Back into work

[catlover_98uk]

Hi
After a year off, being in foal, I am now planning to bring Evee back into work. We weaned the foal from her last weekend, and both are fine - no major stress to speak of. Evee's udder is now empty and I am desperate to ride!
I don't want to rush anything, and I'm particularly worried about riding her too soon, when perhaps she is not ready 'muscle' wise.
I lunged her for 10 mins today, tried to keep it to a walk, but she wanted to trot - so I let her. She is turned out everyday, and has been out all year until last week, so in my eyes, she's been walking all that time, why walk on the lunge?
She did sweat up, quite quickly, but she hasn't been clipped, and does have a rather 'shaggy' coat right now!
What should be regime as far as bringing her back into work and me eventually riding?
Thanks
Pam

[galadriel]

Got a couple of articles for you (I love Jessica Jahiel :))
http://www.horse-sense.org/archives/recobroo.htm
http://www.horse-sense.org/archives/yearoff.htm
http://www.horse-sense.org/archives/retraining.htm

[catlover_98uk]

Thanks for that - its very useful and informative!

I think I'll just continue to lunge for the next couple of weeks, then ride at walk for 15 mins every other day. Take things slowly and hopefully she'll feel the benefit!

Pam

[gypsydust]

Thanks for those links, they're great, esp the one about bringing a broodmare back into work - I'm getting my new Irish cob next week who has been off work for two years while she had a foal. Cheers!