The short answer: It depends on the horse. Every horse is different, and it’s always a matter of individual needs. Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about giving your horse a break.

Mental Balance

Horses are creatures of habit and herd animals. Changes in daily routine can cause stress, especially in nervous or inexperienced horses. If your horse is mentally sensitive, it may be best to keep its routine as normal as possible while you’re away, particularly for horses that spend most of their time in the stable. Horses with plenty of free movement and social contact are likely less affected by changes in schedule. Research shows that young horses new to training experience less stress if they also have free movement and companionship. So, horses that live a “rich horse life” with friends in the pasture or paddock are usually less affected by a short break from training.

Time Off in the Pasture

It’s common to let young horses that have gone through an initial training period spend a few months simply being horses in the pasture. This can be beneficial, allowing them to process what they’ve learned. However, some horses—especially hot-blooded ones—may not enjoy this and can become wild or difficult to handle if left unattended for weeks or months. Always consider your horse’s temperament.

Physical Aspects

There is more research on the physical effects of rest than on mental aspects, though studies are still limited. Training works on cardiovascular fitness, suppleness, and muscle strength. Rest is equally important—this is when the body recovers and adapts to a slightly higher level than before, known as supercompensation. Adequate rest, combined with the right training intensity, prevents overtraining while promoting progress. Too much rest or insufficient training will slow improvement. Dutch scientist Carolien Munsters has researched these principles extensively using heart rate monitors and lactate measurements.

Short Holidays Have Little Effect

Most horses do not lose much fitness after a week or two off. Training can often resume smoothly without significant loss of strength or endurance. Research supports that horses given a short break with light activity do not lose cardiovascular condition. However, longer breaks will eventually reduce muscle tone and fitness, and recovery time varies by breed and individual. For example, Friesian horses generally require more recovery and lighter training than Dutch Warmbloods after rest.

Free Movement is Essential

Free movement and social contact are vital not only for mental balance but also for physical condition. Young horses kept outdoors in groups adapt better to training than those mostly kept in stalls. Therefore, holidays are less impactful for horses with lots of social interaction and movement. Older horses are more affected by breaks; for seniors, “rust can cause rust,” and rebuilding fitness takes longer.

Conclusion: Sometimes Beneficial, But Not Necessary

If your horse is mentally stable, a short holiday usually won’t harm it. Ensure your horse has plenty of free movement and social contact during its break. For older or stress-prone horses, light riding or lunging by a stablemate or family member is recommended while you’re away. If the other 23 hours of the day are well-managed, your horse may not even notice its holiday.