As a long time and experienced dressage rider, trainer and competitor, combined with managing a small private training facility, I have worked with many individuals who don’t seem to understand the importance of having a plan, no matter how simple it might need to be. Whatever a rider’s personal goals, horse ownership requires a major time and financial commitment along with responsibility. Therefore, having a plan is of the utmost importance.
Making a Plan
I believe that most riders’ intentions are good. They buy a horse, find a trainer and facility and usually dream of someday having their own small barn. Great, but make sure there’s a plan behind it so that the dream comes true. First, regarding the horse, make sure that you discuss with the facility’s barn manger and trainer exactly what your expectations are as far as turn-out, feed schedules, blanketing, ring time and lesson schedules. Know the stable’s fee schedule and rules so that your plan works within the environment. A successful plan works with cooperation with all parties involved in your riding life. Make sure you have a one-on-one discussion with your trainer regarding your goals and aspirations, including how often you plan to ride and take lessons. Ask your trainer’s opinion about your horse’s general state of fitness, conformation and weight. Listen to your trainer’s suggestions, perhaps your horse needs more work or training than you think.
All horses, no matter how athletic, need an exercise plan to remain fit and healthy, reducing the chance of injury. Manage your time schedule so that your horse is ridden at least three times a week, including a hack. If you plan to compete, your horse should be worked at least five days a week. Time your rides and adjust it to meet and then improve your horse and your fitness level. And finally, be consistent in your work and training. If you can’t ride for period of time, ask your trainer to take over or perhaps a working student if cost is an issue. Or, give your horse time off, accepting that he’s going to loose fitness and strength.
Dream Barn
It seems that most horse owners eventually want to build their own barn and care for their horse at home. Wonderful, just make sure you plan ahead. It’s not only building the barn you’ve dreamed of, it’s also having the safe turn-out, manure disposal, insurance, good arena footing, access to trails and a network of horse friends and professional that can help you out when in need of barn coverage or an emergency. Often times farriers, tooth floaters or even trainers don’t want to travel to a barn to service one or two horses. Try to “piggy back “ their service at a near-by stable. That’s when networking and a good plan can really work. Maybe, when you think it all through, you might have second thoughts on having your horse at home; as it may not be cost effective or you find you prefer the company a working stable provides.
Follow the Plan
Whatever you decide, devising a plan needn’t be laborious, it just requires you thinking about what you really want to do with your horse, discussing it with others, setting goals, rechecking them and then sticking with it.
Happy riding!
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