Equine Fitness: A Program of Exercises and Routines for Your Horse

This is a great book. It has cards in the back that you can laminate, put in a ring and take to your barn (or wherever you ride). It has chapters on the *why* of certain exercises. But it also has simple fitness routines that you can do. She makes it easy by having several sets of exercises to be done together in order to build fitness. I have a strong mule that nevertheless needs cardio and strength plans to keep looking good and not have a sagging topline. I have really enjoyed this book and will be using these exercises until his very senior years. Even then, she had modifications for older equine. It is a book anyone can use, whether a trail rider, dressage person, show rider etc. There is nothing in it that suggests it is only for dressage people. It is great for anyone!

Jec Ballou has written a Masterpiece work which is a cummulation of her studies, experience, equine knowledge, and love and respect for this wonderful animal. This book is a must for anyone, from beginner to experienced level, and will assist greatly in achieving a balanced, healthy horse who enjoys his/her work, and will enjoy years of soundness and athletic performance that can only come from a proper foundation. I found that the way she has written the book, the application of her program can be implemented at any stage, whether you are just starting a youngster, want to purify the movements of your horse, or keep your senior companion sound and willing. The pull out cards that you can take with you while working are great, too. I want to buy a second one just to save for my library.

This is amazing information. It’s a lot to take in. I love that it includes advice on massage. To put it into practice I think I’ll have to start a bit at a time and build from there.

I was so happy when I found this book and began reading it. The exercises apply to all equine disciplines to get them feeling their best. I barrel race and I look forward to seeing the progress they make in their confirmation and fitness levels

Having purchased a previous book - 101 Dressage exercises - by this author I expected something good & was not disappointed. Lots of clear activities and I liked the pull out card system which I could take to the arena for on the spot fitness training for my horse. That way I didn't have to take the book with me - just the summarised fitness activity. I liked the contributions from a variety of equestrians and the background explanations as to what we are trying to improve. Lots of very illustrative drawings.

I bought this book as I have a horse with a stifle injury and he also does not carry him self correctly due to the injury, so searched the internet to find help on how to get him sound again, I found a link on line that pointed to this book and they raved about it, I can report that the book is in deed a great find, had loads of interesting information, and the best part are the pull out cards, you can take to the arena with you and refer to them as you work the horse, the book is clear, concise and the drawings are great and show what you need to know, I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the fitness and conditioning of their horse.

This book is really useful. I bought a horse that hadn't been worked in a long time and he had some man boobs going on. I started slow and steady and followed this book as a guide. The back of the book has cards you can punch out for each exercise. I laminated them on a laminator I got on Amazon and now they'll last longer at the barn. My only wish is that the book addressed some more specific issues, for example my horse has a Hunter's bump and not all exercises are appropriate for him. But other than that, great help.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get their horse fit in many areas. Some comments say that western riders can't benefit from this book because it has jumping exercises in it, but there are only 3 or 4 jumping exercises and they are doable on the lunge line as well. Overall, this is a great book. Ballou makes it easy to understand what she is saying with illustrations and great instruction. Pretty much anyone could do most of these exercises, from beginner to advanced.

This is a superb book & helped me to understand why some things were happening with my horse ! The author's style is flowing - much like a friend chatting to you - and the information is easy to understand. I found myself having many "lightbulb" moments ! Wonderful section on stretching & bodywork with clear illustrations. Great inhand & ridden exercises too. And there's handy tear out cards at the back of the book as a quick memory aid at the yard or when riding. I can't recomend this book highly enough.

Book is a wonderful resource with exercises from basic to more technical. Also purchased the accompanying 4 week training plan direct from Jec Ballou. Both are complimentary. Do recommend

As a physiotherapist, I found the information in this book to be excellent and well-researched. As a rider, I loved the practicality of the tear out cards. I have used a few of the exercises with my horse and we are both finding them challenging and helpful. Looking forward to seeing the results of incorporating these exercises and more regular “Strength and Conditioning” training into our routine in a few months :) GET THIS BOOK!

I am using the exercise cards, as a riding program.

Great book