Lunging an older horse..

K

karenjj

Well-Known Member
Joined
19 May 2008
Messages
470
Location
Norfolk
Visit site
Just wondered your opinions on lunging an older horse (not that old, 19, but only really ever used for hacking), to keep weight off and keep them fit? I know lunging is tough on their joints so is it a good idea or would hacking once a week and a bit of schooling be better? Thanks
 
I'd just hack more personally. 19 isn't "old" IMHO so I don't see any reason why you can't just increase the amount of hacking you're doing.

If it helps, my 15 yo (I know there are 4 years difference but that isn't a lot!) with arthritis is a fattie and he is currently doing.... 3 x sessions on the walker (mon, weds, fri) plus is ridden 6-7 days a week otherwise he would be the size of a house. Lots of work is the only way I can keep weight off him. He schools once a week (sometimes twice, instead of a hack), jumps once a week, lunges or works in hand once a week, does fast work once a week in our big field, and hack 2 or 3 times a week (sometimes also hack after schooling to cool off if time). Hacks can be up to 2.5 hours each with trotting, cantering and jumping. He has always hunted and this year he may go out with bloodhounds instead of foxhounds, to minimise trot work on roads.

So in your case I would just hack more.
 
do a bit of everything- hack for longer or more often
do some schooling- suppling exercises good to start with untill he gets fitter
lunge once a week. my 21 yr old still lunges just avoid tight circles and strenous work
 
When you lunge it might be easier to forget just going round and round in circles, you can walk up and down the school which mean nice straight lines and less wear and tear on the joints!
 
I lunge my 18 year old twice a week to keep weight down, dont have time to actually ride during the week. I make the circles quite big and use a good half of the school - keeps me fit too, that way there are straight line. and he is a cob x
 
Could you maybe try loose schooling rather than lungeing? see how he takes to the principal of the matter? or yes, lunging up and down rather than round and round would be better :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top