The Winter Q&A Series gives Eventing Nation readers a forum to ask their most burning winter-training questions. Panelists Katie Murphy, Doug Payne, Denny Emerson and Jennie Brannigan will answer reader-submitted questions through March, with their answers appearing each week on the blog. Have a question for our panelists? Submit it to [email protected]. Doug Payne is answering today’s questions.
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Doug Payne's farm in New Jersey saw several inches of snow this week. Photo submitted by Doug.
In Europe, it’s quite common to let horses down for a few weeks or months during the winter and then bring them back in the spring. Do you endorse that philosophy — or at least a reduction in work — or do you think it’s best to work your horse relatively strenuously year-round to maintain fitness? (Submitted by EN reader Sarah)
Doug: I do think it’s very important to give your horse a break or two throughout the year. I make sure to work it into our horses’ annual schedule. Your horse has no ability to let you know of that little nagging ache or pain. Time off will ensure you give their body time to rest and recuperate. I think it’s critical to the longevity of your horse’s career! Aside from the physical benefits, you’ll see tremendous mental benefits as well. I always used to panic, thinking I was losing ground to the competition. Lost training time meant I was going to be behind the curve and playing catch up, and, admittedly, I hate losing! I now know better. You’ll be shocked how well your horses will come out of a break. It’s almost as if the time off allows all of the ideas and concepts you were working so hard on are somehow solidified into their mind. They will come out a better horse.
As for the timing and duration: There are two natural periods during the year which allow for some downtime. We usually have a slow June and November/December. For the big guys who finish off either season with a CCI, they’ll get anywhere from two to six weeks off. The younger horses will generally get a week or two, or a reduction in intensity in the spring and a true break in the fall.
Remember when bringing your horses back, start slow and progress slow. There is no rush!
What’s the best way to condition and build fitness when limited to an indoor for most of January to mid-March before the season starts? (Submitted by EN reader Julie)
Doug: There are plenty of options. Be creative; it will keep both you and your horse engaged and motivated. If you happen to be in a location where it often snows, then bundle up and head out a few times a week! Riding in the snow is excellent for the horses. It’s hard work without a lot of pounding. Throughout the year we do a lot of walking on our local roads. We’re very lucky to be surrounded by hills; if you’ve got them, use them! Hill work is unparalleled; you’ll be shocked how fit you can get your horses by walking alone.
If you’re strictly limited to the indoor for conditioning days, make the best of it with some small gymnastics and jumps integrated into your interval training. I’ve often set up a ‘gallop’ in the indoor with jumps set around X on both diagonals set a few holes lower than the height at which you compete. Each short side set three to six bounces of various sizes, but all smaller than you’ll see in competition. You’ll be surprised how much effort cavaletti height bounces can require. Again, start slow, working up to the following durations. BN/N: three sets of three minutes. Training: three sets of four minutes. Prelim: three sets of six minutes. All sets should have two minute intervals of walking. Remember, speed kills, especially early in the fitness process. Each set shouldn’t be much faster than a canter. I like to start with a lap around the outside, then across a diagonal to change direction. Continue this process until your set is complete. Not only will your horse get more fit than you can imagine, but it will also get him a lot quicker on his feet. You’ll start off at your first event feeling sharp and prepared!
What procedures do you recommend for safe cooling off? Do you recommend clipping even if you have no indoor access? (Submitted by EN reader Andrea)
Doug: It all depends on how hard your horse is working. My general rule of thumb, understanding that these horses are working hard five to six days a weeks, is clip as soon as you see sweat. On the very cold days we do use quarter sheets to help keep them a bit warmer. It can be a challenge to cool your horse off following a hard workout, and a long coat will make this exponentially more difficult. The last thing you want to do is leave your horse at the barn in a cold sweat, chills or baking! It’s just much easier to regulate their body temperature without a fur coat, so clip away!
