How much exercise is the right amount?

[FinellaGlen]

Please excuse me for asking such a dumb question but someone said to me yesterday that I do a lot with my pony. I have been thinking about the comment ever since and I can't decide whether it was meant in a positive way or whether they meant that I was riding the legs off the poor thing.

In a typical week I school 2 or 3 times, have a flatwork lesson, hack out twice and lunge approx once a fortnight. I do a show once a month on average and we do M&M in-hand, or ridden.

My pony is a 10 year old Highland. She was only ridden once a week before I got her and I built up her fitness gradually. She can now spend half an hour's lesson mainly in canter with some walking breaks and a good walk up the lane to cool down. Any advice welcome please.

 

[AmyMay]

I think they probably meant that you make the most of her. Good for you. Sounds like you do lots with her and have great fun. Just as it shoudl be.

 

[parsley]

I don't think you do too much with her - it just sounds like you enjoy having her

 

[FinellaGlen]

Thank you both. It's almost a year since I got her and we have had so much fun together. We're off to pony camp in 3 weeks. Can't wait!

 

[AmyMay]

[ QUOTE ]
We're off to pony camp in 3 weeks

[/ QUOTE ]
I'm hoping to do this next year. Let us know how it goes. Where are you going, do you have a webiste link??

 

[FinellaGlen]

AmyMay - it's a Highland Pony Camp, although honorary Highlands are welcome! It's near Newcastle. I think it may possibly be the first one they've held. I'll report back when we've been.

 

[Chumsmum]

I agree with the others - they mean it in a positive way. Sounds like you are having a great time with her.

I love Highlands - please send her my way if ever you get bored with all that exercise

 

[FinellaGlen]

chumsmum - you can have her when I get too old and creaky to ride her