During the return-to-work plan for weeks 7-8, which activity is listed as part of the routine?

• A. Jumping
• B. Grid work
• C. Lunging
• D. Light competitions

Answer: (A)

Weeks 7-8 of a return-to-work plan are about stepping up the workload after establishing a solid base. At this stage, jumping is included because it safely reintroduces sport-specific fitness, rhythm, and balance in a controlled way. It tests and builds the horse’s scope, the rider’s timing, and the ability to manage take-off and landing, all while the horse has already developed a reliable flatwork foundation and canter cadence. Grid work often serves as a preparation tool to smooth the transition into jumping, reinforcing rhythm and stride control, but the activity emphasized for these weeks is the jumping itself. Lunging stays as a preparatory drill, and light competitions are typically kept for later or conditional on readiness and vet guidance.