My horse is a Friesian-Percheron, so he's drafty, but I jump him (he's jumped 4 ft in the past!). He isn't fat, but he just doesn't have much muscle. What is the best way to get some muscle on him?!
2007-10-12 11:48:53 · 11 answers · asked by julpanther 3 in Pets ➔ Horses
I ride him three times a week for an hour, either jumping or dressage.
2007-10-12 15:33:00 · update #1
Lots and lots of hill work and trot or canter sets.
These work best if done together. To do a trot-set or canter-set, you start out by trotting (or cantering) for 2 minutes and then taking a 1 minute walking break. After the 1 minute is up, being trotting again.
Sets work the best when done on hills at the trot, but canter-sets work, also. Start out only doing 5 "sets" at first, gradually increasing the time you spend each week.
2007-10-12 15:10:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Distance trail rides should help.
Big guys go soft in small paddocks and ring riding. You would have to double your workout times to get the same benefits as a smaller horse.
Distance trail rides over varying terrain should give him the workout he needs to build muscle and stamina. Climbing and going down a good hill alone will build him up, as well as building up stamina.
If you can, find a trail at least 5-10 miles long with some good hills, and regularly ride him on that trail 3x a week, with the balance of the workouts in the ring practing the jumps.
You should see results in 4 weeks.
If it seems difficult to find the right trail, look up your local riding club and ask about their steeplechase or fox hunt trails in the area. It may be a bit of work to drive a distance for a trail ride on a regular basis, but the added benefit is getting the big guy used to trailering.
Have fun and good luck!
2007-10-12 19:15:38 · answer #2 · answered by enn 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try to work on his endurance.
he may not be getting enough exercise so make sure your exercising him 5-7 days a week (give or take a little). the way to build muscle is to really make him work on his haunches. my pony is the same way, very stocky. my new trainer has been teaching me how to build up her hind end so that she's stronger and can do more without getting worn out and tired. make him use his hind end by sitting back and making him round out a little and really stretch his back legs under him when he moves. try sitting trots and sit wayy back anbd ask him to go slower so he really has to stretch and use his haunches. you should look into dressage some, that really builds a lot of muscle. even if you dont really like it all that much a little each time you ride will eventually build up his muscle nicely.
also do a lot of trotting up and down hills that will really help.
i hope this helps good luck!
have fun with your horse i love stocky "drafty" horses!
2007-10-12 21:13:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I worked with one of my trainer's frisiean-Clyesdale crosses once, and he was the most unfit horse ever. He needed muscle and to lose a bit of weight. We did a lot of up hill work, I cantered him up the hill everyday, and walked him down, we repeated this about 3 times a day, and then went on with our normal riding schedule.( I did this after I had warmed him up and then I cantered him up. And wae alked back down so he could rest.) I would free lunge him or lunge him to get him to have excercise. I made sure he was turned out everyday so he could gallop around and such if he wanted.
2007-10-12 19:27:28 · answer #4 · answered by Emily J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Work him off the bit. And you may not be exercising him enough. Ride for an hour every ride (atleast 4 times a week). make him sweat!
2007-10-12 20:52:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hill work would probably be a good bet to get him fit. How long do you work him daily? If he isn't worked daily does he get turn out so he can at least get some exercise? Do you lunge or free lunge him, those would help a bit.
2007-10-12 19:24:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
cantering uphill is really good for draftly types, up hill work is a good way to make a horse fit without making it hard on his joints, Draft types may need more time to become fit..
2007-10-12 19:19:20 · answer #7 · answered by teenytiny 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If there hills in your area I suggest saddling him up and making him climb those hills, every day that will muscle him up.
2007-10-12 19:16:38 · answer #8 · answered by wahoo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
riding often and lots of hill and trail work.
2007-10-12 20:27:52 · answer #9 · answered by *cowgirlofarabians* 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just ride your horse once a day and then lunge it and he will soon get fitter and fitter
2007-10-12 23:13:20 · answer #10 · answered by Maybe? Hope so <3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