Bringing a 19yo back into work - tips?

[maya2008]

No known health issues, pony is on loan to us due to owner’s declining health and my need to not walk x2 hacks once my little mare has had her ride! Has hacked sporadically and slowly over the last few years, was more active before that. Full of beans, really keen to get out and GO! Pretty sure she’s got no idea she’s an older lady now and should get fit in a more sedate fashion !

So I was going to follow the standard kind of fitness plan with more ‘walking’ time and never getting all the way to 2 hours or galloping around. We’re aiming at hour long hacks, mostly walk/trot with some short canters. She pranced her stuff in walk today and showed off her schooling, so if she is up to it, maybe some low level dressage. Would be good to do a bit to keep her supple.

Anyone got any tips on top of that? Any dos/don’ts?

 

[pistolpete]

If there’s no health issues and feet are good I’d start with every other day for a week or so doing 20 minutes walk building up to 40 mins. Then gradually introducing trot for one lamp post or ten seconds. Building up again to an hour by week four. Pony will let you know if it’s too much. Enjoy. Once you’re out walking and trotting for an hour without any weary signs try a bit longer/further.

 

[silv]

Just as your are planning really, no reason why in time she cannot get to 2 hours of galloping around. I am sure you will check how sound she is and how feels in herself. By the sounds of it she will love having something to do. Kybah Tik Toc won Badminton at 18 so there are plenty oldies out there doing well.

 

[ester]

I'd prob get her some regular body work while you build her up if she's been out of regular work for a while. But otherwise have fun!

 

[HopOnTrot]

I would work not only on fitness but also using things such as carrot stretches to build up the back muscles required to carry a rider.

 

[Highmileagecob]

Largely depends on the pony. Keep a close eye on things and be prepared to change plans. I retired my old boy from being ridden at 27y.o., but his three field buddies have now departed, the oldest aged 25. Age is just a number.....

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I give mine a few months off over winter this year they had a bit longer because of weather, Louis is 19 and honestly he doesn't loose much topline so I just start off with light lunging around the whole arena, lateral work on the ground physio then I just get on and ride him.

Arabi is 20 this year and he kind of sags in the middle when out of work, so I do lots of stretches belly lifts pole work in hand and walking out in hand before I get on him.

I'm only 8.5 stone so not heavy and I start with short hacks often I get off at the end to start with, but his normally very up for it and is happy to be out.

So I think it depends on the horse infront of you.

 

[Red-1]

Rigs is 18, he has sporadic work. If I have a plan to do more than a stroll round the village, I do increase slowly, so walk work for 20 minutes first then building up to trotting, but I don't over think it. It's not like I'm training him for Badminton or anything.

TBH, I think the more he does, the better he is, within reason.

I just listen to him and if he starts being stiff or grumpy, I back off for a while and wait until he is happy, then progress more slowly next time.