bringing back to work after STIFLE INJURY

[Angie4296]

Hi All. Can anybody give me some advice . My horse had a partial tear of his cruciate last year, all went well with op and recovery, he had 6 weeks box rest and just about to complete 6 months field rest. I am wondering if any one can advise me as to how to start bring back into work safely. He was very fit before the injury and hasn't lost much condition / muscle during his recovery. Any help/advice would be appreciated.

 

[TwoStroke]

I would start with 5 mins walking in hand on the roads in straight lines, and build it up by 5 mins per week.

The vet should give you an exercise programme, though.

 

[star]

Your vet should guide you. My horse had the same injury and we walked for a couple of months gradually building up from 5mins to an hour then trot for a couple of months building from 30secsto 20mins. Sadly he nnever came quite right so his dressage and showing days are over but he still hacks and does the occasional hunt.

 

[Angie4296]

Hi star

Thanks for your feed back, after a few other replys, I have spoken to my vet and got the information that I need to get him back to work. Same really as what you said 6 weeks walking beginning 5 mins twice a day and gradually building up then bringing in trot for 6 weeks. Maybe try canter after 12 weeks. Seems a long time on top the the 9 months we have just got through. Still hopefully this is the last haul, and we can hack out again.

regards

angie4296