Fitness Programme for 5yr old

[Werthers22]

Hi all,

I've just bought a new horse, a 5 year old sports horse mare.

She's in ok condition but her back end is very weak (pointy looking) although she's not ribby. She just needs to build some muscle.

Anyway I've been walking her out under saddle for a week for about 20 -30mins or so each time. Im going to start increasing this over the next few days up til we're out for 45 mins or so.

Does anyway have any tips on building her up? She's having a medium sized feet with a conditioner and plenty of hay (and grass!)

Thanks x

[Joyscarer]

Anyone?

[teabiscuit]

have you got any hills? walking up hills is a fab way to get them fit.

walk out briskly but give lots of opportunity for little rests so she can get her breath back

[Werthers22]

Just got back from a slightly longer excursion! Walked her out round some new fields for approx 45 mins up and down some gentle-ish hills. She was so tired when we got back bless her! She's such a good girl, she walked past two massive combine harvesters without so much as a snort... not bad for a five year old who has only been with me 1 week!

Thanks for the posts guys, keep em coming!!

:)