Silly question about fittening horse

[trundle]

My mare went lame as a result of her arthritis in August, and had a lot of time off. I didnt want to ride her until I was confident that the joint supplements had really loaded up in her system, and that she wasn't in pain. I was also concerned about the very hard ground.

I've only ridden her a handful of times since she came sound, but last week i got back on with the intention of getting her back to work. She was really lovely, happy, striding out and ready to GO, it was super.

However, here is the numpty question. I am just walking her at the moment, as she obviously doesn't have much muscle. However, she really really wants to go - will i risk hurting her if i let her trot on the soft ground if she wants to? I don't think it will jar her knees, we've had a LOT of rain recently. Or should i stick to walking for a bit longer until she is stronger?

 

[smallgirl]

I've always been taught and follow the mantra of a weeks walk for every month off.

So if it was me then I'd not trot her at all yet, the soft ground may not be too bad but it is worth being perhaps a bit impatient for the sake of a few minutes trotting or wait until she is definately fit enough to cope with it?

 

[JosieSmith]

A livery at our yard has an arthritic horse and she has been walking and trotting to get him back to fitness, and the vet said if he wants to canter let him, he won't do it if he's not ready.

I'm not a vet so can't say if the same applies to your horse I'm afraid

 

[lexiedhb]

Is she trotting/cantering about the field? I wouldnt imagine short bits of slow steady trot would do her much harm..... just not 20mins on a 10m circle!!