From: Modulating effects of exercise training regimen on skeletal muscle properties in female polo ponies
Training phase | Training period | Exercise mode | Exercise frequency | Exercise duration (estimated min) | Exercise intensity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Basal activity (B) | 1st -22nd wk | Resting in stable and pasturing in paddock during off-season | Graze in the paddock 2–3 h a day | - | - |
2. Low intensity exercise training (L) | 23th-26th wk | Walking only | Twice a day, 6Â days/week | ~60 | Very low |
3. Low to moderate intensity exercise training (LM) | 27th-30th wk | Walking (25 min) → Trotting (15min) → Walking (20 min) | Twice a day, 6 days/week | ~60 | Low to Moderate |
4. Low to moderate intensity exercise training plus match play (LMP) | 31st-53rd wk | Walking (25 min) → Trotting (15min) → Walking (20 min) (LM session) | Twice a day or once a day on the day with competition. 6 days/week | ~60 | Low to Moderate |
Training (TM) or official (OM) match play sessions | A horse plays 2–4 chukkas a day, 3–4 days/week | ~7 | Moderate to Very hard |