There is no single training method every horse must follow. Train on the horse’s preferred dirt or turf surface. One gate workout is used to determine running style and is generally completed before the horse’s first race; repeated gate workouts can increase injury risk.
Health and energy should normally be at least 15/15 before training. Four- and five-furlong workouts are common, with shorter sessions used for speed or acceleration and longer sessions used for endurance and strength.
Handily workouts are the most strenuous and generally add the most form. Breezes are next, followed by strong, moderate, and light gallops.
Swims, jogs, and turnouts can reduce injury risk. Average swims and jogs reduce it more than light or strong sessions. Layoffs use 19 health and energy, paddock turnouts use 10, and round pen turnouts use 5. Injury risk also decreases automatically each night.
A horse usually needs training between races. Repeated light workouts or back-to-back races can leave a horse with high injury risk or low form. After an injury heals, a light workout can help ease the horse back into training.