Work Level Definitions

Often when we dont feed to the correct exercise level of our horses their behaviour changes, they can have too much unwanted energy or you may find them runninng out of steam in a ride or competition!

Besides unwanted bahaiour horses can either gain weight or lose too much weight if we are not feeding to match their output!

If you want to know the accepted definition of levels of work for a horse ⏬

Mature Horse in Light Work —
A mature horse (no longer growing) undergoing 1 to 3 hours per week of walking (40%), trotting (50%) and cantering (10%). Includes recreational horses and horses in the very early stages of a training program.

Mature Horse in Moderate Work —
A mature horse (no longer growing) undergoing 3 to 5 hours per week of walking (30%), trotting (55%), cantering (10%) and skill work such as low grade jumping, dressage or cutting (5%). Includes recreational horses, show horses, low level show jumping and dressage horses, stock/ranch horses and horses in the early to mid stages of a training program.

Mature Horse in Heavy Work —
A mature horse (no longer growing) undergoing 4 to 5 hours per week of walking (20%), trotting (50%), cantering (15%), and galloping or skill work such as high level jumping, dressage or cutting (15%). Includes stock/ranch horses, polo horses, high level show jumping dressage and horse trial horses and horses in the full/competition stage of race training.

Are you feeding correctly for your horses actual work level?