How to get her fit?

[Hippophilia]

I put her rug on my 25 yr old TB mare yesterday and was shocked how badly it fits this year. Due to pregnancy (mine) and injury (hers) we have done close to zero work in the last few months and mainly ground work for the past year. She has lost a lot of topline and muscle mass, esp in her chest and shoulders. The knee wound which has kept us from riding is doing well, but we are struggling with some stubborn proud flesh. She is not lame at all.
Would you bring her into some gentle work? 20 / 30 min walk trot schooling or lunging? Am just worried that due to her age she may get past a certain point and never be able to regain condition.
Thoughts?

 

[Hippophilia]

Oh, and I should say she is on 24/7 turnout.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I would build up hacking in walk gently, whether ridden or led but would avoid lunging because of the knee injury. Stick to straight lines until she is much fitter. You will know when she begins to develop enough muscle to start a little trot work.

 

[Tinsel Town]

^^ this

 

[AmyMay]

I would build up hacking in walk gently, whether ridden or led but would avoid lunging because of the knee injury. Stick to straight lines until she is much fitter. You will know when she begins to develop enough muscle to start a little trot work.

Also, this.

 

[Hippophilia]

Thanks for your thoughts, all. Hacking it is then!

 

[Faro]

Another one here saying same as above!