getting a pony fit

[Ottinmeg]

going to have another look at the pony on thursday and if T is completely happy then will be bringing him home. as he hasnt been ridden for approx 8 months can you lovely people give me some ideas for a fitness program for him.thanks

 

[jesterfaerie]

Week 1 - 4 - road work - in walk and trotting (mainly uphill if possible)
Week 4 - 6 - trotting and canter work in the school and on hacks - possibly looking at small fence or two in the last few weeks.
6 - 8 - more canter work in school and works, more trot work whilst out on hacks, lateral work and seveal fences still quite small
8 - 10 - looking to jump a course and perhaps a show if you want to - lateral work - more canter work

 

[Ottinmeg]

thanks for that, how long should he be out to start with and how much do we increase the time as the weeks go on and is this riding him every day?

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

lots of hill work will help

 

[laurenpalmer]

i have got a fittening programme i can send you via pm?

 

[jesterfaerie]

Ottimeg the first 4 weeks should be from half an hour increased to 40 mins, next weeks 40 mins to an hour and so on and so forth.
I would say riding him 4-5 days a week (some days lunging if you want to/if possible)

 

[isabella]

walking and cantering up hils works the muscles properly trotting doesn't really use the right muscles apparently i do alot of hill work and my mare has lost weight