More Robin advice please

[doodle]

Firstly he is awesome and I am not worried about him!

we have just done 3 weeks inhand walking (all out “hacking” I’m not planning much school work so not been lunging or in the school). Started every other day for 10mins. Now up to 2 or 3 days then a day off and out for 15/20 mins. He is loving it. He is so keen and happy to be out but so well behaved. Yard is top of the hill so anyway we go there is a hill back up. He storms up leaving me lagging behind. Tonight he seemed almost disappointed to be back!

My plan is to do another week walking in hand and increase the distance a bit more. Should I email the vet and ask if after this 4th week could I ride. Or should I be leaving it another couple of weeks inhand? I am in absolutely no rush to get back on despite all the opinions of just get back on and stop being wimpy. I am not anxious in the slightest about his behaviour, just how unwell he was. He was last ridden 5months ago and that wasn’t a happy event!

Basically am I on the right track or rushing things?

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Your defos on the right track. I'd say hop on for a day, off for a day on for a day, off for a day for a week or so and by the end of that he will tell you if he is happy to continue under saddle or if you need to take a small step back to just inland for a short time longer.

 

[Lucky Snowball]

Sounds to me like you're doing a fantastic job. Since he's storming back up the hill, I'd be starting to put the tack on and ride, probably just 10 mins hack. You could always ride out and walk back if he feels puffed. All your hard work and sleepless nights starting to pay off. Hope it goes well whatever you decide.

 

[doodle]

I did wonder about that. Ride down the hill and lead back up. No way of avoiding the hill ?. I have put saddle on a few times and he is so much happier, just slightly aware of the girth going up but no reaction.