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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
  
| So, I have a mare that's been off since mid July. No specific injury, but she came up lame and it was determined she needed some pretty extensive corrective shoeing. So, between myself, the vet and farrier we decided to just turn her out during this process. Now, of course, since it's colder and the time has changed (insert eye roll), she's ready to ride. So, my question is, how should I go about doing this? Sorry, if it sounds dumb, but I've never let a horse sit this long. My vet was like, "just go slow", well obviously! She wasn't on stall rest, so I have that advantage. Do I start on a lunge line for 5-10 min? Just get on a walk and trot only? I need a PLAN. | |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 460
| I would walk to warm up for a few minutes (since you're not catering to any injuries) and start jogging =] Lots and lots of jogging to build her back up! Just kind of see what she (or he) can handle. Maybe start with 5 minutes of jogging and a slow long cool down, and slowly build up your jogging minutes to 20. Then slowly start to add loping, just small increments and you'll be able to feel how she's handling and when she's ready for more, ie not getting tired as easily, not sweating much, etc. I don't start to work on circles or anything until I have one back jogging for 20 min and loping comfortably without sweating much, just following the arena fence. Good luck!! And congrats =] | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
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 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| If you have access to an aquatread or swimming, that's where I'd go first.
Otherwise, this is a good article:
https://horseandrider.com/training/barrel_horse_layoff_111209-13056 | |
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Veteran
Posts: 155
| One of ours has some pretty good corrective shoeing going on as well and she was released for walking and trotting only. She's been off since April. We're not done yet tho
she still has more hoof to grow. Both vet and farrier agree that she needs to have footing that won't shift, to torque the hoof, and straight lines as much as possible. With the weather and time, she's just being ridden at a walk.
I would start out just walking. A little trotting and back to walking. Think of how you would start any exercise program! Good luck and congrats on being back to riding. | |
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