Fall Forward: Preparing Rider & Horse for the Season Ahead at Cavallo Farms
1. Embracing the Season Change: Why Fall Matters
As Florida settles into cooler mornings and golden sunsets, Cavallo Farms embraces this perfect season of preparation. Fall isn’t just a transition—it’s a time to refine, reset, and ready both rider and horse for upcoming competitions.
Located in Monticello, FL—just outside Tallahassee—Cavallo Farms offers top-tier hunter/jumper and dressage training. While we may not see snow, our mild fall weather opens the door for better focus, endurance work, and partnership building.
Here’s how riders and horses can make the most of this season of growth.
2. For the Rider: Strength, Skill & Seasonal Strategy
Refine your basics. Use these months to strengthen your seat, refine transitions, and focus on precision over pace. The quieter show schedule gives you the space to focus on quality rides.
Set smart goals. Whether your target is your first local show or a national-level event, now’s the time to write out your plan. Cavallo Farms coaches help tailor progress for every level of rider.
Cross-train off the horse. Core work, balance drills, and light cardio help build strength and stability for better communication in the saddle.
Plan around daylight. Cooler mornings and shorter evenings mean adjusting your training times. Take advantage of mild weather to perfect your routine before winter’s rush.
3. For the Horse: Care, Conditioning & Comfort
Stable comfort. Cavallo Farms’ well-ventilated 12×12 stalls and spacious turnout pastures provide the ideal environment for fall training. Check blankets, feeding adjustments, and turnout schedules as nights get cooler.
Maintain fitness. Keep consistent schooling—flat work, pole exercises, and relaxed rides help maintain condition without overexertion.
Wellness first. Less heat stress doesn’t mean less care. Stay mindful of joint warmth, footing, and hydration.
Polish for performance. Whether in the jumper ring or dressage arena, this is the time to focus on responsiveness, rhythm, and relaxation. Small refinements now pay off in the show ring later.
4. Bridging Rider & Horse: Together Toward the Show Ring
Strong partnerships are built in the off-season. Try these techniques to deepen your connection:
- Communication rides. Dedicate sessions to rhythm, feel, and responsiveness—not height or test scores.
- Mock show days. Recreate the show atmosphere: warm-ups, tack checks, arena entry. It builds comfort for both you and your horse.
- Review & adjust goals. After a few weeks, revisit what’s working and what needs fine-tuning. Cavallo Farms offers custom training plans for riders and horses to stay on track year-round.
5. What’s Next at Cavallo Farms?
With fall in full swing, we’re looking ahead to seasonal clinics, training opportunities, and local show preparation. Whether you’re stepping into your first jumper course or perfecting your dressage test, this is the time to focus and flourish.
Spring is for performance—fall is for building the foundation.
Let’s ride forward together.
📧 Email us at cavallofarms@comcast.net or call 850-545-4898 / 850-566-4539 for lesson info or boarding inquiries.
🍂 Seasonal Insight
“Autumn reminds us that growth requires release — both in the saddle and in the soul.”
💪 Click to Reveal Rider Strength Tips
- Engage your core daily — five minutes of planks, bridges, and balance work adds up.
- Warm up with no-stirrup riding to strengthen your seat and stability.
- Visualize your test or course before each ride to sharpen focus.
🐎 Click to Reveal Horse Conditioning Tips
- Incorporate gentle hill work or pole grids to maintain fitness.
- Keep turnout consistent — movement aids digestion and soundness.
- Regularly check tack fit as horses’ coats and muscles change with the season.
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