Bringing horse back into work

[caramel]

Hi all!

I am looking of beginning to bring my TB back into work after a 8 week period off through abscesses/illness. He's much much better, and is out in the field every day (YO wants all horses in at 2 weekdays and 1pm today). The longer time in his stable is making him look very stiff, and think he is also becoming bored. Trotted him up yesterday and he's sound, just stiff, especially in his hind legs.
He had a sinus infection which has now cleared up, and is feeling a lot better in himself.

I would like to start some gentle walk work with him, but not sure whether to ride or lunge, and if there's any exercises we can try? We do carrot stretches daily. He's a 14yr old TB.

 

[maxapple]

If he has only been out of work for 8 weeks, he shouldn't be too unfit. If he's safe to ride, i'd just start with walking hacks, starting off short and building up gradually. I wouldn't lunge.

I brought my TB back into work after 8 months off last year. He had been very poorly with a fractured leg so was very very stiff and obviously unfit. He'd been out in the field fine for a few months before we started riding.

I just started with 5 mins of walk (down the drive) - and gradually built it up. I didn't take him in the school for another 2 months or so, and have only just recently started adding a few short trots (5 months on!)

 

[caramel]

would long reining be ok? Just round the yard? He's not the best to hack, especially by himself. He can be sharp/excitable (typical TB) when ridden.

 

[maxapple]

I'd think so - if he's sensible. My horse was good as gold when I got back on, but he was too unfit to be silly!

 

[caramel]

hehe! I'm sure he'll be fine, just want to ease him back in gradually. Long rein for a few days then hop on next weekend. Gradually build it up, we're in no rush!