Definitions of Workload and Associated Guidelines

Light

1–3 h/week; 40% walk, 50% trot, 10% canter

Western pleasure, relaxed trail, basic flat work

Medium

3–5 h/week; 30% walk, 55% trot, 10% canter

Amateur competition, some school horses, polo, ranch work

Heavy

4–5 h/week; 20% walk, 50% trot, 15% canter

Multiple competitions, strenuous events, polo, race training, endurance training

Very Heavy

Various; ranges from 1 h/week speed work to 6–12 h/week slow work

Racing, high-level eventing