Getting Monica fit?

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vikkiandmonica

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Ok, so my 13.2hh pony, Monica, has been off work for about a month, not with injury or anything, just my exams etc. and I was wondering how was best to get her fit? I have been doing a lot of trotting recently, however I want to get it so that she is not full of energy and pulling, as she is highly strung and strong.

Thanks!
 
Gradually build up the length of time that you ride and the amount you ask of her. You should keep trots short to start with and gradually lengthen them and then trot up hills. Do some schooling if you can too, again gradually increasing what you expect of your pony. Do lots of transitions and half transitions (within a pace) to steady her when she gets strong
 
Ok, thanks very much! Also, do you know how to stop her getting herself excited, as she gets really sweaty after about 5 minutes, because she will trot on the spot and get herself worked up?
 
Try to make sure that whatever pace she is in that she is going forward. i.e. the stride is long and not short and choppy. With fizzy horses it is easy to over-bit them and/or they end up coming 'up' (or on the spot) instead of forward. Make sure you stay soft with your hands and allow her forward with both your hands and your body. Dont grip with your thighs and keep your back and bum soft. When you want to slow her down think of holding with your hand and body rather than pulling.

Also make sure back/teeth/bit are ok and the saddle fits. All these can make a horse get worked up if they are sore/wrong.
 
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