Bringing back into work....is this too much?

[Bertolie]

My nearly 20 year old cob has not been in proper work for the last 6 months due to a haematoma and saddle issues. He has still been ridden, but in a bareback pad, once or twice a week for around 30-40 minutes - mainly walk but a little bit of trot as well.

His haematoma has now disappeared and I have a new saddle but haven't ridden in it yet (apart from in the school to try it out). I really want to start upping his ridden work but he will only hack in company so I am largely dependant on others. The people I ride out with want to do a 1.5 hr hack on Friday, walk only with a bit of trot where necessary, they also want to go out again on Saturday. This would also be around a 1.5 hr hack mainly walk and trot but with a short canter along a suitable bridle path.

Would this be too much for him? I am willing to drop out of the second hack if necessary (but will mean he doesn't get ridden on this day) but I am wondering about even the first outing - would 1.5 hours be too much for him especially with a new saddle?

I know people will probably say only I can answer this as I know him, but I dont want to do anything that might be detrimental to his well being, but really do want to hack him out. WWYD?

 

[Irishbabygirl]

Well as he's been ridden twice a week I would have thought he would be fine to do what you propose. After all, a lot of us can only ride at the weekend during the week over winter, me being one of them and I would do those rides you describe on mine!

 

[vieshot]

Wouldn't bother me and if the saddle has been fitted correctly then I don't see why this should be a contributing factor.

 

[Aarrghimpossiblepony]

Do the first day and see how he goes. But I would make sure you get him moving the second day to ease off any stiffness either by riding in the school or leading him out but I wouldn't do the second hack.

I don't understand why you can't work him up towards 11/2 hours in the school.
And if you can't hack alone, can you lead him out instead to build up the work?