Concerned - I'm I going too far too fast?

[dophi_arno]

Hey, I was hoping someone could make sure I'm not doing the wrong thing.

Harashee has been bought back into work this week, after having been on spell for 3.5 months. I know you're meant to bring them back into work slowly, walking at first and then introducing small amounts of trot and working up from there progressively but on Tuesday I couldn't resist going for w/t/c. He seemed absolutely fine on Wednesday, so did similar. Thursday I got worried that I was getting carried away, so slowed things down with a schooling session at the walk, but today I felt tempted to do w/t/c again. He doesnt seem sore, still has a lot of go in him at the end of a session and just seems his normal happy self.

Am I going way too fast? Could I be damaging his legs or health or something if I continue like this? I'm worried I'm going to mess him up if I don't stick to walking, but am confused at the same time as he seems fine with the trotting and cantering :confused:

[KateWooten]

Why did he have the time off - lameness / injury etc ?

[dophi_arno]

I took a holiday to South Africa in December, and it seemed logical to take him out before my exams as well so that I could concentrate on studying. He has no soundness issues as far as I know.

[KateWooten]

well in that case, don't worry - you'll do just fine with what you're doing. He obviously is enjoying the rides, and as long as it stays that way, then he's not in pain or overstressed. While you were away he was probably out somwhere cantering about a bit on his own :) It sounds like you're 'listening to the horse' and he will tell you if he's gettig overstressed because he'll not want to go ride with you, or he'll show some aggression, or reluctance to go forward. Just listen out to his needs a little like you are doing, and you two will do great.

Kate

[Mehitabel]

was he stabled, or out 24/7 while you were away?

after 3 months i would not be cantering the fdirst week, even if he has been out, and absolutely not if he was in overnight. they do keep themselves fitter out 24/7, and regaining muscle is faster than building it up from scratch, but even so, asking too much can put him at increased risk of pulling a muscle or straining a tendon or a ligament. if he trips or stumbles, he is more likely to injure himself more seriously.

they don't know their limitations, especially when factoring in the weight of tack and rider, so we can't rely on how enthusiastic they feel to gauge fitness.

i woudl take at least two or three weeks, riding every day, to build up to canter work.

[dophi_arno]

Thanks for your replies. Mehitabel that's what I was worried about, straining a tendon or ligament, etc. He was out 24/7, in a large paddock with 10 or so other horses, and apparently cantering and galloping frequently but I wouldn't hold much weight to that statement.

In the past when he's come back from summer spelling I've followed a strict routine of walking 1 hour every day for the first 1 to 2 weeks, then introducing trotting, by week four beginning gentle cantering. Riding on Tuesday however he felt really forward going (which I thought was just excitement from being out again) but he has been the same so far all week... which is a lot different to how he was this time last year after spelling for a shorter time (he worked up a sweat much faster, seemed sluggish, etc) which is what is causing my confusion!

[Mehitabel]

i don't think you need to go as slowly as you have before, since he is coping, has been out and active and hasn't been lame. i would walk and a bit of trot now, and aim to be cantering in a couple of weeks.

[dophi_arno]

Alrighty, I'll slow things down a little then. Thanks heap for your advice and kind help!