Getting back on after a break - am I being stupid?

orionstar

orionstar

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I havent ridden Affy since March and she went through a double hind operation at the start of July. She's been long reined for the last six weeks but her fitness levels have improved well beyond mine and as she's 17.2 and I'm only 5'2" im now having to jog to keep up with her in walk so after the vet viewed her on Wednesday i've been given the go ahead to start riding. I said thats fantastic, I'll get on her on Saturday and the veterinary nurse said "its nice knowing you". I know everything will have to be taken slowly, but am I being stupid for thinking that with a friend on the ground I should just be able to tack up and get on for a potter around the arena? She's been fully tacked up for all her long reining sessions and I trust her not to do anything stupid, but I got the impression that the vet and nurse thought that this plan was asking for it! (Didnt ride due to the gail force blizzard).
 
I think that you probably know your horse better than anyone so trust your own jugdement. If it is any help I went thru a similar thing when my horse had several months off due to injury, she could be very unpredictable and I was v worried about how she would be, she was an angel, it was as if she was looking after herself. Good luck.
 
You know your horse, if you think she'll be fine just get on for a potter. If it helps, I'm an old lady, my daughter's new eventer broke itself badly in the field and was on seven months box rest. When it came off box rest it was to go straight to walking work. Guess who was the only one available to do it? Muggins here. I had ridden the horse once, I've rarely ridden anything but ponies and I was expected to just get on and ride the thing - it's HUGE!

But she was great, very very sensible.

The other thing is that if you want to take the edge off a bit how about a tab or two of ACP?

Personally I think you should ignore the vet nurse, it was probably a throwaway comment anyway. Get on, if she starts being silly get off again and rethink the plan.

You'll be fine.
 
Like others have said you will know your horse better than anyone.

My mare had over a year off, when I brought her back into work I lunged her twice then just jumped on. I know her better than the back of my hand and knew she would be ok, she is by no means an easy or bomb proof horse.

Good Luck. :)
 
well only you know your horse! and your abilities. a freelance self employed person at £30 a time for 3 to 4 sessions is a cheap option compared to being smacked up for a few months... as you are not responsible for their well being.. they are self employed, self insured and doing this for financial gain and are usually better jockeys than most of us. a bit of acp/sedalin could help but a sedated horse is unreliable. it all depends on the horse, his age, his work previous to the lay off, previous quirks etc.. only you can decide! but do wear a good hat and back protector for the first few weeks. Good luck on what you decide, if you know him well and he was normally good to ride and reasonable level of schooling you will be fine,. if you have doubts or are nervous get a prof jockey for the first few times as horse will pick up on anxieties.
 
Thaks everyone. I didnt have a problem with just getting on until they were both standing there looking like I'd spouted two heads, and then the seeds of doubt were sown. Will give you an update tomorrow!
 
Most people I knon who have a larger horse normally feel happier about being on board rather than in-hand work after a period of box rest. If you are handling her well when you are on the ground you should have no problems when you ride.

Get on and enjoy!! xx
 
I went to view a horse a while back not been ridden in at least 3 years. Got her in from field tacked up and rode her round a huge open field that was beside a main road! She was fab didn't put a hoof wrong so we took her home she now competes and does endurance rides. Best horse ever bought!
 
I never even thought about it being a problem when my mare had a year off for a tendon. We'd been mooching about in hand walking for weeks out and about and long reining, so when I got the go ahead to ride, I just plonked the tack on, got on and rode out! This was a teenageare who I've had since four though.
 
I'd easily get on mine in the same situation, and would have when he was a 4 year old too. Worst he ever does after a break (eg 3 months) is woggle his head and squeal and only then if he's on ad-lib haylage. Have to be careful not to pat him though as he can buck then. If you know them then you'll be fine. Good luck and enjoy.
 
I did it 4 yr old ex racer he was fine in walk just upped the excitement levels when we upped the speed.You will know how he feels as soon as you get on.:D
 
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