Brood mare into ridden? Advice

[Samjr]

Hello, I wonder if you can help with some advice? I’m seriously considering buying a broodmare, she’s 14 and has only ever been used for breeding ( pure bred Arab herself). She’s calm, quiet and kind in temperament and has lived with other broad mares all her life. She’s been handled a lot but not really exposed to a great deal outside of breeding. I’d like to give her a gentle hacking home, with one to one love and pampering in her older years. I’m 54, have ridden a lot over my lifetime, but wish to take it easy and grow older gracefully and see myself enjoying spending time with this mare. I’ve read lot about bringing a brood mare into work and getting her back stronger, and read lots of success stories, and I’ve got plenty of time, I don’t need to rush this, I’ve also read that once the back muscles have gone, they won’t return, don’t bother...I would like to eventually do some hacking with her but don’t want to cause her any pain. I just want more information to help guide me what to to. Can you advise or recommend a specialist trainer in this area? Sam

 

[Littlebear]

I am interested in the part where you say, 'when the back muscles have gone they wont return' ..... why? Have i missed anything there - is there an injury or physical issue?
Also this could potentially be no different to starting a youngster with all that entails if she has never been ridden and often that is a journey to them becoming gentle safe hacks, fine if you have the right help but just some consideration to be given to that x

 

[Meowy Catkin]

RE back muscles, this photo was posted on this forum a while back. It is so inspirational.

 

[Laurac13]

I think it’s a lovely thing you wish to do for the mare and I’m sure it will work out ? I don’t have personal experience but think with the right support you’ll have success x

 

[Samjr]

I am interested in the part where you say, 'when the back muscles have gone they wont return' ..... why? Have i missed anything there - is there an injury or physical issue?
Also this could potentially be no different to starting a youngster with all that entails if she has never been ridden and often that is a journey to them becoming gentle safe hacks, fine if you have the right help but just some consideration to be given to that x

Ah thank you, no you haven’t missed anything, I had read that somebody said this, I didn’t think it correct but also wanted to check. I am able to get some training help as she’ll be very green, although older, but I’m just wanting to be reassured that her back should not be at any disadvantage for riding after the career as a brood mare? want to go into this with my eyes wide open, and not my heart ruling my head ( which is hard as she’s beautiful and so kind and quiet, I love her already! ) thank you

 

[Equi]

Its entirely possible to get her back into work if she indeed was ever broken it will just take a long time to build her up and starting with on the ground walks and hills before even getting a saddle near her. If she is as calm and biddable as you say, it could be great but arabs can be hot when they get a bit fitter so don't take her "now" as how she will be in 6 months when shes muscled up and fit lol

 

[Samjr]

I think it’s a lovely thing you wish to do for the mare and I’m sure it will work out ? I don’t have personal experience but think with the right support you’ll have success x

Awe thank you, she deserves some quality time enjoying the countryside ( so do I )

 

[Samjr]

Its entirely possible to get her back into work if she indeed was ever broken it will just take a long time to build her up and starting with on the ground walks and hills before even getting a saddle near her. If she is as calm and biddable as you say, it could be great but arabs can be hot when they get a bit fitter so don't take her "now" as how she will be in 6 months when shes muscled up and fit lol

Sounds like it could be fun, thank you so much, I just felt like I needed to post for some advice as a bit of a sanity check.

 

[Gloi]

I got a 12yo brood mare who had had several foals a couple of years ago. She hadn't done anything but breed but she was no trouble to train and soon came round and made a lovely family pony that mother and daughter both enjoyed and did well with. She had a great attitude.

 

[Samjr]

RE back muscles, this photo was posted on this forum a while back. It is so inspirational.

wow that’s truly amazing, very heartening thank you

 

[Samjr]

I got a 12yo brood mare who had had several foals a couple of years ago. She hadn't done anything but breed but she was no trouble to train and soon came round and made a lovely family pony that mother and daughter both enjoyed and did well with. She had a great attitude.

Fabulous thank you!

 

[J&S]

A friend of mine bought a mature TB ex brood mare to train for Trec. She took it a bit too fast at first, but, once she realised the problem, all went well and she is out competing now. Friend a very good rider and older than you so no problem there!

 

[P.forpony]

I know of two older broodmares successfully now with riding careers, one of them my own.
Both definitely have weaker backs than you would otherwise expect but mine hunts, jumps and does lots of long hard work very happily.
I’m just very conscious of making sure she’s fit and working correctly to best develop and protect herself, we do a lot of long and low which she loves, so it must feel nice to stretch down.
As long as she is sound and you take it slowly and mindfully there’s no reason why you can’t have a lovely ridden horse ?

 

[Samjr]

A friend of mine bought a mature TB ex brood mare to train for Trec. She took it a bit too fast at first, but, once she realised the problem, all went well and she is out competing now. Friend a very good rider and older than you so no problem there!

Ah brilliant, thank you, good to hear!

 

[Lois Lame]

I think it sounds a lovely thing to do for this mare.

Does her back look okay? I presume you only mentioned it because of what you have heard about backs.

 

[Samjr]

I know of two older broodmares successfully now with riding careers, one of them my own.
Both definitely have weaker backs than you would otherwise expect but mine hunts, jumps and does lots of long hard work very happily.
I’m just very conscious of making sure she’s fit and working correctly to best develop and protect herself, we do a lot of long and low which she loves, so it must feel nice to stretch down.
As long as she is sound and you take it slowly and mindfully there’s no reason why you can’t have a lovely ridden horse ?

Thank you, as I read more and more positive posts I’m really encouraged and feeling rather excited, I have plenty of time and am in no rush, I’m going to get her checked out before I commit and then I can enjoy my beautiful project. Thank you everyone for your advice, much appreciated. Sam

 

[Samjr]

I think it sounds a lovely thing to do for this mare.

Does her back look okay? I presume you only mentioned it because of what you heard about backs.

Yes exactly, I’d read about brood mares and possibly weak backs and it worried me, but I’m much happier now that I’ve had all these replies, I’m really excited, we’ve both done our fair share of raising children so now we can look forward to enjoying our future years having some fun together I have some lovely riding countryside near me x

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Please share your progress with her (especially if photos are involved) as there are lots of us here who love arabs and we all love a good retraining thread.

 

[babymare]

Take your time but I think you have your head screwed on right and not afraid to ask for advice so go for it. And update us cause would be lovely to follow your progress. With pictures of course ??

 

[Emilieu]

Yes exactly, I’d read about brood mares and possibly weak backs and it worried me, but I’m much happier now that I’ve had all these replies, I’m really excited, we’ve both done our fair share of raising children so now we can look forward to enjoying our future years having some fun together I have some lovely riding countryside near me x

This is just so lovely. I hope it all works out and I really hope to see updates on your journey.