Any Advise with getting my TB fit??

[Ginger Bear]

I got my TB on full permanant loan since last October, I'm under the impression that he's never done very much, he's pretty much been through dealers, has a few 'mysterious scars' & is petrified of schooling whips & crops. Done a little bit of dressage with previous owner, registered with Weatherby's but never raced. About 2 months later he was very stiff on his hind & X-Rays showed that he has severe ring bone, had arthrodesis of the pastern. (Also had him signed over to me) After a long recovery process he is now 100% sound but because he has never used his back end when working he has a very muscled up neck & no muscle on his bum.. At present, he is hacked twice a week & schooled/lunged twice per week. If lunged I have started by doing 5 mins on each rein for the past 2-3 weeks as don't want him doing to much tight work on his healed leg as yet. Just wondered if anyone can give me any tips for getting him looking nice & muscled up? I thought maybe a pessoa when lunging or maybe starting with draw reins first of all when lunging? Any suggestions? He already looks in lovely condition (he should do with all the supplements he gets, spoilt rotten now) just want him to look strong & fit, the poor boy lost so much condition by stressing & having so much medication after the op. Thanks

 

[Izzwizz]

I think the best way to get them fit and able to do the work in the school is plenty of hacking out in walk. Up and down hills if possible and in the bridle as much as possible, with a stretch allowed where safe to do so. I have just spent the best part of this year re-habilitating my mare who had a tendon injury last autumn. All we have done is lots of walking out as described, with trot work introduced when advised by the vet - always uphill. She has never looked so well and my Physio came out to her just over a week ago, said her back was strong where before it had a weak spot, and that she was well muscled on her quarters. Hacking out gets them strong enough to do the work in the school, hardens their legs up and is good for their hearts, lungs etc. Work in the school is hard work on their tendons, ligaments and the roadwork strengthens these so in turn prepares them for the school work. Good luck, sounds like the horse has a good home. Hope all goes well for you both.

 

[Orangehorse]

The Equi Ami is a lunging aid that has good results. Works slightly differently to a pessoa and is a bit kinder. Quite hard work for them, but you only need to use it twice a week.

 

[Ginger Bear]

Thanks guys..that's a big help..I've necer hear of the equi ami will have a look in to it..how does it work? Will have to google it. I'll definately be able to do the hill work & hack out a lot so that's helpful too..