Training Routines for Dressage Horses
The typical strategies for training dressage horses in the United Kingdom were revealed from a survey of over 2500 riders. The horses involved were mostly warmbloods, standing 16 to 17 hands, that competed twice a month in novice or medium level dressage tests.
The horses usually trained at a level above the one they competed in. Typically, the horses had an hour of dressage training, three or four times a week.
An average session began with 15 minutes of warm-up, followed by 35 minutes of training and 10 minutes of cool-down. Nearly half of the training time was spent trotting, and a third cantering. Working paces, transitions and specific movements took up most of a session.
Besides dressage, the majority of horses, except elite competitors, also spent time hacking, lunging or jumping. Most horses also received 15 to 30 hours of turnout per week.
Reference
J.M. Walters, T. Parkin, H.A. Snart and R.C. Murray. 2008. Current management and training practices for UK dressage horses. Comparative Exercise Physiology. 5: 73-83.
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Do these competitors understand the psycological impact on horses who are kept in a cage or are without freedom to be a horse for more than 80% of their lives. Or do they even care ?
Hi Caroline
I have to agree with you, I was surprised at how low the turnout hours were. I wonder if the research asked why horses were confined, is it limited space to turn out or is it just for easy management?