Fitness plan?

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katie_and_toto

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Toto has been out of work for 1 month due to a respiritory tract bacterial infection. He's coming back into work at the start of March, I'm soooo excited
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Me, my mum + sister have planned out a little programme to bring him back into work and get him as fit as he was before, so fit enough to be hacking, schooling, jumping, local shows etc.

What would you be starting out with to bring him back into work? We've already got a plan, just would be good to check it against what others would do
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Thanks
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I would first start him lungeing for around 10 mins, just walk with gradual amounts of trot. Then start taking him for 10/20 minute hacks, starting with walk, then occasionally introduce trot. Then just keep gradually adding trot, building up his stamina, then maybe introduce a little bit of small hill work, and then add in a few steps of canter. Just take it slowly and gradually. xx
 
Oh, forgot to say, when you start the walk and few steps of trot, encourage long and low work, giving him plenty or rein to stretch. When lungeing use a nice big circle so you don't put strain on his muscles, and at first only lunge for 10 mins MAX. Don't forget to update! xx
 
After 1 month off ( as long as it wasnt complete box rest) your horse would not have lost that much fitness. It is surprising how much fitness they keep.
 
I would take it easy for the 1st week and then carry on pretty much to what you were doing before. Horses keep themselves pretty fit whilst turned out.
 
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