Method for training horses for athleticism, heard of it?

ErinR76 · Method for training horses for athleticism, heard of it?

http://www.amazon.com/Kikkuli-Met...F8&qid=1326550969&sr=1-39

PasoBaby_CarolU

Nope...never heard of it. There is only one review and that person hasn't tried it yet.

It is not expensive, though, so why not buy it and see?

imagele

I have read this book.

It is the translation of the training programs used for the horses the Hittites took into war. Dr Nyland followed it exactly with a number of horses. The horses that got through it did so quite well.

Not all horses will stand up to the training regime. It is quite specific - on this particular day of the program the horses will do this many miles at trot, this many miles at walk, this many miles in canter/gallop in these particular time frames or distances (I forget which now). Because they were training many horses together the program did not change for an individual horses issues. The horses either coped well, got better fairly quickly if they got injured or were culled from war horse duties.

If I was doing top level endurance as a sport I might consider it as a way to weed out the horses that wont cope when the races get up to 100km or more - apparently the first few weeks will show the horses who wont cope with that level of work.

PasoBaby_CarolU

Wow

Great review..and probably a great way (for end results) to look at it. Not so good for the individual horse though. I have heard it with many horses whose minds were 'blown,' they "couldn't handle the training." It was never that the trainer couldn't adjust for the horse. I've seen a lot of talented horses ruined with results (only) oriented training programs.

There is a good conditioning program for long distance riding available on-line.

I think a lot depends on what you want in athleticism. The breed and pedigree of a horse can tell you a lot about where it will excel. An athletic draft horse looks a lot differently then an athletic Arabian or a Cutting Quarter Horse. I suggest looking at the sport you want to compete in...or work your horse in if not interested in competition..and look there for training and conditioning tips. Then adapt them with your principles firmly in place. I'll be honest that there are few professional level competitions that I'd subject my horses to. My horses only have to win my heart...and they've already done that.

misstux

Without checking out the link, this sounds like what I am doing to rehab Strider Horse. He's not too happy about it. Fortunately he is able to do some trail now and that is really helping his mindset. However, there is no level ground here and he is exhausted the next day, even without sticking to his regimen. The other horses here in rehab seem to be dealing quite well.

AlythLong

I have the book! I haven't tried it - that's a project for my retirement!! But as I recall it said that if you followed 4 particular days with a horse it would give you an idea of whether the horse has the ability to succeed......Dr. Nyland is highly respected in this part of the world........

PasoBaby_CarolU

When we were doing CTRs we found several conditioning schedule resources on-line. Here is one...

http://www.octra.on.ca/articles/CondBeac.html

I find I have to go through something similar most springs to get ready for trail riding season. I don't get a lot of opportunities to ride much in the winter and the horses get out of shape. It's not fair to them to hop on and go 12 miles through deep sand right away. So, we do a lot of conditioning.

I did get a nice Rehab plan from my vet last summer when Rosie wrenched her neck. It worked very well to get her moving soundly again. It was one of those times I was glad (so was my vet) that I had done so much ground work with her. The figure 8's, stepping under, half passing and circles needed to rehab her were all right there, all I had to do was ask...and build slowly.

Hertha

Had a look at the book, Erin. Can download it to my Kindle

I won't be riding all those distances and fighting a battle once I get there, but once we get into harness, fitness will be on the cards again.

Lots of the ideas I use with traveling circles, especially the interval training business with the cantering. Since I use the huge paddocks on the neighbour's property, I'm a bit restricted by the weather as I don't want to gouge out big holes when the ground is wet, and we've had a very damp summer so far.

Loved the idea of Walking with Horses in the initial stages.

Probably a dearth of roads and fences back in those days

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Niek

Its quite an interesting book, i came across it before and saw some people discuss it on dutch boards. This one goes on my to read list thanks for reminding me