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Expert tips for building up your show horse’s workload ready for the ring – with useful fitness timeline and warning signs
Welcome to part two of a five-part exclusive series for Horse & Hound subscribers, in which we speak to showing experts to find out how to get a horse or pony ready for the season, right from the field to their seasonal debut. Here we delve into the nitty gritty of building up fitness safely from scratch with a week-by-week guide from laying the foundations and the pros and cons of roadwork, to when to incorporate hills and add fast work. Plus, a look at tack adjustments needed through this transitional phase
A return to fitness will consist of gradually increasing the workload intensity as the horse regains muscle tone and strengthens tendons and ligaments.
The winter break offers a much-needed rest for both horse and rider, but as the New Year rolls in, so does the responsibility of getting your show horse fit and ready for the season ahead. For many, this process can feel like balancing on a knife’s edge – progress too quickly, and the risk of injury looms; progress too slowly, and you may struggle to meet your goals.
Rebuilding fitness requires a methodical approach. Walking forms the foundation, but when should you introduce trotting, canter, or hill work? What about the controversial topic of roadwork – should it remain a staple of conditioning programmes, or is it an outdated practice? Here, we’ll unpack these questions, explore the essential steps to take, and share insights from top professionals on best practices for bringing horses back to work.
Laying the foundation for getting a show horse fit: the walking phase
Walking may seem mundane, but it’s an essential first step in any fitness regime. This phase helps restore muscle tone, improve joint health, and engage core muscles, all while minimising strain on tendons and ligaments. For horses that have enjoyed a holiday turnout period, walking also provides a mental reset, allowing them to settle back into the rhythm of work.
The golden rule when planning a walking programme is to dedicate at least half the duration of the horse’s time off to this phase. For example, if a horse has had six weeks off, aim for three weeks of walking under saddle or in-hand before progressing to faster work. This calculated approach reduces the risk of soft tissue injuries and builds a solid base for the next stages.
Producer Vicky Smith believes six weeks of hacking is the best start to the season.
“Once they’ve had their holiday, I treat each horse like a blank canvas. Six weeks of hacking on the road is vital to slowly introduce them to work. I’d give them a bib clip and then, after a week, have shoes put back on. Once we’ve had the full MOT on each horse — backs, teeth, and saddle all checked — we increase the workload slowly.”
A bib clip is ideal initially as you gradually step up your horse’s workload.
(Image credit: Nigel Baker/Alamy)
How to structure the walking phase
Week 1: begin with 20 minutes of walking per session, sticking to flat ground and straight lines. Gradually extend the duration by five minutes every few days.
Week 2: increase sessions to 30–40 minutes. Introduce changes in terrain, such as gentle inclines or uneven surfaces, to activate stabilising muscles.
Week 3: Build up to 50–60 minutes, adding basic lateral work like leg-yielding to enhance suppleness and coordination.
Walking is also an excellent opportunity to observe your horse closely. Are they moving evenly? Do they seem comfortable under saddle? Early detection of any stiffness or imbalance can prevent setbacks later.
Animal chiropractor Lucy Willis Fleming reinforces how important this stage is: “A good, energetic walk has many benefits. When every limb is engaged, it’s the gold standard in fitness. When I say walk, I mean engaged and marching out, not slopping along on a loose rein while you’re on your phone. It’s a really useful cardiovascular workout while giving gentle concussive stimulation to the body.”
The roadwork debate: outdated or essential?
Roadwork has long been a cornerstone of traditional fitness regimes, valued for its ability to prepare tendons and ligaments for more strenuous work through steady exercise on a consistent level surface. However, its place in modern conditioning is increasingly debated. Some vets warn of the potential for repetitive strain injuries caused by prolonged work on hard surfaces, while others argue that short, controlled sessions remain beneficial.
Roadwork – prolonged or high-speed sessions should be avoided, but there are benefits.
(Image credit: Phil Barker)
Proponents of roadwork claim it helps prepares tendons and ligaments for harder work by exposing them to controlled, repetitive strain. And working outside the arena offers mental stimulation for horses, particularly those bored by arena work.
Critics, however, point to risks such as concussion injuries from excessive work on hard ground, and increased wear and tear on joints, particularly in older or heavier horses.
Ultimately, the decision to include roadwork should depend on your horse’s individual needs. Lucy Willis Fleming advises finding a middle ground: “Short road hacks during walking phases can be beneficial, but avoid prolonged or high-speed sessions on tarmac. Consider other terrains like beaches or woodland tracks, which offer variety without the same risks.”
Progression: introducing faster work
Once your horse is has had sufficient time walking under saddle, the next step is to incorporate trot work. Like walking, this phase should be approached gradually, allowing the horse’s muscles, cardiovascular system, and soft tissues to adapt to the increased workload.
When to start trotting
Begin trotting after your horse has completed at least two to three weeks of consistent walking, provided they are moving freely and showing no signs of discomfort. This is where knowing your horse well is key to deciding when to increase the pace. Start with one to two minutes of trot, interspersed with walking, and build up over several weeks.
Key tips for trotting progression:
Focus on straight lines initially to reduce strain on joints and tendons.
Gradually increase the duration of trot segments, aiming for 10–15 minutes of total trot work per session by the end of the phase.
Avoid small circles or tight turns until your horse is sufficiently conditioned.
