Q: I keep hearing about ‘conditioning’ and ‘strength training’ for sporthorses. Are they the same thing? How do I know if my horse is actually getting fitter, and not being overworked?
A: Although the terms are often used interchangeably, strength training and conditioning target different systems in the horse’s body, and both are essential for performance, soundness, and longevity. Understanding the difference helps you plan a training week that builds a resilient athlete without tipping into fatigue or overtraining.
Cardiovascular conditioning vs muscular strength
Cardiovascular conditioning
This develops the heart, lungs, and aerobic capacity, i.e. your horse’s ability to work for sustained periods without fatigue or lactic acid build-up.
Improved by:
- Long, slow distance (walking/trotting)
- Hillwork
- Interval training
- Canter sets
- Regular work at moderate intensity
You’ll notice:
- Lower heart rate during work
- Faster recovery
- Ability to maintain rhythm and focus for longer periods
- Greater stamina in jumping rounds or dressage tests
Muscular strength training
This develops the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and postural stability that support collection, jumping, bending, and carrying the rider.
Improved by:
- Transitions
- Lateral work
- Polework and cavaletti
- Short hill sprints
- Gymnastic lines
- Collected work (in moderation)
You’ll notice:
- Better lift in the wither
- Increased hind-end power
- Improved straightness
- A more uphill way of going
- Ability to maintain self-carriage
How much is enough?
Horses adapt gradually. Both cardiovascular and strength systems improve through progressive overload – small, controlled increases in demand – and adequate recovery.
Healthy progression looks like:
- Increasing duration or intensity by 10–15% per week
- Introducing one variable at a time (e.g., more reps or higher poles, not both)
- Alternating hard days with easy days
- Watching for signs of fatigue
Red flags you’re doing too much:
- Stumbling or tripping
- Loss of impulsion
- Irritability when tacking up or mounting
- Swelling or heat in limbs
- Increased spookiness (often fatigue-related)
- Longer recovery time after rides
- ‘Flat’ canter or loss of jump power
A well-conditioned horse should feel better over time, i.e. more balanced, more willing, more through the back.
Avoiding overtraining
Training stress only produces improvement if paired with recovery. Overtraining is surprisingly common and can set the horse back weeks.
To be on the safe side, you should include:
- At least one full rest day per week
- One easy stretch/long-rein day
- Variation in surfaces and environments
- Careful monitoring of body condition, topline, and attitude
Recovery allows tissues to repair, muscular microdamage to resolve, and the nervous system to reset.
An example of a balanced week
A good programme trains both systems while avoiding overload. Here’s a sample weekly plan for a sport horse at Novice – 1.30m level (adaptable to your needs):
Monday – Conditioning (aerobic base)
Long, low-impact trot sets or hillwalks
Tuesday – Strength
Transitions, lateral work, polework
Wednesday – Light day
Stretching, hacking, long rein
Thursday – Strength and power
Gymnastic lines, hill sprints, collected work
Friday – Conditioning
Canter intervals, stamina building
Saturday – Skills day
Flatwork refinement, small course, test practice
Sunday – Rest
This pattern balances cardiovascular load, muscular development, skill acquisition, and recovery.
Summary
Strength training builds the body. Conditioning builds the engine. A successful programme develops both progressively.
If your horse is getting stronger, recovering well, and maintaining enthusiasm for the work, you’re doing enough. If performance plateaus, behaviour changes, or recovery slows, it’s time to adjust the plan.