getting back into work!

[louise1989]

My 19 year old TBx has not been ridden for 6months now due to settling in period, lameness and various other reasons (typical TB everything goes wrong at once)! He is now sound and ready to be ridden again! He is just a light hack but I need a bit of advice about how I should get back into his routine of his daily hack as I dont want to tire him out to much! He has been out a few walks over the last week or so just inhand though but he seems really keen to get going again!
I also have a 13yr old highlandx who is a very cheeky wee pony who gets very excitable when out of his field! Im wondering if anybody has used any calmer supplements and if they work or not! He loves getting out but im starting to dread it as i know he'll be bucking and running circles round me! He isn't a ridden pony just inhand!
This has turned into a bit of an essay but any advice will be great!!

 

[scotsmare]

The TBx I would be walking for approx 1 month to get him used to working again and start building up his muscles.

 

[teddyt]

walk in hand for a couple of weeks then start riding, just in walk. Walk for at least 2 more weeks, but preferably for at least 4 weeks. then short trots, gradully increase length of exrcise and make it harder by adding trot, hills, schooling, etc. The slower you can do it the better, so dont introduce canter until at least 8 weeks of work.

Make sure you lead the highland in a bridle. A magnesium calmer may help but depends on the individual. Try to take him out with a calm companion, it may be anxiety that makes him exciteable