Bringing 7yr old Irish Cob Mare Back into Work

[IrishMolly]

This is my first posting on H&H forums and I'd be really glad of advice from other cob owners. I have on loa/to buy a beautiful 16h Irish cob mare. She's been used for driving and hacking but has not been worked regularly for several months. Her top line is non-existent. I've begun her on daily 30-40 mins road work - we're on Exmoor, north Devon with no flat roads close by, so we're walking up and down gentle hills. I'm doing six days work, one day rest on advice for six weeks, and then looking to build up to trotting etc. She's a doer and very compliant. Thanks!

 

[AdorableAlice]

Sounds like the classic fitness routine and should work for you. Maybe start to introduce a little food alongside good forage as she gets fitter and starts to develop a top line. Maybe start the simple school exercises whilst hacking, leg yield, variation within the pace and lots of transitions.

 

[IrishMolly]

Thanks, Alice. She's on 500g Happy Hoof daily at the moment as she'd been out in wet fields for some time and the farrier suggested we put her on it. Any other suggestions?

 

[AdorableAlice]

Thanks, Alice. She's on 500g Happy Hoof daily at the moment as she'd been out in wet fields for some time and the farrier suggested we put her on it. Any other suggestions?

I would be keen to get her stood in the dry if you can, hard standing or inside on rubber. Having endlessly wet feet will invariably soften the soles and get them footy. My old boy suffers if it gets too wet but he does have access to dry standing and uses it a lot. I have used Pro Hoof to help him and was impressed with it. I also feed linseed in small amounts to all of mine, their feet and skin improve quickly.

 

[IrishMolly]

She's in at night with me - her previous owners kept her out 24/7. Hopefully, a slow and steady build up will do the trick. Thanks.