Dam - oldie is getting fit again

[rockysmum]

Some might remember me posting a couple of weeks ago that I had started riding my oldie again.

Just a quiet walk around the fields I said.

Well I have been taking him out for said walk every night. Wouldn't normally do this but my friend is getting a horse next week, she hasn't ridden for 10 years. She has been riding our little cob to get back into it and needed company.

I still have him in his Pelham (emergency brakes) but haven't needed them for ages as he is old and unfit Because of this I have two sets of plain show reins on it. When he was fit I would have something with more grip on the snaffle rein.

Tonight we were walking round the field. He was on his toes a bit, snorting and prancing, but nothing unusual.

Got into the last field and my friend said the word "Canter" just in conversation.

Next thing we are going hell for leather round the field. Just like the old days, struggled to get him back. Really lucky I managed to pull him or we would have done a few circuits like the old days.

I really didn't expect him to get fit again at his age, is this normal

 

[jeeve]

I rode our 30 year old on a trail ride a few weeks back, he loved it, came alive, insisted that he should be in front, puffed like a steam engine up the hills, but had trouble keeping him at slow gait.

 

[Emilieu]

Sorry no help with your actual question but I just love hearing about naughty oldies enjoying themselves! I would just be happy that he seems to still have such zest for life in him

 

[rockysmum]

Jeeve, that just what he does

Emilieu I think its his zest for life which keeps him going.

I'm just a bit surprised, I expected him to start dropping weight again and having to stop riding him again. Instead he's eating better and getting fitter

 

[kate79]

My mare is in her mid 20s she hits a cornfield.. She forgets about her pains and crab walks the whole way!! Sadly she can't just go anymore as she has back problems so only walk for her.. But you wouldn't believe it when she seems them fields.. Ears pricked and that mummy can we go look...

 

[WestCoast]

Oh that's lovely - the old fella is enjoying himself

They can get fitter at any age. I guess you just install the emergency brakes and take care not to let him over exert himself.

Totally off topic really, but I have a 15 year old chinchilla with a heart murmur. When he comes out for a run we have to strictly limit the time because he will literally run round like a nutter until he collapses and risks fitting. There's life in the oldies yet.

Paula

 

[zippo]

There's life in the oldies yet!!!

I HOPE SO!!!!
if you are refering to me.