Getting hunters back into work...

[gingerspice]

I like this time of year - means things are thinking of getting started again :grin: !!!

Ok, question on getting hunters back into work - for the first time for years, this summer my horse has had shoes off and complete summer off (8wks). Normally he events and has few weeks off so fitness doesn't drop, but this year he is obviously unfit, portly ( !) and far from autumn hunting/eventing fit!

So... traditionally 4-6 wks walking, 2 wks trotting then quiet early mornings hunting to build up fitness. But what would people suggest or what do you do? How long do you walk in early weeks, when do hills come in, when start trotting - how long... so many questions.

I should add he hasn't had an injury for time off (frantically touching wood :crazy just busy working Mum! He is 16.1, IDxTB and 10yrs old.

Thanku for any answers :grin:

 

[spacefaer]

What's wrong with the traditional system? Having been fit, he won't take too long to get it back if you follow the system you quote. Works for us and we have 5 17hh + boys aged from 6 - 16

 

[gingerspice]

Oh no you got me wrong - I didn't mean there is anything wrong with the old system, its what I aim to follow. I just was looking for advice on more detail really, like how long do you start walking for, do you walk for 4 or 6 weeks, when do hills come in cause I live on some steep hills for even a fit horse?!
I don't want to cut corners and having not actually had a horse have a long time off for, well, years I want detail!

 

[Steeleydan]

I usually do 4 weeks walking the first week is half hour walking gradually building up to 2 hours walking by the begining of the 4th week,by the 4th week I would start introducing walking up some steep hills if possible. By the 5th week I introduce a few short bursts of trot by the 6th/7th week the trots become longer by the 8th/9th week I usually aim to be out hacking for 1-1.5 hours consisting of a good brisk walk and quite long bursts of trot by week ten I introduce some canter work, I never go cubbing until the horses have had a bit of canter work. Not saying my method is gospel but I have held several head grooms postions in hunt yards and this method works for me.