[SorrelHorse]

So, I've not been riding my horses as much this winter with school and all, and the weather isn't helping. I try to get out as much as possible but I'm not keeping them in well enough condition, and they haven't been worked in a few weeks.

I'm afraid that once show season starts, they won't be ready to hit hard and really give it their all, and we have a select few show opportunities.

As the title states, they are a reining cowhorses. I'd love to take them out to the flag and cattle as often as possible but I just can't anymore.

Is there something else I can do to keep them fit? Someone suggested extended periods of trotting. Woul that work? I've never really had this problem before.

 

[Solon]

Hill work would be good. Doesn't have to be very steep to get a good work out. Do a work out like an athlete runner would. Trot sprints, walk, trot, jog, walk, fast trot, etc. and keep repeating.

 

[nrhareiner]

With reiners loping if possible is the best. In the beginning I do a lot of trotting. However keep in mind that with reiners you do not trot so in the end this will not really accomplish want you need in the end. I also do a lot of backing as this really works the rear end and simulates stopping. This time if year when I do ride. I work more on bending flexing and moving the horse around. That way when I do start to really ride in the spring when the weather gets better. Also if I can I like to go to different inside arenas in the area.

For me getting the horses on cattle is not that important. A good well trained reiner will do very well in reined cow horse with out a lot of cattle work in the winter.

 

[SorrelHorse]

Thanks guys.

And nrhareiner, you're right. A good cow horse should be like a border collie, and never lose is sense. We took an old gelding from a ranchers place that hadn't been worked in ten years, and **** once we showed him a cow he went BERSERK and cut, stopped hard, and really got off his haunches. I was so impressed