getting a horse back into work

[jaynedoc]

Hi

Anyone have any advise on what I should be doing to get a horse back into work.

I can ride about 3 times a week...

My horse has not been ridden for 4 months (behaviour not an issue with this amount of time off.)

She is a 15h cob, overweight (but in starvation paddock and losing the weight well).

She has been rested recovering from a VERY MILD case of lamimnitis.

So what should I be doing with her and when and for how long.

I thought obviously just a walk for 30 mins initially but for how many weeks/days and when do I introduce trot etc.

Sorry I am really crap a determining this sort of thing..

Had a TB out of work for 4 months and I don't think I ever got him back into work (his behaviour lost my confidence so sold him) My mare has a lovely temprement,I want to make sure I am doing it right and not overstressing her or making her work to hard too soon.

Oh importantly I should say we only hack out ...no lunging or schooling.these are not an option.

Need advise on ridden exercise routine

Thank you

 

[scotsmare]

I would be walking for at least two weeks and see how she goes from there

 

[teddyt]

Start with leading in hand for a couple of weeks so she can return to work without the added strain of a rider. Then start riding, just walking for at least two weeks. The longer you can spend walking the better, so dont start trotting until preferably 4 weeks after walk riding started (but at least 2 weeks). Gradually increase work load by increasing time you are riding and then introducing hills then trotting and eventually cantering.
Assess horse regularly to make sure she is coping.