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Regular
Posts: 89
  
| I'm finally at a point 5yrs later to start riding again. I have kept all 3 of my girls during this time. I am wanting to bring my 11 yr old back to riding she was last road consistently as a 5 yr old. I had some serious health issues and due to some medication, I was taking I was unable to ride. But the 3 of them kept me going i.e. the reason to get up, get out, and get moving along with a little sanity when I went to the barn.
Anyhow, so do I just need to start over like from the beginning? or just sorta hop on and see where it goes? When I bought her she was running in the 3D as a 5 yr old and trail rode a lot. I was not able to run her myself because shortly after getting her my gallbladder decided it needed emergency surgery. then different things from there. For the most part, she is nice minded. I have gotten on her one or two times a year and she has just walked off like I rode her last week. Just trying to get a starting point. Any advice is appreciated. |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
      Location: Arkansas | Just wanted to say good for you for getting back in the saddle, literally! I'm good for moral support--I'll leave the advice part for the other ladies!! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 678
     Location: Canada | Good for you for getting back in the saddle.
Since she was 5 when she was last rode consistently I would suggest you find someone local that is either a trainer, a good hand with horses, or a nice rider to come to your place a put a couple of rides on her just to work out any kinks or attitude issues so that you two start on the right foot. After having such a long time off it would be nice to ensure that you don't have any confidence set backs so that would be my suggestion.
I wish you the best of luck and please post an update once you're going again. |
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Regular
Posts: 89
  
| Thank you, Chandler's mom. I will need all the moral support I can get trust me. 49 and getting back to it This ought to be fun or funny :) we'll see thanks again :) |
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Regular
Posts: 89
  
| Thank you for your advice RunNitrorun. I will most definitely have someone help me, fortunately, I have a couple of family members that will help me with this. Don't think I could have made it through everything without them. I have thought about selling her and getting me something older and that has been ridden more consistent than she has, but you know sometimes you just kinda bond with something... Plus I already have a 28 and 27 yr old I don't think hubby will go with another old one right now. And I'm sure not gonna get on the 28 yr she would chunk my butt for sure I've had her since she was 4 and know every move that girl can make old or not lol. My daughter has started riding and she is the one that is pushing me to get back out there she's riding the 27 yr old. Like I told my husband if I can just get back to point to go with my daughter, run, barrels with her I don't care if I'm dead last it's something my daughter and I can do together. Thanks again. I'll let you know how it goes. |
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Meanest Teacher!!!
Posts: 8552
      Location: sunny california | could a family member possibly pony this horse for you to get her moving around again. 5 yrs is a long time off and it would be a shame for you to ready to get going and the horse strains something coming into spring! I would go into this as the horse needs the rehabilitation as much as you |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
      Location: Arkansas | whoapony07 - 2018-03-17 10:21 AM
Thank you, Chandler's mom. I will need all the moral support I can get trust me. 49 and getting back to it This ought to be fun or funny :) we'll see thanks again :)
We're right at the same age, so I am definitely rooting for you  |
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Regular
Posts: 89
  
| kwanatha - 2018-03-17 11:31 AM
could a family member possibly pony this horse for you to get her moving around again. 5 yrs is a long time off and it would be a shame for you to ready to get going and the horse strains something coming into spring! I would go into this as the horse needs the rehabilitation as much as you
Kwanatha that could be a possibility to have her ponied I will have to ask. I am planning on taking it really slow just to be safe. Because you are right it will take a while to get her and my self back into some kind of shape. Probably will do a whole lot of walking and trotting for a long time... before I even think about loping. I have had the vet come out and pretty much check her from head to toe. And I went ahead and started her on the glucosamine injections more as a preventative than a need. I hope to have her ready to actually "run aka lope" in the fall.
Thank you so much |
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
                    Location: In the Hills of Texas | Here's a guideline written by Sherry Cervi. Since each horse is an individual...you should tweek this by watching how your horse is progressing.
https://horseandrider.com/training/barrel_horse_layoff_111209-13056 |
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 Off the Wall Wacky
Posts: 2981
         Location: Louisiana | whoapony07 - 2018-03-18 7:58 AM
kwanatha - 2018-03-17 11:31 AM
could a family member possibly pony this horse for you to get her moving around again. 5 yrs is a long time off and it would be a shame for you to ready to get going and the horse strains something coming into spring! I would go into this as the horse needs the rehabilitation as much as you
Kwanatha that could be a possibility to have her ponied I will have to ask. I am planning on taking it really slow just to be safe. Because you are right it will take a while to get her and my self back into some kind of shape. Probably will do a whole lot of walking and trotting for a long time... before I even think about loping. I have had the vet come out and pretty much check her from head to toe. And I went ahead and started her on the glucosamine injections more as a preventative than a need. I hope to have her ready to actually "run aka lope" in the fall.
Thank you so much
I think fall is definitely a doable goal!
I would do a lot of walking, and just easy riding for a little while, then slowly bump it up as you both feel ready. And even at a walk, you can focus on collection, balance, and proper form that will help her build muscle and condition her body, while also preparing her to go back into actual training and racing.
Good luck!!! |
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Regular
Posts: 89
  
| Thank you Dashnlotti I hope it's doable :) we're gonna give a whirl, actually been looking at yoga classes to help me get in a little better shape and flexible again :) Your right you can do so much at a walk and a trot, going to try to do a lot of trail riding too. Thanks again.
Never too old. thanks so much for the link to the article that is a definite starting point for me. Thanks |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
      
| Fall would definitely be doable. Probably in 90 days or a little less, she'd be ready to go cruise a barrel race again. The main thing would be for both of you to start out slow, just like you would do for any exercise program. I like to start working my long layoff horses loose in the arena or round pen. Lots of walking and trotting, only a little loping. I'm not looking to even make them sweat - just getting started moving again. Plus, after a week of working - they wont be nearly as fresh for that first ride. I LOVE yoga for flexibility and core strength. Also be realistic about where your balance is going to be after your long layoff - lessons to help get your seat back could be a good investment.
You got this! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 883
       Location: Southern Indiana | First month I would work on the basics and just getting her in shape.
Second month I would up the ante. Increase excercise time and work the pattern.
Third month maybe haul and do some trainers. Get her out see the sights. Go home and work on any issues.
By the end of 90 Days find a show and go for it.
She probably remembers most it but you both need practice to gain confidence and sharpen things. |
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