Don't feel like I can do it.

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Scheherezade

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Sorry, couldn't think of a title.

I have to bring my young horse (5) back into work after 5 months off due to OCD. Vet has given all clear to begin work, starting with 3 weeks walking, with the aim to be "back to normal ridden work including cantering and jumping" by week 6.

I just don't think I can do it. I don't trust myself to get it right. I don't have a clue as to whether what I am doing, or want to do, is correct. And I can't send him away, as it would be a huge waste of time and money to pay a professional to ride for 5 minutes.

I don't know what to do.
 
Yes you can do it ;-)

There are so many places on the internet to look for bringing horses back into work. I am really sure those who have been through it in the forum will be so willing to help, perhaps one of the more experienced posters can write you a 6 week plan so you have something to work to as a good guide.

With all the fantastic support on here how can you possibly fail?
 
First of all (((hugs)))

Now, of course you can do it. You know and love your horse so you won't do too much too soon. Think how you'd be after doing nothing for a few weeks - then multiply it up for horsey energy!

Start of with walk, 20mins is probably enough for the first day and then gradually increase the time. After a week to ten days start adding in some short trots; few minutes of trot then back to walk etc.

Lots will depend on how often you can ride and how your horse is coping. You might find (given the weather and the light etc) that you won't be getting to canter until about week 4 or 5.

As Vixxy says, have a trawl around the 'net for horse fitness plans and I'm sure that people more experienced than me will have some previously used plans too.

But remember, there's no rush and listen to your horse.

You'll be fine.
 
ofc you can do it you just have to believe in yourself if you didnt think you could your horse wouldnt have lasted the five months not getting ridden

Week one- 10-15 mins walking a day just a little plod on a hack

Week two 20-25 mins walking a day maybe introduce some walking in the school back on cricles etc

Week three 35-45 mins a day walking for most of it and introducing small stretches of trots to last about 30secs each as you have to build her up again

Week four- 45 mis a day but with more trotting than previous week by a fraction introduce trotting in the school aswell as its on a softer surface

Week five 1 hour a day mostly walking spend at least 15 minutes in trot. Possible lunge her on a big circle to ask for canter for the first time just to make sure she can cope

Week six 1 hour every day up the trotting to almost half an hour and have a canter on a nice soft surface on way home or in the school for a short time

Personally i think this would be about right as fair enough six weeks doesnt sound like a long time but it kind of is however i wouldnt be jumping till about week 8 or nine good luck you can do it
 
You can do it. I am in a similar situation mysely. My boy has had 3 months off due to being turned away this winter. I started him again last weekend, so today our week 2 starts. I have never done this before either, so we are both learning. Don't forget there is lots of help out there if you need it. Do you have a friend that could be with you for a bit of moral support? Keep your chin up and there is always us here to give you advice whenever you need it Hugs
Kate x
 
Of course you can do it. The fact that you are cautious will go in your horses favour as you clearly wont just jump in there with both feet and go too fast. Talk to other people, you are obviously in dialogue with your vet, listen to your horse and you'll be fine. The people who cock it up are those that think they know what they are doing and don't and rush things (seen that one happen). You'll be grand, and what a perfect time to start bringing him back into work with the nights getting lighter!

Good Luck.
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Have a little faith in youself.Slow and steady and you'll be fine.Instead of tacking up for a five minute ride why not longrein for afew days.Go for a bimble around the lanes/fields for ten minutes and build it up slowly.Your horse will be getting his muscles working and it will strengthen his back ready for when you hop up on him.There is no fixed rule he has to be fit in six weeks so take your time.It is better to take abit of time then rush.Good luck.How about doing a before and after photo diary so you/we can see how he is progressing and building up.
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you can do it- take it one day at a time instead of thinking "this all needs doing in 6 weeks". Maybe ask your vet or a knowledgeable friend to help you work out a chart so you can see what and when things should progress and you can cross the days as you go.
I know it can be a daunting task, but just remember how much better you will fell when it's done.
Hope all goes well.
 
I'm sure you can do it. TBH I would think 6 weeks to sustained cantering/jumping is a bit ambitious after 5 months off. My mare has done very little since September and we are managing to hack out gently now but as I've only got weekends available (no facilities for riding in the dark) we are taking it very steadily. I am in no rush as I know that when the clocks change we can put more effort in, so that she is fit for the summer.
Are you feeling that with so long out of the saddle you have lost some confidence/fitness? If so I can reccommend having a few lessons on a mechanical horse, that worked wonders for me when I was recovering from a broken ankle.
 
you can do it!! I am honestly having the exact same crisis of confidence with my 5yo, he's ex racer so little buit diff but still scary thinking 'what if i do something wrong and he gets bad habit? what if I don't help him but send him backwards' and the likes. I'm following the advice given my everyone on here because it's tried and tested!! Every1 is different, so is every horse. Don't push your horse or yourself too much and stick to a routine- something i'm struggling with atm!! good luck, and big hugs! Friends are invaluable at times like this which is why I've asked for help from a few more experienced horsey owners so I can make sure I get the basics right xxx
 
Thought it would be nice to put an update on here :)

So basically I couldn't ride as often as I wanted, so he spent 6 weeks building up in walk (riding average 3 times a week) from 5 minutes to 45, lots of hill work round the estate as where we are is very hilly. Then, last week I started trot work, just a little trot around the school on both reins. Increased it today to a longer trot, working rounder and more collected.

He's doing absolutely superb :) The time off and long time spent bringing him back in means he's actually better now than before he went lame. Much more uphill and eager.

Last time I brought him back into work after time off I divided the school into half and freeschooled, so it was bigger than being on th elunge, but not big enough for him to build up speed. So that's how i'm going to introduce canter next week, I think.

Sometimes I love HHO :) thanks everyone :D
 
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