Bringing an older horse back into work

[Michellehenry]

I am taking on a steady old chap for my husband to learn to ride on. He is as sweet as they come but has been out of work for a while. He has a little arthritis but is on supplements and is sound. Any tips on how to get him back into work and muscle his back up again. We have loads of time to do this properly , so no rush.

 

[Chestnutmare]

You just have to take it easy with an older horse, allow extra time for them to warm up before doing anything like trotting...make sure he's supple enough before you begin doing anything else further but being an older horse he's not going to be all that supple anymore, if you know the horse then i guess you'll know his limits on what he can or can't do...i would just say take time as you say there is no rush...and good luck!!

 

[Ranyhyn]

My horse is 13years old which is still relatively young but he has had a lot of mileage on his old legs (hunted for 7/8 years) so I take time bringing him into work.

I spent at least 3 weeks just going on long slow hacks in walk. Then I moved on to short bursts of trot but only on good surfaces, for about two weeks. I then slowly upped his workload introducing canter and jumping but I am always careful to not have him bombing on bad ground and to give him time to warm his joints up.

 

[Hedwards]

Hi

I took on a 17yo mare that had been out of work for around 3 years. i took things very slowly, lots of hills and walking to begin with, then introducing trot and canter basically when she told me she was ready - i have to say she was field fit, and in a lot better condition than i was expecting. we're now sj/xc/dressaging and having a half hour lesson once a week. only jumping 2ft 2ft3 (which she does with ease). however i do a lot of warm up and warm down with her beofre asking anything of her, and if we have been out competing she does get a few days off. I've had her back in work 4 months now, and she's loving it! even managed to win and get placed pretty much every time out - which is fab!

Best of luck, and have fun!

 

[sea_view]

My arab is 25years young and he still pony clubs but you do have to treat him a bit differently. Ditto above - start with a couple of weeks at walk, bring in trot - I usually do that up hill and then introduce canter and a bit of schooling. I'll bet he'll love it!!

 

[stencilface]

I would take things slow, but also make sure he has as much turnout as possible. Being stuck in a stable is not good for oldies, and can cause more problems than it solves lost of the time. Turn out with lots of grub and a warm rug (if needed) if you have the option to.

 

[sandr]

My gelding is 16 and is having winter off this year, so he'll be out of work for about 5 or 6 months.

Some helpful tips, thank you