AGAGE
Well-Known Member
Ted has had around a month off any form of work due to snow, and had a few weeks of lunging(w/t only) prior to snowfall- as had saddle problems and school was slippy. He hasn't had much turnout either- both through snow and his choice(he hates going out in winter, will only tolerate 20 minutes max, before he screams and weaves at the gate)
He is 18 years old, slightly over weight, and has very little muscle, especially over his back. We got a new saddle fitted (Thorowgood High wither saddle- due to muscle wastage and sway back) at the start of December but have only ridden in it twice.
Not sure how best to get him started again, given the lack of muscle over his back.
When he previously had time off a couple of years ago we followed the vets instruction to build him up slowly over weeks of walk work. Not sure whether to do this or try to build muscle through light lunge work before attempting to sit on him. I'm not particularly heavy (8st 7lbs, he is a 15 hh chunky tb) but don't want to cause him discomfort.
Other issue is that I can realistically only ride a maximum for 4 days a week due to it still being dark after work, also unable to hack out, unless I box up and doesn't seem worth it for only 10 minutes etc..
He is 18 years old, slightly over weight, and has very little muscle, especially over his back. We got a new saddle fitted (Thorowgood High wither saddle- due to muscle wastage and sway back) at the start of December but have only ridden in it twice.
Not sure how best to get him started again, given the lack of muscle over his back.
When he previously had time off a couple of years ago we followed the vets instruction to build him up slowly over weeks of walk work. Not sure whether to do this or try to build muscle through light lunge work before attempting to sit on him. I'm not particularly heavy (8st 7lbs, he is a 15 hh chunky tb) but don't want to cause him discomfort.
Other issue is that I can realistically only ride a maximum for 4 days a week due to it still being dark after work, also unable to hack out, unless I box up and doesn't seem worth it for only 10 minutes etc..
