The Green Horseman

Eventually, the body becomes so efficient at performing habituation routines that fitness begins to erase.

-Jec Aristotle Ballou – 33 Strength and Fitness Workouts for Horses

I recently picked up a different type of horse book. It touches on a topic I have had a lot of interest in…fitness.

The book is called 33 Strength and Fitness Workouts for Horses by Jec Aristotle Ballou.

You get get your copy directly here at Trafalgar Square books!

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Jec begins the book with a fantastic introduction. In Part One; Before You Begin she hits you with facts and reasons why fitness is so important for horses. As a former fitness instructor (human) myself I found a lot of relevant facts that are true for humans and horses alike. I really appreciate that this is worded for easy reading…it’s informative but clear and understandable.

I also learned quite a bit about equine fitness and the differences from humans. For example, cardiovascular fitness is not concerning to Jec as much as strength and coordination/proprioception; they adapt easily to cardio. I find that fascinating.

It is in the areas of strength (musculoskeletal fitness) and coordination/proprioception (neuromotor fitness) that many horses need to improve the most.

-Jec Aristotle Ballou – 33 Strength and Fitness Workouts for Horses

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Jec’s description of the mobility exercises and stretching was particularly useful. With humans I always used to warm them up with “dynamic stretches.” We would warm up and prepare for our workouts through movement. I always reserve my static stretching for the end of my workouts….and I do the same with my horses. This book confirmed this belief.

Because of this book I’ve been inspired to introduce mobility exercises into every single ride. Stanley gets stiff in his right shoulder and has weakness in his hind end, so I do hip and shoulder circles before I get on. I’ve noticed a significant improvement and can often even tell when he’s feeling a little stiff from one day to the next.

My only wish was for a list of stretches and mobility exercises that I can refer to within the book. I have a good understanding of quite a few but I like looking at lists for inspiration. I often revert back to my tried and true versus looking for novelty.

Mobility exercises use gentle motions to awaken and improve motion of one or more joints…

Active stretching, on the other hand, performed by using physical manipulation or static traction

Jec Aristotle Ballou – 33 Strength and Fitness Workouts for Horses

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I found the exercises to be a healthy mix. I like Jec’s explanation of how to make a schedule. For example it’s not advised to make 2 heavy days in a row. It’s common sense but yet we humans often forget that train of thought with our horses. Because of this I make extra sure to plan my rides more thoughtfully.

After a demanding lesson day I might take a bareback hack. If we worked hard physically I might follow it with something less physical and more mental. It’s always important to bare in mind that horses feel muscle soreness too…and rest days don’t have to be wasteful. If you plan it out properly you can get very productive sessions in while honoring your horse’s mental and physical wellbeing.

Jec’s workouts begin at the very basics. There are in-hand exercises and mounted exercises. Some can be used for a warmup and some are the workout itself. The book breaks down Groundwork Routines, Strength Routines, Hill and Terrain Routines, and at the end offers some fitness schedule samples to help you model your schedule to suit your own needs.

The book leaves us with some final thoughts on conditioning horses. No surfaces are bad surfaces and all should be used to help develop a well-rounded fit horse. It makes a lot of sense to get a horse used to different footing and it helps to know that a simple walk on pavement or hard ground can in fact help them condition to that type of surface. It was also interesting to know how to condition the younger horse. Recently we’ve gotten a yearling at the farm and she’s definitely made me reconsider never owning and bringing along something younger. Thanks to her and this book I may possibly consider a youngster in the future…one that I can bring along my way and these exercises and thoughts would help create a relationship but also fitness for the horse’s future.

Put very simply, soft sandy terrain requires more muscular and aerobic effors while firm ground develops better proprioception, limb coordination, and hoof stimulus.

Jec Aristotle Ballou – 33 Strength and Fitness Workouts for Horses

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Final Word:

Books like 33 Strength and Fitness Workouts for Horses by Jec Aristotle Ballou are tougher for me to read. They offer so much great information that I want to use, but I can’t do them all right away. I often fail to follow through.

My tip: read the whole book….then don’t put it totally away. Use a notepad and develop your plan. Keep a bookmark for the important parts. Note where you and your horse are at and every month or so return to that book and re-evaluate.

I think it’s pretty great if used seriously and properly.

There are a lot of workouts here that I don’t believe I can perform with my horse given what is available to us. We don’t have a lot of hilly terrain, barely much for slight slopes. In the summer I go on terrain rides and next year I hope to do some more terrain training in preparation for a limited-distance trail ride.

Maybe you don’t have access to a bridge to do step-ups and downs. If you’re local I can build you one. If not they are not terribly complicated to make. I can probably guide you through it!

Ultimately, I love this book. I would love to additionally own Jec’s other book 55 Corrective Exercises for horses.

You can buy BOTH books here as a set and save! Jec Ballou 2 Book Set

“When training regularity decreases, horses begin to lose measurable fitness markers after four weeks of less exercise than usual. Horses do not maintain fitness with fewer than three session per week. Their generous spirit and lack of complaint must not be mistaken for adapted physiology.”

―Jec Aristotle Ballou – 33 Strength and Fitness Workouts for Horses

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I also want to add that I buy most of my horse books from Trafalgar Square Books. I’m excited to say that I am an affiliate with the publisher, and so proud to be. Trafalgar Square embodies the spirit of horse people…. they ARE horse people. The operation is based in an old barn in Vermont and run by only a few people…people you can talk to and meet in person at events. It’s not a big corporate conglomerate, and for that I am grateful. This happens to be one of such books. You can find your copy through my affiliate link here, it’ll let TSB know I sent you!

33 Strength and Fitness Workouts for Horses by Jec Aristotle Ballou