Bringing a brood mare back into work

[eventer28]

I want to a bring a middleweight hunter (TB X Hann x CB) mare (9yo) back into work after having two foals. She has always been very sound and sensible to ride but is quite fat and her tummy is very saggy. She lived out last winter with foal at foot and in-foal again, unrugged and she held he condition beautifully. Can anyone give me an exercise regimen that will bring her back into shape? Do you think her saggy belly will improve?

 

[Maesfen]

Take it very slowly as if you're bringing a hunter up from grass so at least six weeks of walking before you introduce any trot, then only short bursts of that; no canter work for at least a month after the start of trot. In my experience, hacking is far better in this situation than schooling as it places too much strain on joints that are totally unfit; I'd wait for at least two months before any school work. While her belly might not go completely, it should tighten up as she gets fitter.

 

[Happy Hunter]

My Full CB had 2 foals, and at 8 (had never been broken before) - I took her on - TBH depends how long she has been brooding - I might suggest a start from scratch approach - Long rein, then small walks, then medium hacks with trotting, then some small schooling ect - She will appreciate not being rushed - and her Tum will be fine - My girl was a hippo on arrival - Now a sleek jumping machine!

Then



Now!!

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