Cross-training is a type of training regimen used in the equestrian industry. Riders hear it often when discussing horse fitness, but what exactly is it?
Cross-training means using multiple different exercises and activities to improve horse fitness. These can be anything outside your horse’s main discipline, and there is no right way. Cross-training offers benefits such as improved coordination, increased flexibility, and balance. and greater mental stimulation for the horse.
Incorporating varied activities makes for a healthy and happy horse. Continue below to learn more about cross-training by continuing below.
How To Start Cross-Training Your Horse
Cross-training sounds complicated, but it is easy to start. Create a balanced schedule with exercises of varying intensity so that your horse stays fit without being overworked. For example, the main event of one day could be a jumping lesson, and the next day a relaxing walk only trail ride with friends.
Here are some other options to incorporate:
- Hill work- taking your horse up and down hills encourages them to use their hind end and receive a cardio workout simultaneously. The hind end muscles are responsible for propelling the horse forward. A stronger hind end means greater extension and impulsion in the gaits. It also develops the core and provides an effective yet low-intensity way to exercise the joints.
- Pole work- riding the horse over poles increases their proprioception and body awareness. There are pole setups to practice turn sharpness and other areas of technique to increase horse rideability. You or your instructor can increase or decrease the distance between poles to focus on specific gaits as well
- Basic dressage- Dressage is the foundation for all other equestrian disciplines. Each type of riding incorporates some parts of dressage technique. Working on exercises like the half pass, shoulder-in, and more at the walk, trot, and canter improves flexibility, balance, and softness. It also promotes evenness throughout the body, which translates to more straightness in every ride.
- Work on the water treadmill or other exercise equipment- cross-training does not always have to occur in the arena. Using equipment like the water treadmill is another low-intensity but highly effective workout. The water imparts resistance to build muscle while relieving strain on the muscles and tendons.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to cross-training. Structure your regimen based on what your horse needs and their primary discipline. Even stretches on the ground add value to a comprehensive cross-training schedule/
Benefits of Cross-Training
From the sample activities above, it is evident that cross-training imparts many benefits to horses. Exposing your horses to different kinds of work helps them use different muscle groups and parts of their body. This increases coordination and makes them more effective athletes. The variation in cross-training prevents your horse from getting bored and keeps them willing to work as well. When your horse looks forward to training, both horse and rider get more out of the session. Horses with exposure to different scenarios will be more confident and less likely to spook as well.
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