Weight loss ideas without riding

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SavvyAngel

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I have a horse who was retired from riding a couple of years ago after a stifle injury. During the last two years I've sat on him for the odd short hack but I decided to stop completely as it was very much like stepping on eggshells and not enjoyable for either of us (he also has a history of back problems and the stifle injury seemed to make this worse too).
As he is only 12 years old, and has a brain big enough for the whole yard, and enough adrenaline an energy to power the whole town.... I didn't want to write him off in the field for the rest of his years. I've done loads of groundwork with him and in hand walks over the past 6 months which he loves.

Basically he has started putting weight on, a problem I've never had before (always been a skinny thoroughbred) and I put it down to not riding. As we used to do long distances and a lot of cantering/jumping etc. I'm currently walking him in hand with some trotting (until I run out of breath) every morning for half an hour to an hour depending on how much time I have, and then a session in the field in the evenings for half an hour. Basically.. I need ideas on what to do in this session. Circles are ok as long as they are big, backing up he finds difficult. Th ongoing challenge is keeping it interesting for him while making sure it's actually doing some good physically!! Thanks for anything you may have!!
 
Could you set up a track system round his field? That should keep him moving, especially if there isn't a lot of grass and any feed/water are some way apart.
 
Maryann said:
This might be a really silly idea but have you thought of breaking him to drive.
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I was thinking that too, the light sulkie is easy to pull and as long as you are prepared to sacrifice your comfort for his [you have to perch], it might work well. There is no breeching involved, and is limited in scope [ie no competition], but it might suit you both.
 
You can also get his brain active by doing clicker training. I do it with my little gelding who since being broke to drive is a bit lost (he loved the training but he is too small to actually drive without a smaller cart which is 1k+) I've noticed a big improvement in his temperament and our bond and he also get to exercise cause he is following me about and stretching and bending.
 
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