Ideas on how to help get an older horse a bit fitter for the winter??

[Porkie]

My chap is 26, was retired once but got 'expelled'

for being so naugty!!! So he has been back in light work ( light schooling and hacking) for about 18 months now and is much happier

. He has no great health problems apart from he has a bit of a cough and his breathing gets a bit heavy if worked in dusty/hot conditions so have to take things easy - but that has been lots better since he has been on soaked hay and ventil-ate.

Basically I have been very lazy over the summer and turned into a happy hacker and not done much schooling at all !! (naughty mummy

!!!) I have now decided I really should start concentrating on getting him a bit fitter to help him through the winter, so when the really cold weather hits he doesn't suffer from stiff joints etc.

Any ideas on the best way ? Obvioulsy cos of his breathing and age I can't just go doing hours of work (about 30 mins per day seems to suit him best) but should I be focasing on lots of trotting (but that seems to get him out of breath!) or just walking or what? Whats the best thing for a slow fitness program?

Someone said to me about doing half a circuit in walk half trott half walk etc. so he doesn't get too tired out but starts to build up a bit more stamina - does that sound right ?

Any suggestions greatfully received !!!

 

[Haniki]

Have you seen the book 'Care and Management of the Older Horse' by Heather Scott Parsons? There are a few pages in there about getting an older horse fit. Basically increase his work very slowly and don't increase the length and speed at the same time. I have a 24 year old whose fitness I am hoping to build up. I am a happy hacker so have just been building up the time we walk out on the roads. After 4 weeks I am riding for 1 hour and now intend to borrow a friends school to build up some trot work. My horse is a very buzzy TB so she is quite easy to get fit and doesn't have any wind problems. Sorry I haven't been much help - good luck with your horse!

 

[OWLIE185]

No! No! No! ...............

Sorry but disagree completely with advice you have been given.

Nice long hacks at a walk is what your horse needs to build him up slowly and gradually. Trotting and circles is asking for trouble. Nice gentle straight lines.

I am sure he will cope with gentle hacks building them up up to 3 - 4 hours. (Mine do they are 25 and 20).

Don't forget to put knee pads on him just incase he trips/slips.

 

[Blizzard]

Lots of walking!

The key to increasing iftness steadily is a nice active walk, lots of bombing around or troting everywere doesnt really achieve much if the horse is unfit.

Porkie can you post some piccies of your boy, Ive been dying to see him for a while, I love to see the oldies that are going strong!