Bringing a horse out of retirement?

[toffeeyummy]

Hi
I have a 26 year old mare who I retired just over a year ago. She suffers with copd in the summer (I suspect pollen allergies) and had worsening hock and knee arthritis. Since she's been retired I've managed to lower her bute to one every three days and she's sound in the field. Her breathing is fine in the winter.
My two daughters ride and when they go out hacking, my mare trots around the field until they return! I'm really tempted to get back on her, just in walk and light trot, to join the kids! She is currently fat, fluffy and muddy so this would also help to keep her weight in check.
My main worry is tripping. She hasn't tripped in the field since she's been sound, but did trip towards the end of her ridden career. Any thoughts?

 

[HashRouge]

Honestly I wouldn't. She has improved since being retired from what you say, so I would leave her be. Even if you just walk and trot, the added weight of a rider is quite a lot for a retired, arthritic horse. She will have lost muscle tone while not being ridden too, and will find it hard to build it up again. Why not walk her out in hand with your daughters instead?

 

[ycbm]

I wouldn't, she's probably looking better because she's retired.
.

 

[PeterNatt]

I would leave her in her happy retirement and let her enjoy herself.

 

[doodle]

Another who wouldn’t.

 

[Valadictory]

Could you take her out in hand instead?

 

[canteron]

How about where I am now with my girl - after a couple of weeks walking out in hand to start building up muscle, I now ride for a short bit of the walk out, on the good surface. She loves it and loves being involved - I am sure your horse will tell you what she thinks as soon as you start doing something with her!!

 

[Bellaboo18]

I wouldn't but would think about a companion for her. I imagine she's trotting around because she misses her mates not because she misses the hacking.

 

[oldie48]

I retired my old boy when he started to trip as I didn't feel it was worth the risk of an accident.