[littlemoney08]

So I haven't been riding as much as I use to and that means my horse is totally out of shape! Well I really want to show at local or open shows maybe higher depending on how far I can get him.

I do western pleasure with him and english hunter on the flat and halter stuff. Well I have never really had to get him in shape from this point.

So any suggestions on like a training schedule? What type of exercises would be awesome and help him build muscle back and he really needs to learn to collect and the lope, but I have gotten better at that its just its gunna take time again to get it back.

Like i was thinking about making him go over polls on the ground so he'll get better at picking up his feat and maybe eventually i'll moe them around into obstacles and then maybe we could eventually do trail classes.


So I think since this is my first time having to do this type of training. I think I may keep a blog and start from the beginning with pics and what not!

[gopony]

I would find a very demanding instructor who gives strenuous lessons, and the two of you should take several lessons a week until you are back in shape. You will also have a second set of eyes to monitor your progress and you will improve your riding at the same time. My instructor was like a drill sergeant. Lots and lots and lots of trot (posting) work, especially in group lessons where everyone not being worked with would trot until it was their turn. My horse and myself were VERY in shape when I was taking 2-3 lessons per week, an hour each lesson, plus riding on my own time. When I stopped taking lessons we both got flabby.

[littlemoney08]

Well I am pretty good at pushing myself and my horse, but I can't really afford to many lessons. Like I will be taking lessons soon at least twice a month.

[sqshers]

Don't overdo it at the beginning. Work her up to a point where pushing her is safe. If she's way out of shape and you push her, well you'll just end up with more problems

Im not an expert, but I would start with lots of trotting. Circles, bending, figure 8s, etc etc. Work your way up.

[littlemoney08]

Yeah I am not pushing to hard. Last thing I need is problems.
Yeah I have been doing a lot of trotting and I have been thiking about a few of those! Thanks!!

Like the past two days I just lunged him because I forgot my bridle but it ended up being a good thing bcause it showed me what we need to work on.

Here are a few pics from the first day

http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlemoney08/

[xlilxonex]

Start slow!
I'd do lots of walk/trot sets... Trot for one minute, walk for two and do that multiple times building up the trot sets to longer/more frequent, and lowering the break inbetween...

When you horse starts getting tired, push for a tiny bit more, and walk it out... Similar to how you would running.. Your not going to go out and run for 5 miles the first time, just build up...

Can you trail ride any? Long trail rides with mostly walk and some trot will do wonders!

[littlemoney08]

Thanks that really helps and makes tons of sense!!

There aren't really trails but there are big fields i can ride in. Thats about it

[littlemoney08]

So I lunged for about the fourth time since I have decided to get him back in shape. I haven't ridden him to much since i keep forgetting my bridle, but its nice bc we are getting a lot of grond work done and he has already tried to start collecting and I really haven't even done much he is on a loose lunge line and just decided to start collecting. ahh it was awesome. he got treats for sure!