Getting Your Horse Back in Shape: Build the Base Before You Chase the Win

As the days get longer and the weather finally starts cooperating, more riders and horses are dusting off the winter cobwebs. The mud’s drying up, the sun’s sticking around, and the jackpot flyers are starting to hit social media. That means it’s time to get serious.

But here’s the deal: whether you run barrels, ride trails, or cut cows, expecting your horse to go from pasture puff to performance-ready in a week isn’t fair—or safe.

A solid return-to-work plan is the difference between a strong season and a short one.

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Start Smart: What’s Your Horse’s Starting Point?

If your horse stayed in light work all winter—great, you’re ahead of the game. But if winter meant time off, inconsistent riding, or just plain life getting in the way, you’re starting from square one.

And that’s okay.

Horses that have had an extended break (a few months or more) need a gradual plan to rebuild muscle, cardiovascular strength, and joint mobility. Jumping into drills too soon can cause setbacks, soreness, or worse—injury.

Think of it like this:

You wouldn’t walk into the gym after months off, load up the squat rack, and try to hit a personal best. You’d start with light weights, stretch, maybe do some cardio to get moving again. Your horse deserves that same courtesy—slow, steady, and smart—to avoid injury and build real strength.

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Your Horse’s Age and History Matter

Older horses or those coming off injury need extra care.

• Older horses may take longer to get fit and often benefit from gentler work focused on mobility and comfort.

• Horses with prior injuries need a vet-approved return-to-work plan. This often starts with hand-walking, controlled turnout, and slow reintroduction to riding.

Don’t guess—ask your vet and take it slow. You’ll save time (and vet bills) in the long run.

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What Does a Return-to-Work Plan Look Like?

Most horses need 6 to 8 weeks to build a base level of fitness. This isn’t discipline-specific training—it’s foundational conditioning.

The Two-Phase Plan (For Healthy Horses)

If your horse is sound and healthy, here’s a basic 8–10 week return-to-work timeline:

Weeks 1–4: Build the Base

• Focus on walking and trotting under saddle or in-hand

• Exercise 20–30 minutes a day

• Introduce light canter if your horse is handling walk-trot easily

• Add groundwork or poles for strength and focus

• Pay attention to sweat levels and recovery time—both tell you a lot about their fitness

This stage is all about getting their body strong and their brain focused before adding high-speed or high-pressure maneuvers.

Weeks 5–10: Add Intensity

• Increase duration and start asking for more effort

• Add patterns, obstacles, or discipline-specific movements

• Use hills or intervals to build stamina

• Slowly work up to show-level speed or precision

Every horse is different. Some will progress faster. Others will need more time. Adjust as needed and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

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Make Conditioning Interesting

Conditioning doesn’t have to mean endless laps in the arena.

Mix it up with:

• Trail riding or in-hand hiking the trail with your four-legged friend for hills(start with gentle hills and work your way up), footing changes, and mental refreshment

• Ground poles to build core strength and coordination

• Slow work on patterns like the barrel cloverleaf, or cow-tracking exercises without the pressure

• Basic lateral work to strengthen shoulders and haunches

Cross-training keeps your horse fresh—and builds the muscle they’ll need for performance later.

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Track Progress and Watch for Red Flags

Whether your horse is coming off injury or just resuming work, tracking their return is crucial. Look for measurable improvements like:

Signs of Fitness Improvement

• Increased stamina: Can go longer without losing energy or focus

• Improved recovery: Returns to normal breathing and heart rate quicker

• Visible changes: Weight loss, muscle tone, and better posture

Warning Signs to Watch

• Lameness or pain: Stiffness, reluctance to move—get it checked early

• Behavioral changes: Resistance, anxiety, or uncharacteristic behavior may signal discomfort

• Mental dullness: Lack of interest or enthusiasm in work

If your horse shows any of the above warning signs…

…it’s time to reassess. Rest days, reduced intensity, or different activities can help your horse stay engaged while respecting their limits.

Progress is rarely linear. Adaptability is key.

No plan is set in stone.

Communicate openly with your vet, farrier, and trainer. Together, you’ll build a program that supports long-term success—without sacrificing your horse’s health or well-being.

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Short-Term vs. Long-Term Goals

Short-term goals focus on building a safe, confident foundation:

• Increase strength without stress

• Get your horse back in a work mindset

• Monitor for soreness or stiffness after each session

Long-term goals look at the season or year ahead:

• Are you prepping for jackpots? Ranch work? Weekend trail rides?

• Break your goals into milestones: “walk-trot conditioning,” then “canter intervals,” then “pattern work,” “cow work,” “longer trails,” etc.

Keep checking in with your vet and trainer. Adjust your plan as needed.

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Final Thoughts: Lay the Groundwork, Reap the Rewards

Getting your horse fit again isn’t about getting to the first barrel or the first cow. It’s about getting them ready—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Don’t rush the base.

Build it right, and your horse will:

• Stay sounder longer

• Handle stress better

• Perform stronger, sharper, and safer

Build the base, trust the process, and lean on your team.

You’ll both be better for it.

Much of the information in this post was adapted from Mad Barn’s article on returning a horse to work after time off. It’s a great resource for anyone developing a conditioning plan

Intent Ta Fame

Taylor Merrill Training

Photos courtesy of Taylor Merrill Training of Rocking TM Ranch and his Stallion, Intent Ta Fame