Bringing an oldie back into work

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LynH

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I have a 22yr old TB who has been out of work over winter but only did light hacking for most of the year before that. I haven't had an arena until now and she tripped a lot if ridden in the field and on the road so I gave her the time off rather than risk a fall. The tripping always improves with fitness and concentration.
My new arena should be ready in the next couple of weeks and as she loves being ridden I was hoping to bring her back into work. She has lost so much condition and top line but isn't as stiff as she was as she now lives out. She looks really sound in the field and full of energy but I'm concerned because she looks very weak although she isn't underweight.
I'm about 10st which I'm worried is too much in her current state so I thought I'd start by walking her in hand.
Obviously I will take it very slowly and if she doesn't cope then I'm happy for her to retire completely but I would be grateful if anyone has any ideas or suggestions of exercises or things to do with her to help build her up without putting too much strain on her. I have an Equilibrium massage pad so will start with that now before starting her in work.
 
I have found that older horses stumble more and that they need to be kept in daily work. Make sure that your farrier rolls their front toes and that you always put on knee pads so that if they do stumble their knees will be protected (even in a manage).

Your best bet is to just walk hergradually increasing the length of time you walk her.
 
Do loads of carrot stretches to get unused muscles going again in a easy way. My horse needs to strengthen his back etc but can't be ridden and my chiro recommended daily stretch sessions. I brought my old horse out of retirement years back and it was the best move ever. In weeks he looked less like an old retired horse and seemed to wind his click back 15 years!
 
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