Start of a New Season

Yesterday was our start for the new season. After a few months off the first order of business was to start legging up the horses. It takes a good 4 to 6 weeks to get our horses in running shape. We do have a set routine we like to do. Not that we are the best but during the competition season we don't seem to have as many horse issues as some we compete against. I believe it has to do with having the horses in proper running shape. We usually don't attain track fitness but we try to come close. The following is the general recipe we try and follow.
   Long trotting with the horse extended as much as they can and not break into a lope.
       We start at 15 minutes then up to 30 minutes when the horse can get there. At some point we then start making a circuit around the 50 acre field and hopefully can work up to 2 laps. When the ground is appropriate we will do wind sprints of 100 yds full out then collect for 100 yds to help teach them to run and rate up.
  Flexation and transitions.
     at the walk trot and lope we do big circle then as small as the horse can maintain small circle. Always helping the horse to maintain proper form.
     at the trot and lope large circle then spiral in until they break stride then immediately change direction and start it over again.
     Smooth transition from walk to trot then back down repeated until smooth then on to trot to lope then on to walk to lope. Finally from a stop to a lope at first a couple of trotting strides are allowed. We do the same on the slowing down portions.

 By this time hopefully the outside arena is dry and the snow is gone so we can now work on stations. These are set routines around barrels and poles that are not set up the same as when they compete.

  As for me I started 3 weeks ago getting in shape myself.

  This is the start of an 8 to 9 month season that by the end leaves all of us ready for a winters rest.

My youngest and I at an OMOKSEE

2006 Victoria (96-07)  and Tenor both out of Golda