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

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

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.

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.

It is a very good product.

This book is fabulous! I read as many equine related books as possible to help my relationships with my horses in anyway that I can and I have to say that this is the best book I have come across yet! I found it so helpful, and so easy to read and understand. The fact that there are cut-out cards in the back so I can easily take them to the barn with me is fantastic. I want to buy a copy for every horse owner/rider I know! So very pleased with this purchase.

Easy read. Thorough. Good analogies for beginners to understand.

I was searching for exercises that I could do with my cutting horse in order to strengthen all muscle groups. My past experiences have led me to believe that when a horse is used in one discipline on a regular basis year after year... You can expect that individual to encounter health/injury problems related to his particular sport. It has also been my experience that if you can divide that particular horse's time between his primary event and a different type of physical activity that involves other muscle groups...You will end up with a sounder horse. The book Equine Fitness offered specific exercises targeting specific muscle groups that any horse/rider any do. Equine Fitness is also an opportunity to freshen your horse's mind with a new activity, especially if your horse is nearing the burn-out stage!! I was very pleased with this book and I Especially love the "cheat cards" at the back of the book that you can carry out to the arena! Works for me, even in a western saddle!

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.

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!

Fantastic book. Easy to follow and understand. love the pull-out pages in the back. Best equine training book ever.

An excellent book. In particular, the introductory section explains the principles of biomechanics and the need to regard a horse as a "whole system", rather than focussing on isolated parts of its physiology, if one is to approach fitness and conditioning in the right way. Most importantly, it cautions against assuming that because the horse looks fitter/stronger that its condition is as good as one thinks because sustainable, effective conditioning takes a long time. Very well written and well illustrated. It provides both guidance and clear strategies for conditioning your equine, however old and whatever discipline/activity you engage in. Highly recommended.