Back in the Saddle: Some ideas for Bringing Horses Back into Work After a Break
Back in the Saddle: Some ideas for Bringing Horses Back into Work After a Break avatar

By | 02/01/2024
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Back in the Saddle: Some ideas for Bringing Horses Back into Work After a Break

Have you been away for Christmas, or just let your horse ‘be’? If so, you’ll probably be thinking about bringing your horse back into work after a well-deserved break. Whether due to injury, a change in seasons, or other reasons, helping our horses regain their fitness and enthusiasm is a rewarding journey. Here are some steps and considerations for a smooth transition.

Some ideas:

  1. Assessment and Consultation: Before jumping back into the saddle, take the time to assess your horse’s overall health and maybe consult with your vet or equine professional. A thorough check-up will help identify any underlying issues and ensure your horse is physically ready for the workload ahead.
  2. Gradual Reintroduction to Exercise: Patience is key, take it as slow as you need to. Starting with light groundwork and gradually reintroducing exercise is the sensible way. Lunging, in-hand work, and free movement in a round pen can help rebuild muscle and improve flexibility without the added weight of a rider. This will build up the bond between you again also. With riding, start off in the saddle for a part of your exercise program and increase as your horse becomes fitter and more flexible.
  3. Establishing a Routine: Create a consistent schedule for feeding, exercise, and rest. This predictability can help reduce stress and allow your horse to adjust more easily to the renewed activity.
  4. Building Cardiovascular Fitness: Begin with low-intensity exercises and gradually increase the duration and intensity. Incorporate a mix of walking, trotting, and then cantering to build cardiovascular fitness. Pay attention to how your horse reacts, observe your horse’s breathing and heart rate, adjust the level of work accordingly.
  5. Strength and Flexibility Training: Include exercises that focus on building strength and flexibility such as hill work, pole exercises, and lateral movements which can help improve muscle tone and overall flexibility.
  6. Monitoring for Signs of Discomfort: Keep a close eye on your horse for any signs of discomfort, lameness, or behavioural changes. Address any concerns promptly and, if necessary, consult with a professional or vet.
  7. Mental Engagement: Mental well-being is just as important as physical fitness. Incorporate activities that stimulate your horse mentally, such as trail rides, varied terrain, and exposure to new environments, even taking your horse out for an in-hand walk. Introducing new obstacles for your horse to navigate will engage their brain and be satisfying for you too!
  8. Nutritional Support: Consider how your horse’s diet will support the increased energy requirements during the return to work. Maybe more forage is needed. Consider whether your horse needs any additional nutrients to support their body and, if necessary, consult with a nutritionist for optimal health and performance.

Bringing a horse back into work is a collaborative effort between rider and equine partner. By prioritizing their physical and mental well-being, establishing a thoughtful routine, and gradually increasing the intensity of exercise, you’ll set the stage for a successful and enjoyable return to the saddle. Of course, we need to consider our own fitness too.

Here’s to many happy rides ahead and hopefully better weather!

 

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