Directory of cantering / galloping sessions

A metabolic contribution for each type of session

The form, intensity, duration, recovery times and demands on the muscles, depending on the type of session, determine the metabolic contribution for each of them. Ideally, it is on the basis of these demands that the programme and then the plan should be developed, according to the objectives set. The duration of the sessions should be adjusted according to:

• The age of the horse
• Its level of training
• The period in the programme

The sequence of sessions during periods, cycles and microcycles according to the characteristics of each rider/horse pair will result from this. All of these parameters make it possible to define training loads (energy expenditure, oxygen consumption and nature of recovery required).
Shorter and therefore more intensive activities (e.g. cavaletti jumps or obstacles with full or semi-full recovery) mainly place demands on the anaerobic alactic metabolism; while an often less intensive and rather “long” trotting session will only work the aerobic metabolism. In show jumping sequences, with repeated sequences and little intermediate rest, the anaerobic lactic metabolism will be dominant, as in a muscle strengthening session.

For each session, we define:
•    An average time excluding warm up and recovery;
•    The necessary intensity of the session, i.e. the demand or power (%VO2 max, amount of force or maximum height depending on the discipline);
•    The necessary recovery time after the session: this value, which is generally defined according to experience, is key, alongside the metabolic contribution, and is indispensable for defining the amount of work and the sequence of sessions;
•    The main metabolic contribution, remembering that it can, for equal work, evolve according to the period, duration, intensity and with a different management of recovery.

Conditioning sessions

Interval Trotting

This is reserved for getting a horse back into condition after a long rest or for young horses starting their flat work.

It consists of a series of trots lasting a few minutes each, interspersed with walking.

“Trotting” sessions

This involves trotting continuously over gently rolling terrain on suitable and even ground¹. The horse should be relaxed and trot in a horizontal frame and at a sufficient intensity (250 m/min).

Due to the low demand, there is no need to extend the trot time beyond 20 to 30 minutes.².

Trotting in varied terrain sessions (slopes of 4 to 6%)

Carried out on hilly terrain, these sessions combine trotting and cantering depending on the terrain in a series of repetitions of climbs and descents. The horse trots and canters freely.

Cantering / galloping sessions

Cantering sessions

These sessions take place continuously, aerobic metabolism, on natural tracks. Often overlooked in winter work, these cantering sessions are essentially intended to prepare the body for future cantering and the work to come. The horse canters without apparent effort, without pulling, looking for height in the stride, the gait is regular or varied (progressive, alternating, etc.)

If natural tracks are available, this work should be prioritised over trotting, which is soon insufficient and whose pace is too different to that of cross-country.

Note: From at least level 2* and above, but more probably whatever the level, and if the track allows it, it is recommended to finish with an acceleration so as not to “send the horse to sleep” and so that its intrinsic speed is not altered by this type of  “slow” and/or regular session due to the duration of the continuous exercise.

Below :

Galloping sessions

These generally take place at intervals (sequenced) or continuously (over distance): the horse gallops several times. Duration, intensity and recovery time vary depending on the period, level, capacity and the effect that is sought after. They can be divided as follows:

• Galloping sessions aimed at developing aerobic capacity: the horse will gallop on fairly intense repetitions at the speed required (450m/min at minimum to get close to its threshold speed of between 520 and 600m/min on a flat track). It will adapt its real speed according to the soil (deep sand) and the undulating terrain³. For example, series of 3 x 3min or 4 x 3min or better decreasing 4'-3'-2'. Recovery between rehearsals must be more or less incomplete⁴ according to the purpose of the session and takes place following the trainers, either cantering or trotting.
• Galloping sessions oriented towards the development of maximum aerobic power (MAP). The horse will gallop on short and intense reps (1 to 2min) at high speed (V200 or between 600 and 700m/min) on a good track with semi complete recoveries. These faster sequences, which are often avoided out of fear of injury, are essential to preserve intrinsic speed and for to prepare for cross-country runs in which the horse can reach these speeds for short periods. They must be planned very precisely in terms of duration, sequence and therefore recovery time.

These sessions must be systematically monitored with a heart rate monitor and a final and 10 minute later blood lactate measurement. For more individualised training, it is recommended to identify the horse’s speed at the anaerobic threshold V4 or Fc4 and the V200 (see the “Evaluating the physical condition of the horse” fact sheet).

The heart rate monitor tracks the heart rate at the different plateaus and during recovery time, which helps modify the number of repetitions based on the response to the session. It is also important to ensure that the horse has recovered before the next practice session.

Below:

Table 2: Example of specific cantering sessions carried out with high-level horses or recommended by field studies.

The horse must canter in a relaxed way, with an extended attitude but remain level (“be able to jump”). It may be necessary to do a long canter before the specific work.

According to the authors, there are many options, whether in a sequenced or continuous form, with various recoveries (not active, trot, canter). Some examples are given here, the important thing is that the goal set by the trainer (aerobic capacity or power) is met.

[1] Duration: Recovery can be reduced as preparation progresses

These sessions, too rarely used in horse riding, are nevertheless highly relevant for preparation of the so-called combined or multiple tests, such as those involved in eventing competitions.

The point is to work on the physical as well as mental capacities of the rider and the horse, to combine the qualities of different tests into the same session. The sequence of two or three sequences organised in duration, intensity and recovery time according to the periods, allow to tackle a particular theme (balance when cantering / galloping for example...).

Here are a few examples of sequences: dressage, obstacles, canter / dressage, canter, obstacles/ strengthening, canter, canter / canter, obstacles, etc. The constant aim is for high quality work. It is also important to change the saddle from one sequence to the next.
From a metabolic point of view, the choice of a more lactic or aerobic workout can also give this type of session a real added value. The important thing is that the objective of the session is defined before riding the horse and does not evolve with the work, without an objective reason for doing so.

Presentation of these types of generic sessions, which can be adapted to other disciplines if necessary, should enable the reader to construct varied and progressive cycles and microcycles according to training periods and sequencing. The knowledge of the metabolic contributions of each session and the length of recovery time will allow effective sessions to be followed without harming or cancelling one another out.

The rules that enable the rider to adapt them to the horse and the objectives, must include the assessment of the training load of each session.