Start trotting for short periods initially and in straight lines.
(Image credit: Phil Barker)
Introducing canter work
Canter should only be introduced once the horse is comfortably handling at least 15–20 minutes of trot work. Like with trotting, start with short bursts in straight lines or large, sweeping turns. Canter encourages the horse to work harder through its hindquarters and to release its back muscles, but a horse can easily become sore if it is overused when the horse is not physically ready so proceed carefully.
The early canter work is ideally done out hacking, however many people do not have suitable bridlepaths or ground. Allowing the horse to find its natural balance is key.
(Image credit: Phil Barker)
Vicky Smith suggests starting canter work out hacking: “I find that introducing canter while hacking allows the horse to find their natural balance. From there, we build up to incorporating beach or farm rides, which provide more space and allow the horse to find their natural balance.”
Building strength: hillwork and polework
Both hillwork and polework are invaluable tools for improving strength, balance, and coordination. Incorporating these elements into your horse’s routine adds variety and targets different muscle groups, making for a more rounded fitness programme.
Walking uphill engages the horse’s hindquarters and core, while descending carefully strengthens stabilising muscles. Start with gentle slopes and short sessions before progressing to steeper gradients and trotting uphill.
Key tips for hillwork:
Begin with walking sessions lasting 5–10 minutes.
Gradually introduce trotting, but avoid cantering uphill until the horse is fully conditioned.
Allow plenty of rest breaks to prevent fatigue.
Polework promotes proprioception and engages the horse’s core. It’s also an excellent way to break the monotony of flatwork.
Sample polework exercises:
Walk poles: start with four poles spaced evenly for your horse’s natural stride length (3-3.5ft for most horses). Raise them slightly over time to encourage more lift.
Trotting poles: space poles 4.5–5 feet apart, depending on your horse’s stride. Introduce variations like fan-shaped or zigzag patterns for added challenge.
Polework adds variety and a challenge to your regular fitness work, as well as improving proprioception and engagement.
(Image credit: Phil Barker)
Top show producer James Knipe adds: “Polework gets your horse thinking and helps keep their mind fresh. Exercises that improve strength while staying in the lower gears are ideal for long-term soundness.”
Tack: vital details for getting your show horse fit
Time off can lead to changes in a horse’s condition, so it’s important to reassess your tack. A poorly fitting saddle or bridle can cause discomfort, leading to behavioural issues or even injury.
Susan Wilkinson, owner of Fylde Saddlery, highlights why a saddle check is essential after a winter break: “If a horse has been stabled, he may have gained body fat, but his muscles could have softened with lack of use. On the other hand, if he has wintered out, he will likely have lost weight to keep warm and lost muscle tone due to the time off.”
Keep an eye on your saddle fit – your horse may have changed shape while he was not in full work.
(Image credit: Phil Barker)
Susan explains how different horses can experience unique challenges during a break.
“Older horses can struggle to maintain their weight and often develop muscle wastage, especially in the trapezius muscle, which can make the wither more prominent. For young horses, growth spurts can make them temporarily croup-high.”
It’s important to watch for changes in how the saddle sits.
“Keep an eye on your saddle. Watch for movement – maybe it’s sitting to one side or moving forward – and check for any change in contact and clearance of the withers,” Susan advises.
For these reasons, Susan recommends regular saddle checks.
“I would suggest getting your saddle checked twice a year by a competent saddle fitter, but, ultimately, listen to your horse. He’ll tell you something’s not right with a change in behaviour, such as resisting being tacked up or ridden.”
Prevent girth rubs on unaccustomed skin by using padded or sheepskin girths. Gradually tighten the girth in stages. Keep girths clean and free from debris that could cause irritation.
A fluffy girth sleeve is helpful in preventing chafing on unaccustomed skin.
(Image credit: Phil Barker)
Susan recommends regular checks during the initial stages of training, particularly for horses returning after a break: “These simple steps can prevent discomfort and ensure your horse is happy to get back into work,” she says.
Get your show horse fit safely by recognising signs of overtraining
Overtraining can lead to physical or behavioural issues. Being attentive to these signs is crucial.
Physical signs:
Swelling or heat in legs
Stiffness or reluctance to move forward
Weight loss or dull coat condition
Behavioural indicators
Increased resistance under saddle
Anxiety or sourness during work sessions
Scottish equine vet Andrew Miller stresses the importance of knowing your horse: “Regular checks are essential with any changes in workload or feeding. Build up gradually and adapt when necessary—there isn’t a one-size-fits-all programme.”
The road to fitness after the Christmas break is one of careful progression and constant observation. By laying a solid foundation with walking, thoughtfully introducing faster work, and incorporating strength-building exercises, you can ensure your horse is ready to tackle the season ahead. Above all, remember that patience is key – every horse is an individual, and listening to their needs will always pay dividends.
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Kim is a Scotland-based freelance equestrian journalist who writes for Horse & Hound and The Scottish Farmer, reporting from many of the UK’s leading showing championships, including the Royal International Horse Show, Horse of the Year Show, Royal Highland Show and Royal Windsor Horse Show. Alongside her journalism, Kim produces and campaigns show ponies for her daughter, Charlotte, giving her first-hand insight into the sport from both a competitor’s and reporter’s perspective.
