Dressage sucess - but should I continue?

Magicmillbrook

Magicmillbrook

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Hi Folks. As part of my 'grow some balls' campaign my daughter persuaded me to do a dressage test at a local show last weekend. I enjoyed practising as it gave some purpose to my usualy bumbling schooling sessions. On the day I didnt wet my pants/vomit or forget the test, and I actualy got 5th place. The judge did coment on lack of suppleness and that my girl was stiff on the 2nd canter.

My daughter then took my pony into the veteran class (3rd place out of 9) and she seemed to realy enjoy her day out, she hasnt been to a party for a couple of years.

My pony is now 22 and has arthritis, she also had the farrier the day before the show which may not have helped. I would quite like to do more dressage with her, but am worried that if her stiffness is now outwardly visible to the judge that perhaps its not fair on her?

I know that gentle work helps slow the degeneration but perhaps dressage is too much? I can ride my daughters young cob if I want but TBH I dont have the time to practice/get used to her and her 'interesting' characteristics and to keep my old girlie ticking over - any advice greafully recieved.
 
Well, you could stop, or you could see if some structured schooling, focussing on getting her warmed up thoroughly then working on suppleness helps. You could also introduce a joint supplement.

My girl is 19 and still very fit, well & healthy, schooling regularly and teaching her more lateral work all the time. She starts off with 'stretchy' work over her back & side to side, starting with gentle flexion through the length of her body before we start the sideways stuff. Shes also on NAF 5* Superflex, which has made a huge difference.

I also make sure she is kept warm, never gets a cold & wet back as that makes her seem older.
 
If u enjoyed yourself and your horse is happy go for it my auntie had a thoroughbred that hunted untill he was in his mid 20's he lived for his days hunting ur horse might enjoy going out and about and a local level dressage comp probably wont put a great deal of pressure on an older horse
 
If she is warmed up properly, and as CrazyMare says doing alot of stretching work, she should be fine :)

It will probibly help her to keep her moving and stimulated. Its not like you are wanting to do Advanced Medium, or 5ft Show Jumps or anything!!

You said your mare enjoyed her day out - she will let you know when its too much :)
 
Thanks - She has been on cortaflex for several years and we are very careful about warming up but thinking about it she hasnt been quite so willing with her lateral work recently, I just put it down to me being rubbish and not asking correctly. I might get the vet to give her a check up as she is due her vacs next month.
 
Damnation said:
If she is warmed up properly, and as CrazyMare says doing alot of stretching work, she should be fine :)

It will probibly help her to keep her moving and stimulated. Its not like you are wanting to do Advanced Medium, or 5ft Show Jumps or anything!!

You said your mare enjoyed her day out - she will let you know when its too much :)
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She literaly dragged me into the lorry! And as far as show jumping goes, my 'grow some balls' campaign is still at the cross pole stage.
 
Magicmillbrook said:
Thanks - She has been on cortaflex for several years and we are very careful about warming up but thinking about it she hasnt been quite so willing with her lateral work recently, I just put it down to me being rubbish and not asking correctly. I might get the vet to give her a check up as she is due her vacs next month.
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Do you make sure her back is always kept warm enough - My mare wears a rug every night pretty much these days, as one chilly night is enough to make her less boingy!
 
Doing gentle flatwork will actually help her stay supple and fit for longer. I think it's a good idea to keep practising your schooling and the odd prelim test I'm sure she will love :). My friends 19yr old mare competes Bd med and she has artheritis, she is good, it keeps her young :).
 
Come to Carousel! It's on the summer meadows at Blackwater next weekend so even Reggie is going out to have a play :)
 
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