Ready for the off

HUNTERS are traditionally turned away at the end of a hard season for a long summer break, to regain body condition and to recover from any minor injuries.

Although some specific health issues may justify giving a horse a prolonged period of time off, with a gradual reintroduction to exercise, it is debatable whether three full months out of work is beneficial. Fitness has been shown to drop from two weeks onwards, with a small amount still present after week six and almost nothing by weeks 10 to 12.

Preparation for the season can then be a battle, especially if the horse becomes overweight and