Question # 152: I have a question regarding the seasonal planning for horse training.
I used to live in Sweden, and there we got 2 quite distinct relaxation periods for our horses. In the summer, all the horses go out to pasture, and most of them get some time off. It's easy to check in on each other's horses, so as a horse owner, you could leave for a few weeks and not worry about your horse rotting in his/her stall.
In the winter, we usually had to give the horses an easier time because of very adverse weather conditions. Sure, we'd both do dressage, jump and go galloping in the snow too, but a lot of the time, it just wasn't possible because of snow and wind. Again, the horses did get out in decently sized pastures where they could run and play together.
I now live in California, and I'm not sure how to plan my horse's exercise. It's never too hot or too cold to get out and ride, so there are no natural resting periods. Also, I live in a metropolitan area, so though my horse gets turned out pretty much every day, her paddock is only about twice the size of her stall, so no exercise at all there.
I have had my 7-year-old mare for about 18 months now, and she has yet to get more than 2-3 days off in a row, ever. I do take a few weeks here and there where we don't jump at all (otherwise 1-2 times/week), and we definitely ease up on the dressage in between shows, but I feel like it would be cruel to not let her move around at all. What is standard practice here - does the horse need a real vacation, and if so, would that mean temporarily sending her off to pasture a few hours away? (Nanna)
Hi Nanna!
You bring up a very important subject here, as it is very important to keep our horses fresh, happy, and healthy! I feel that all horses.... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to reaf full answer)
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