Constructive schooling in a limited time

[MardyMare]

I have put my supple but fizzy mare on the backburner for a while and brought the older horse (17) back into work. With daylight fading fast I end up with about 20 - 30 mins actual riding time. No hacking available. What exercises are good to help keep him supple or to improve his suppleness. I got used to having a horse that didnt need too much warm up but this horse needs quite a bit. I have been doing big sweeping circles and figures of 8 - working long and low. Is this beneficial or is there something else I can do as well. Cant do lunging (problems in near hind). Wanting to do some winter dressage so trying to keep him flexible without hurting him. Please inspire me with your schooling ideas

 

[Rudey]

I do alot of transition work with my 17 year old. Started off with really basic walk to stand, stand to walk, with vocal command backing up my aids, with over exaggerating praise. Now we are working on going up and down the transitions, but are perfecting stand to canter, and canter to stand. He is really enjoying the work, I have noticed a tremendous difference in his suppleness, attitude towards work, and an improvement in his schooling in general. Usually the simplest of techniques can be the most effective, in my experience anyway! xx