Hi guys. I wanted to get some input on a 10 year old gelding I raised. I broke him as a 3 year old and started on the barrel pattern. He was making great progress until he suffered a fence post puncture injury around his stifle. I turned him out and started a job that kept me away from home. I have ridden him sporadically over the years, but nothing consistent. Let me start by saying that he has been ridden maybe 15 times a year. Just general riding, long trotting, and very little loping. From the last few rides I put on him, he seems to be struggling with his body position and wanting to use his front end. He can have a nasty attitude when first asked to lope, but settles down in a stride or two. I had a vet check done a few years back and found nothing to report. I am willing to revisit if needed. I believe the main issue is that he is on the lazier side and has had a life where he really has not been required to have a proper job. I would like to put a few weeks of consistent riding on him, as he is out of shape and a rather round boy. Can you guys suggest any exercises or drills that I can do with him to improve his circles and body position? He has good shoulder control, decent ribcage softness, and moves his hindquarters on request. He is great laterally, but maybe a bit of a struggle vertically. It just seems like he has to be forced into collection. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

My first instinct would be to revisit the vet check by a good equine lameness specialist then if he is clear put him in a good fitness program. I'd start with using a EquiAmi or pessoa that will get him working long and low. This will eventually allow him to bring his back up and round it as he gets stronger... lunging to strengthen his back will help with future collection and self carriage in circles. Lunge in it 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week for 2 to 3 weeks at a walk and trot then add ground poles. The ground poles will drastically help his stifles by making him step deep as well as more strengthening of his back to prepare him for collection. He's been off for so long I wouldn't expect to ask any sort or collection from him for a few months because he is pretty weak in his back.

Thanks for the quick response! I can have him checked again if needed, no problem. I have looked at several options for lunging aids after your response.Which do you think would be the best option for an inexperienced user? I found videos on youtube but would love to hear feedback from the people actually using these aids.

Hands down the EquiAmi.  Love the thing. I had to rehab a mare after an injury and it was a life saver for her to get balance and strength back and improve her quality of movement. 

Could have some arthritis set in where he got puncture, depents on how bad the wound was, maybe thats why hes grumpy when you first ask him to work and he needs to work out of the stiffness during the first few strides. I'll have a vet check him again, could be scar tissue has built up around where he got punctured too. 

Bearing in mind that's he's ancient we have an old TB that shows an oddness in his back legs when his sheath needs to be cleaned.