Tips for bringing mare back into work

[Leary]

My mare was out of action for over 3 months due to being kicked in the jaw and suffering a nasty fracture. My vet is now happy for me to start riding her again, but only in a headcollar (monty roberts) but hopefully she will be back in a proper bridle after her November x-rays. Been hacking her out and she's been fine, bit excited but that was to be expected. Anyway, decided to walk and trot her around the rubber school last night, she's been trotting fine out hacking, and she appeared quite lame and uncomfortable. She was also setting her neck to the side, and going around really crooked. She's never been that straight, but since she's been off work that seems to have gotten worse, again not so noticeable out hacking, but very noticeable in the school. What we did in the school was very gentle, but thinking now maybe should just stick to gentle hacks. But want to supple her up a bit, because of her stiffness, but hacking alone won't be enough. Tips please, by the way she's 17.

 

[WandaMare]

Poor girl, i guess it will take awhile for her to rebuild her muscle. Also she has probably been holding her neck unevenly due to her injury. Have you had her checked over by a chiro / physio or back person? I would imagine some massage might help improve her suppleness and help get her ready for work.

They could probably give you some exercises to do with her both from the ground and while out hacking. Hopefully this would help her get back into work sooner.