Advice needed: bringing back into work

[cpendle]

I have recently become the owner of a lovely 10yr old Warmblood gelding, who was produced as a dressage horse as a 4/5yr, then was just used as a hack for a couple of years and then, due to the owners circumstances was turned away for the past 18 months. Eventually I'd like to compete him in dressage again, but appreciate I've got a long journey to get him back to fitness.

I've now done 4 weeks of old school, road work in walk and trot. I was going to do another couple of weeks of the same, before starting him in the school, perhaps doing 2 or 3 days in the school and the rest hacking. But I've never had a project like this before, so I was wondering if anyone reading could offer advice on a sensible road to fitness that doesn't put him at risk of injury. He's quite a hot type, so a road to fitness that doesn't put me at risk of injury either?!!!?

Thanks in advance.

 

[AmyMay]

If he’s been turned away for 18 months then you should be looking at a minimum of 6 weeks walking before you start trotting. Only when you’re in week 2 of trotting would I start school work - and then very short sessions.

 

[Fieldlife]

I'd also look closely at foot balance / saddle fit and supporting bodywork as you bring him back into work.

And I would assess his muscle tone for ridden work and his weight and starting fitness. And factor these into your work plan.