Bringing a horse back into work. ADVICE NEEDED

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Chestnut Stella

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My 16.2hh ISH mare has just recovered from a bad infection in her hind fetlock. The vet came out on friday to give her a checkup and said that it's looking fine, there is slight swelling but that will go with exercise, i just need to get her back into work. Dee's been out of work for 1 month now and i am just wondering what is the best way to go about bringing her back into work?
 
I was always told as a guide they need as long as they have been off to get back to where they were, so you've got to take a month to get her back to her old fitness, so maybe 2 weeks walking building up from a short 5/10 mins to a hour, then in the third week add in a few brief trots, again building up slowly, and in the final week a few canters
Hope that makes sense
 
okay thankyou! when walking what type of exercises should i do with her? I've always wondered though, shes out in her field during the day so wouldn't she just be walking then, making the walking exercise pointless?
 
Hacking is by far the best, walking round and round the school is very dull for you both. If you can incorporate some hills after a little time all the better. She will do a little walking in the field but not as much as you think! If you have time sit and watch for half and hour and see how long she's really marching vs taking a step them munching, step munch etc.!
 
Has she been turned out whilst off? If she has, I would start with walk and trot including some lateral work if she is comfortable doing it. I prefer to hack out, and find some nice hills. Then canter from week 3.
 
As others have said, walking - controlled walking - is the best :)

Start with 5 mins twice a day, then on the 5th day add 5 mins - so its 10 mins twice a day.
Then every 5th day, add another 5 mins again.
Therefore by day 10 you will be starting on 2 x 15 mins a day, day 15 = 20 mins and day 20 = 25 mins. You can be working the horse on the bridle too, this makes him use himself better & stretches his back & uses legs properly :)
At this point, I'd then intro trot for short stretches (maybe a couple each time).
at 25 days then really check over the horse in walk & trot & make sure you are happy that horse is tracking up properly & is sound, then carry on with schooling & bring in canter work :)

Good luck, hope it all works out :)
 
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