CC please - be gentle (but honest!)

redredruby

redredruby

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Arthur hasn't been ridden since the 3rd January and since the middle of February has been on box rest, having been walked in hand for the last 4 weeks.

I am now finally riding him again :D but for only 20 minutes a day in walk.....keeping weight off him for the last 4 months has been really hard but I would really appreciate your comments on his condition and what I should begin to work on.

I want to get a little bit of weight off but mainly concentrate on building topline, his quarters and shoulders - what does everyone think?! He is irish draught and 18 years old.

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and this one because he is pretty!

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Looks great for a horse with recent history you describe - better than loads who haven't been laid off. Keep doing whatever you have been doing but do a bit more of it!
 
Weight wise he looks absolutely fine, you've done a good job, now I'd just go ahead with a typical work routine, walk, hill work, introduce trot, blah blah blah as you would normally to build stamina and muscles :) lovely looking boy
 
Arthur is a very handsome chap - think you should enter him for 'rear of the year' - he has a rather nice bottom! :D:D:D
 
Thank you everyone - it is really appreciated to know that I am on the right path (he is my first horse).

I have been soaking hay and triple haynets so I think that has really helped and will be gradually increasing his work now.

(and yes, he does have a lovely bottom! :D)
 
I'm another who thinks you've done a fantastic job while he's been on box rest.
I'm sure that you'll see the muscle tone that you want as you bring him slowly back into work.
He's lovely!
 
Awww he's gorgeous - he looks like a real sweetie!

I agree with the other replies - keep doing more of the same!

Just wanted to say too: be sure to follow the vet's advice regarding introducing exercise. I've had my gelding on box rest a few times in the past, and have learnt from a very good equine vet that it's extremely important to be patient at this stage and to very gradually start doing more. Don't know what yours was on box rest for, but if it's anything like a tendon injury then (apart from treating the injury as soon as possible after it happened) this is a crucial stage in the rehabilitation process.

Good luck :)
 
He's lovely :) really nice handsome looking horse. He's looks fab IMO, keep doing what your doing cos it's working a treat!
 
What a fabulous looking animal.

I don't think you have anything to worry about - as you increase the workload the excess weight will come off - and his neck is lovely.
 
Thank you everyone - I really appreciate it.

Yes, I completely agree with you npage123 - am definitely taking it very slowly, two weeks doing 20 mins in walk, two weeks doing 30 mins in walk etc.......his legs are too precious to rush it!
 
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