a year off - what a difference!

cob&onion

cob&onion

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Early morning ride today after a few days off due to snow......cob has been brought back into work last week after a mammoth 10 months off. She is 5 this year and wow what a difference!!
Before being turned away she was quite sluggish out hacking, not that we ever went too far but def lacked a bit of omph!
Now shes bigger and stronger, filled out more and now really walking out and very keen! we had a massive spook today at a *snow monster* lurking around a gate-way (where the snow had been cleared and piled up) she was genuinely frightened and went to bolt, did about 3 strides of canter but came straight back to me after i talked to her. Yep, it did scare me as out of character!! (at least i know i still have good balance after having a baby!) never has she done that before....she was on guard during the rest of the hack and started spooking and looking at things she isnt normally too bothered by :rolleyes: came across another snow monster on the way back, she went to spin but i made her go past it, she walked past it snorting and looking but at least she didn't try and run!! :eek:
Shes still young at 5 and has alot to learn still. Lots of things to look forward to this year with her such as jumping, autumn hunting and shows.
I just hope she doesnt make a habit out of spinning and bolting when shes afraid :o
 
Time off is old fashioned but does wonders, at any age. Hunters and eventers seem to be the only ones now who have a good 2/4 months off each year. My (then) 18 y/o had almost a year off when I had a baby 2 years ago and came back full of enthusiasm, fitter than I expected and free and loose in his movement (I think the time off gave rest to some age related niggles so they disappeared).

A very under rated treatment most horses would benefit from - IMHO.
 
Welcome back :) Sounds like shes really grown up. Them snow monsters are scary:eek: my boy has had almost two months off and since then someone has chopped most of the trees and bushes down in one field by the road. I rode him past it yesterday and he was very concerned about the tree stump monsters :rolleyes:
 
My mare age 5 rising 6 has had a year off as well due to injury. She has filled out so much and has really grown up although she has always been a pleasure to handle and ride.
 
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