Keep going or time off??

[squirtlysmum]

As some of you may know my baby horse had surgery for Kissing Spine in December, he had his pre ride check about a month ago and all went well the vet said to start slowly so I thought I'd go through the whole rebacking thing.
Anyway he's been working really well but when I went to get on he seemed unhappy so off I hopped and I now realise that it would be best for someone less involved with him to reback him as I know what he's been through and therefore panic for no reason really plus, and it's a big plus, having been chucked off big big time last year I too have to work on getting my confidence back (I was that rider that would get on any nutter and ride through the problem, suddenly I realise I'm not immortal!!)
So it's all arranged that he's off in the middle of June to a really good guy who used to teach me and doesn't believe in beating neds up when there is a problem but work through it, This period coincides with me being 30 metres under the Red Sea diving with Hammerheads.
On my return I will trundle down to the trainer and ride my boy before we return home to achieve wonderful things.
Ok, now I've blathered on for a bit, here's the question - Do I keep on lunging (which is getting awfully boring and he's a very good boy!) or do I give him a holiday until the beginning of June when I will start to gently get him back to wearing his saddle etc before he goes away?

 

[mat]

imo I would suggest some lungeing to build a bit more muscle over his back to give him a bit more padding between him and the saddle. It will reduce any discomfort for the horse when he has to take the weight of a rider again, and using a saddle may take some of the association with pain and being tacked up away..

 

[sundance]

agree with bbmat. Mine too had the KS operation, 3 removed, I spent longer than was "suggested" by the vet before having him ridden for much the same reason as you. I kept him on the lunge, but intoduced lots of poles, raised and on circles etc and long reined a lot as well. We managed to make it a bit more interesting, but still a bit dull it has to be said. The more you do the better it will be. You can lunge with or without saddle, pessoa, side reins etc. I toyed with the idea of getting a racing weight pad, but never found one, may be worth a shot. Another friend suggested filling old legings with sand and tying them to stirrups, didnt do that either, but may be worth a shot to give the horse a feel for weight. Good luck, it will all work out fine, he isnt the horse he was now, the pain will have gone. Why not ride as many different horses that you can between now and June, dont forget it is him that had the problem not you!!

 

[squirtlysmum]

Thanks guys and I'd sort of knew thats what |I'd have to do, I know he had the problem but I definatly have one too but I've started to ride a friends ned and she's done her back in so hopefully my confidence will return.