DefinitelyDressage.com

Hi All,

It looks like I'm going to have quite a bit of travel coming up for work. I'll likely be spending 2 weeks away, 1 week home, 1 week away, 2 weeks home, 2 weeks away (or something of the sort). And I'm trying to figure out what makes sense for my horses. I don't really have someone else who can ride them (at least not RP).

So, my question is--how should I structure my riding during this period? If I ride when I'm home--how much easier should I take the work than normal? I'm trying to figure out how much fitness a horse might loose in 2 weeks off and kind of drawing a blank. And would love to hear what others might do in this situation.

They get 12 hours a day of turnout, so they won't be cooped up.

This isn't great timing as I'm getting ready for the show season, but if we need to push our first show out until May, that's fine.

"Skills aspect"
I'm not working at that high of level, but if it was me I would try to maintain current "skills" and not bring in anything new during the travel period.

"Fitness aspect"
Right now I can't always make it to ride predictably due to the winter driving, so my plan is to do more stretching and supplying, and not take on too much. Do what you can....I found that after my two week holiday over Christmas actually improved things- my horse liked the little break and stayed fit. My horse tends to keep muscle tone easily and gets fit quickly, so two weeks would not be as problematic. More of an issue is tension.

I saw an article recently that showed that horses on turnout don't lose much fitness. So if they get a lot of turnout, or you can arrange for more, while you're gone, I wouldn't worry too much about it. After two weeks off without a lot of turnout, I might go a little easy for the first week or two back, but wouldn't worry about one week off with turnout.

I agree with SF. Turnout is a very big point for maintaining fitness, especially if they have a bit of room and you know they use it (walking leisurely throughout 12 hours is good exercise).

Have you ever done this long of time off with either horse before? I ask because sometimes it just does not work well for some individuals. If exercise riding is not an option in that situation, I'd consider 24/7 turnout or hand walking or lungeing help. I just mention this because I have one of those individuals who does not do well with time off (even with turnout), especially in colder temperatures.

Good luck with the busy schedule! Hope it is rewarding for all.

My Vet once told me that horses don’t lose fitness near as quickly as humans. He said most horses can go about 6 weeks without losing a lot of physical fitness as long as they have turnout. However mental fitness is another issue! So YOUR riding fitness could be more of an issue with this schedule.

Thanks all, this is so helpful and is putting my mind at ease.

Though yes, my fitness will definitely be an issue!

Both have had longer stretches off but only for injury, which is not quite the same thing. Both have plenty of space in turnout. RP runs and plays a good bit. MM, however, doesn't believe in unnecessary running and sticks to the food. But she usually does well with time off. RP, though, really does crave a "program". So, it's a good watch out that his brain might need some work.

I have read that a horse can be totally stall bound and not loose fitness for up to 8 weeks! Wish I could find that article, but at any rate a couple weeks on or off shouldn't make any difference to them, fitness wise, and you'll probably have lovely fresh minds to come home to