Horse Out of work for a month, What would you do?

[3Beasties]

Charlie (16.2 TB) has been out of work for just over a month due to loosing a shoe, putting his back out slightly and me going on holiday.

Today I rode him for the first time. I just popped on and took him for a hack down the road. I did about 2 miles all together, mainly walked but had one trot. Apart from being spooky and trying to canter when I wanted to Trot he was pretty well behaved.

Anyway it got me thinking what you would do if your horse had been out of work for that period of time

 

[JoBo]

For both Bodey and Badger I wouldn’t think twice about getting on and going for a hack. They don’t change with time off, unfortunately sometimes, he, he!

 

[Ziggy_]

I'd go for a hack, because IME most horses have the sense not to race off down a road. They generally spook and bounce around a little, whereas in a school they are more likely to end up messing about with all four feet off the floor!

Obviously this is assuming you have quiet roads - I wouldn't go off road on a fresh horse either, nor ride down a busy road.

I try to avoid lungeing as well, as my mare goes round like a loon and I'd be worried about the risk of injury.

 

[madiz123]

I would probably get straight on and back to business, and adjust exactly how hard I worked them according to how much condition they have lost. But my horses are so good and I know that they won't rear/buck/bolt so getting straight on doesn't pose any potential problems!

I would like to lunge sometimes, but my polo ponies don't really understand the concept, especially my gelding who has a nervous breakdown when he sees the lunging whip!

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

Seren does not change with time off so i get straight on and go out for a hack, just as i did on saturday and sunday after 3months off, she is a pretty easy sort though so i am lucky

 

[MrsMozart]

I voted for get on and go for a hack, but it really depends on the ned and the rider

. Do whatever is safe and right for both and be prepared to change plans depending on the circs.

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

I put other as it would really depend on ned, weather, reason for time off etc etc

Having said that when I got my boy he had been roughed off and not been ridden for 6 months and I just hopped on went round the school a few times to make sure the saddle didn't slip then tootled up the road!!

 

[rara007]

A TB I would take on a hack to have a good first time back on and low pressure. Ponies I just take in the school however and start schooling, cos Im obsessive and they cope

 

[Puppy]

Unless there was a veterinary reason (like there has been with Be recently) then I just get on either of my girls and go. My mother got on Star today for the first time in about 7 months and we went straight off for a pottle round the fields

 

[0ldmare]

Hopped straight on my girl and went for a short hack after she had been off work for 6 months, so 1 month wouldn't make me think about it to be honest