have fun riding and just know that this is fine and you are and your horse are both amazing!