Is it ok for me to do this with my horse?
In about 5 weeks time I am doing cross country training with my 5yo TB mare and the next day a cross country competition. I loan this mare from a riding school, which take me and my friends out to events and schooling.
The cross country training was scheduled for the week before, however it had to be moved.
I was wondering if my mare would be able to do that. I know that she has done hunting, so she is fit enough to be able to be out all day.
I am only doing the 2ft6 pairs with my friend around mid-day. I am not planning on jumping anything bigger than around 2ft9-3ft in the cross country schooling.
Any help or advice would be appreciated 
Cheers,
Maddie 
If you’re concerned about your horse’s physical fitness (the question wasn’t really clear), then I would say that she should be fine with 2 days’ back to back outings. If there’s any doubt, give her an easy day or two before the event, and a few days’ rest after. By ‘rest’ I do not mean cooped up in a stall, bored out of her mind. I don’t think stalling is very restful for most horses. If she does live in a stall, I would definitely get her out afterward, but just go for an easy hack or an hour of simple arena exercises – long and low, transitions, etc. Her stiff muscles will appreciate the opportunity to stretch out, and her bones, tendons, and joints will have the opportunity to repair any microinjuries before they become real injuries. If she has turnout with other horses, then just bringing her in and giving a good grooming/massage could be a treat for her. She will take care of the exercise on her own.
5 years old is still a young horse, so I wouldn’t recommend a consistently hard training schedule, but by doing it occasionally now you are conditioning her for long-term future soundness. Just remember to balance the hard (though fun!) work with plenty of lower-key training. This is the beauty of eventing – it develops a well-rounded education and a very fit, athletic horse, and there’s always something to do. Even a moseying ride through the woods can provide training opportunities – wildlife sometimes pops up on a cross-country course, you know. Seeing it on familiar trails while in a relaxed state can help prepare the horse for a rabbit darting out as you approach a jump, with all the excitement of show day.
Ride that horse and have fun!
Horse riding, boarding, lessons at graystone Stables Georgia
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