With early spring comes warm weather, stock shows, an increased number of horse events, and a great enthusiasm level by horse people. Many horse people with "soft horses", provide extra feed, shots, a deworming job and a new set of shoes and believe the horse is ready for hard use. Being ready for hard use and being prepared to get ready for hard use are different ... in other words, a horse needs to be conditioned. Conditioning is a two-part program that must take place gradually over several months.

The first period, often called long, slow distance of "legging up" includes 30 - to 45 minute rides, 3 to 5 days per week, for 4 to 6 weeks. During this period, the exercise work strengthens the framework or musculoskeletal system of the horse so it can withstand more vigorous work. The second part of the conditioning period includes 45 to 60 minute rides, 3 to 5 days per week, for 2 to 3 months. On alternate days during this conditioning period, short work periods progressively strengthen the animal's framework and increases the muscle's efficiency in using another source of fuel muscle, glycogen. A strong framework and efficiency in energy storage and use are biological keys to a sound fitness program for horses.

Horsemen should give horses a daily pre-ride check during the legging up and conditioning period. This checking process allows the owner to locate any soreness displayed by a stiff gait, sore back or other problems. Pre-ride heart rates of more than 45-50 beats per minute may mean the horses musculoskeletal system has been stretched to the point of impending lameness, and the horse should not be ridden that day. Check again the next day to determine the level of work the horse can perform. The heart rate in beats per minute can be taken manually under a horse jaw.

During riding sessions always include a warm-up period to allow a horse's muscles to stretch and get ready to work at full efficiency. When conditioning, practice specificity. This means a rider mimics maneuvers that will be done in the planned event. For example with a team roping horse, pulling a post, then a heavier tire, then a cross tie is a good specific exercise to mimic the actual work of pulling a steer. This work strengthens specific parts of the musculoskeletal system and develops a horse's motor skills. To increase a horse's level of fitness, conditioning days should include progressive periods of overload work. Overload means that from two to three times during a ride, the trainer should push the horse into exercise where the heart rate is greater than 160 beats per minute for a short time, then let him recover.

Short-term fatigue will occur after short overloads of work, but the horse will make a quick recovery. This is a necessary part of conditioning. But when a horse is fatigued to the point that he does not recover quickly, then is forced to continue to work, eventual lameness and a bad attitude may result. After an extremely hard day's work, it may take 48 hours for a horse to replenish its glycogen fuel storage. At the end of conditioning work in a ride, the trainer should always warm down the animal immediately. Do this in the exact reverse of the warm up, which allow muscles to return to their preride status in a gradual manner and minimize muscle soreness. Research shows that quietly long trotting a horse then walking is very effective in cleansing muscles of lactic acid which can cause muscle soreness if not removed.

A well-conditioned horse will experience much less down time because of soreness and lameness, saving money and time, and they will be more competitive in their planned events.