Mid
Well-Known Member
To put it mildly, my pony is a little overweight.
Who am I kidding? He literally has rolls of fat, and is too unfit to canter for more then a few strides before slowing down and puffing!
He's only been ridden a handful of times in the last five years, but turned out, and, being a highland, getting fat off thin air!
He arrived at the yard on tuesday morning, we rode him in the evening. So we've ridden him for two days in a row now, between and hour and 45 minutes of flat work. We haven't jumped him yet, or hacked out - He's never really been in a menage before (at least not for a good few years), and is still getting used to the whole idea! It involves a lot of kicking, I can tell you
He's not too ploddy, and definately tries his best, but we really need a strict routine.
So. Jayjay Doormouse is a 16 year old 13hh highland pony gelding. He was entire until he was 5, and covered a few mares, so he's naturally quite chunky, but this is definately chub.
He struggles to canter at all at the moment, simply because of his weight. After 45 minutes of walk, and a little trot and canter he is pretty worn out, and although he recovers himself quite quickly after a rest, it's really not too great.
Because of his age, we don't want anything too vigorous, but need to work on weight loss, building up muscle mostly in his quarters and chest, and then general schooling for suppleness. He can be a bit pushy with his bit, but is allready more responsive to leg aids (once he realises we have a stick!).
The grass in his paddock is very good. He is bought in and groomed and fussed over (we have use of a stable because the owner of the mare it belongs to is pregnant) for about an hour, and given a small haynet. We then take him into the school and work on circles and stuff for 45 mins. Then he goes back in his stable for a little while to give him his tea and time to cool down (untacking, rugging up, and more fussing). He is fed about two thirds of a scoop of Happy Hoof, with a spoonful of garlic and a dribble of cod liver oil (yum
) The main point of this meal is to give him a reward for being so good all day while we rode him. He also has haylage in his field (mostly for the two mares - he prefers grass).
He's the sweetest and most affectionate pony I've ever met, and I want him to enjoy being schooled.
We have access to a round pen, an arena, and miles of off road hacking.
So how do you think we should adjust his schedule to build up his fitness? He hates being in at nights, btw, and we don't really have time to bring him in and out every day, as the yard is a 15 minute drive away.
Thankyou
Who am I kidding? He literally has rolls of fat, and is too unfit to canter for more then a few strides before slowing down and puffing!
He's only been ridden a handful of times in the last five years, but turned out, and, being a highland, getting fat off thin air!
He's not too ploddy, and definately tries his best, but we really need a strict routine.
So. Jayjay Doormouse is a 16 year old 13hh highland pony gelding. He was entire until he was 5, and covered a few mares, so he's naturally quite chunky, but this is definately chub.
He struggles to canter at all at the moment, simply because of his weight. After 45 minutes of walk, and a little trot and canter he is pretty worn out, and although he recovers himself quite quickly after a rest, it's really not too great.
Because of his age, we don't want anything too vigorous, but need to work on weight loss, building up muscle mostly in his quarters and chest, and then general schooling for suppleness. He can be a bit pushy with his bit, but is allready more responsive to leg aids (once he realises we have a stick!).
The grass in his paddock is very good. He is bought in and groomed and fussed over (we have use of a stable because the owner of the mare it belongs to is pregnant) for about an hour, and given a small haynet. We then take him into the school and work on circles and stuff for 45 mins. Then he goes back in his stable for a little while to give him his tea and time to cool down (untacking, rugging up, and more fussing). He is fed about two thirds of a scoop of Happy Hoof, with a spoonful of garlic and a dribble of cod liver oil (yum
He's the sweetest and most affectionate pony I've ever met, and I want him to enjoy being schooled.
We have access to a round pen, an arena, and miles of off road hacking.
So how do you think we should adjust his schedule to build up his fitness? He hates being in at nights, btw, and we don't really have time to bring him in and out every day, as the yard is a 15 minute drive away.
Thankyou
