Pssm Lesson warmup

[Pink Gorilla]

Does anyone struggle with their horses who need a longer warm up prior to lessons? I feel that due to limited time in lessons and clinics I can't get the best out of my horse, as I can't have as long a warm up as I would have at home. Therefore he feels stiff the entire lesson. My horse has PSSM too, so needs a longer warmup sometimes. Any tips?

 

[SEL]

My PSSM horse is retired now but taking her to clinics was always a struggle - trying to tell whoever was taking it that we wouldn't be trotting, cantering in the first 15 mins and we couldn't stand still for long periods of time either.

Is there any opportunity to at least hand walk before the clinic?

 

[mavandkaz]

My boy also needs a long slow warm up, with plenty of walking.
I tend to get him walking around the car park 10-15mins before any lesson or clinic, either in hand or on board. If I know the area, I will sometimes take him for a short hack first, even if it's just up the road and back.
To be fair, I've always done similar before lessons on any horse, as want to get the most for my money, so make sure they are at least partially warmed up first. I will also cool down after the lesson, rather then as part of the lesson.
In clinics, I've never had an issue about not being able to keep them moving. Even in group jump lessons in small schools. Just make sure I stay out the way, but keep on the move.

 

[maya2008]

If the lesson/clinic is local, could you warm up at home? Then pop in lorry, drive to venue, tack back up and hop on.

 

[MissTyc]

I do all flexing, stretching and lateral work before I even get on, in the car park or wherever is most suitable at any given venue. Usually 10 min in hand, then 10 under saddle all in walk, and find he can usually spring into a soft trot once we hit the arena. The more I perfected my groundwork warmup routine, the more I wondered why I hadn't done this my whole life and with every horse, pssm or not!

 

[millitiger]

Plenty of rugs/exercise sheets and walk in hand and/or ridden in the car park?
.I think most clinics would be quite accommodating about allowing you in early to warm up if you keep out if the way or maybe request first slot of the day so you can be warmed up by time trainer is ready to go?

 

[Pink Gorilla]

Great tips thanks! I do wonder about warming up in the car park, but at my dressage lessons it is a very small, quiet yard and the car park is right next to the arena. So if someone is already having a lesson in the arena, I worry about annoying them by distracting their horse by walking mine around in circles next to the arena. I'm probably being silly and overthinking things worrying about that. I can certainly do some groundwork stretching without causing too much distraction though.

 

[Pink Gorilla]

If the lesson/clinic is local, could you warm up at home? Then pop in lorry, drive to venue, tack back up and hop on.

About 15mins away usually. Will give it a go and see if it helps

 

[paddy555]

About 15mins away usually. Will give it a go and see if it helps

travel can be a problem for them. Obviously rugged over the back end when travelling, exercise sheet on to work but can you either ride there (traffic may make that impossible) or can you unbox a short distance away and ride or walk in hand, a quiet area off the yard to at least lunge?
Ask the YO for help, if they appreciate the problem they may have a quiet area etc you could go to?

 

[SEL]

With PSSM I wouldn't suggest warming up at home and then travelling - those muscles aren't great with stop / start in my experience

I'm sure you're already keeping him warm but perhaps try a little more just to keep the hindquarters soft. Then I really would just do laps of the car park if you can. I've seen people do it with horses that won't stay on the lorry and at least it keeps him moving.

 

[humblepie]

Not because of PSSM but current horse often did in hand laps of the lorry park. He didn’t used to stand on the lorry and I think being an ex racehorse being led round by a person was quite usual for him and he likes the attention.