training older horse

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solgabrien

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I have the oportunity to work with a 15 yr old Hackney mare who was broken professionally but has not been ridden for 6 years. I was wondering if anyone has any advice as to how to approach working with her? Thanks.
 
I rode an anglo arab mare who had been broken and ridden away but then left in a field for 10 years. I got straight on her and she was fine, but with hindsight I would probably long rein a few times first to make sure the horse still got the general idea of what it was supposed to do!

I think as long as you take it steady to begin with you'll be fine, but obv has a lot to do with the horses temperament as well
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Just be aware that she may be stiffer, and take a little longer to work in/walk off to avoid problems. Having said that, both OH and I have 17 yr old horses who have 4 yr old brains & bodies!
 
I was given a mare who was 12 a few years ago, she had been backed as a 4 yr old and then been a field ornament. I treated her as an unbroken youngster and just broke her as you normally would a youngster. I did however have some issues with her being evasive but she grew out of those eventually, it is not something for the faint hearted as with the old saying you can't teach an old dog new tricks, you can but it takes longer. I also had her full brother who again had not been ridden for 8 years but he was 14 and I lunged him a couple of times with his tack on then just started riding him. Hope these 2 scenarios are of help. Both horses are both still out competing.
 
Thanks for all your suggestions - I was thinking of lungeing first and then seeing how we go. It's great to know that there are other horses/people who have been in this situation. The mare is kind but perhaps a bit "sparky" so i'll see what her attitude is once the tack is back on! Thanks again
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