bringing a horse back into work

[clairelouisehorses]

Hi can someone help me please, i am bringing my 10 year old ID X back into work, he has had just over 12 months off due to owners pregnancy. He is a laid back chap and is turn out daily. What fitness plan should i be following. Im also confused as to whether I should start working him in the school first or should I just get out hacking. We are not going to be doing any competing yet but would like him to be fit for health wise. He is sound otherwise.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ranyhyn]

Hey

I usually use what I call the hunters rule - 2 weeks of everything, (walk/trot/canter/gallop and jumping)

However after a year off I'd be more careful so maybe extend to

4 weeks work in walk - hacking preferable, maybe short trots if he gets stale or too fresh
2 weeks trot on good surface
2-3 weeks bringing in some canter work and schooling
and then onto gallop or jumping (if you need him that fit!)

Photos please!! haha

 

[Cuppatea]

I'd probably lunge him for the first few days, then lunge him and get on in the school (softer landing just in case!!) just to make sure there isn't too much freshness/fizzines there. Then hacking, walking and a bit of trotting building up for 3/4 weeks or so then introduce some canters. Any flatwork in the school to give a change to hacking is always good