Bringing a horse back into work- injury

[Woody12]

Firstly, Hi as I'm new to the forum!

I'm looking for some advice about bringing my horse back into work, he has had four weeks off due to an injury and I now need to have him super fit! Vet said to have him fitter than an average riding horse as he has a weak back.

I have been trying to put a fitness plan together but I am struggling a bit as I've only really had to get a horse fit for riding club stuff!

Can anyone help? xx

 

[twiggy2]

speak to your vet, I would say he needs to be stronger through his back from what you say and fitter does not always equal stronger, so ask your vet how to achieve that

 

[Woody12]

His advice was to sympathetically bring him back into work. His advice was if in doubt do more. He was really non-commital about a programme which is why I am struggling. Agree with him being stronger trhough his back and this will come from him working through but he HAS to be fit as well as strong as some of his problem is due to him not having good enough muscles through the hind quarters.

 

[hihosilver]

difficult one as your vet really should have advised you on a programme. I would speak to your vet again!

 

[be positive]

If you have not already done so get a good physio involved to help with the correct work, they will be able to help monitor progress as well as getting the horse using itself properly.

Loads of walking on the roads, up and down hills, you cannot do too much walking and it will give a really good foundation to build up from, once he is strengthening his topline you can start doing more trotting then cantering always making sure he is working from behind and pushing up to the bridle, long periods of slow trotting and the same in canter.
Polework is helpful, working long and low, again making sure the power comes from behind even if at times he gets a bit strong he will lighten up once he finds the strength to carry himself more behind.