Bringing a horse back into work!!

[danilee222]

I have recently bought a 14.1hh section D mare. She has lived out in a field for 2years, and for the past 12months has been a companion. And the year before that used for hacking only.

Could anyone please tell me how I should be bringing her back into work? People keep telling me to lunge her, but surely that's too much for her?

Thanks

[blackcat77]

It would be better to start walking her out to begin with and gradually building her up until you start lunging so long as she is safe to ride quietly because then she gets a chance to muscle up a bit then you can start lunging - and try to lunge her in as large a circle as possible to start with. It really depends on how long you have to fitten her up and what you want to do with her.

[danilee222]

Thanks!

I want to do basic schooling, dressage, showjumping, long hacks and quite a bit of cross country! so it should take a long time for me to bring her back into work, i just don't see how I can lunge her without her trotting/cantering around on the lunge line..

[terambulan]

Mare has been walking/trotting/galloping in field so ur doing same movements but mounted. Important to remove her from field when working with her (so she knows 'leave field=work'. Tack her up gently, mount, ride out near traffic....for short distances/time to see response/test aids etc daily. 1hr daily to begin lengthening as time goes on.

3rd day lay trotting poles or low jump (out of home-field). Section off menage if u only have field to use.

[terambulan]

Dont forget to have her shod before u hit the road.