[TB4life]

Now that Leader's sound again, he's going to be getting back in shape. He hasn't been ridden consistently for some time so he's not up for a workout. I want to start using him for my lessons, so he needs to be able to be ridden at 3 gaits for over an hour...and since I'll be jumping soon, he'll need to be in good enough shape to do that too. I know it'll take time to get him there, but I'm willing.
What's the safest way to get him back in shape?
Today I rode him at a walk for about 10 minutes (bearback, so it was relaxed). How long each time would you recommed I ride him? When should I start trotting?
Thanks!

[PaintedRocket]

Take it easy the first few weeks.

I dont know his history or why he was lame, but for the first week I'd just walk him. No riding either, just hand walking or walking on the lunge. 10min a day 5 days a week. Then the next week walking under saddle. Light trotting on the lunge for 5-10min a day for a few days.. feel him how and see how he's doing. And slowly build up the time on the lunge and under saddle.. and by week 3 trotting under saddle up to 20minutes. If he's still doing well then trotting/canter on the lunge and under saddle..

So basically, just slowly start him out again. If he feels okay or shows you he can handle more work, inch it up.

[TB4life]

Thanks for the answer!

[Spinnaker]

How long has he been off for? I would start with 3 10-15 minute sessions per week and increase it as the month goes on. I read somewhere at one point in time that a horse's training amount shouldn't increase by more than 5% per week. So you can either work with your horse more often during the week or keep to those 3 days and increase the intensity of the workout (speed/pace and hill work). Within about 6-8 weeks your horse should be at a decent place and you should notice more muscling, increased energy level, and increased respiratory response. The biggest thing is to keep tabs on how the tendons and ligaments, sometimes it takes them longer to get into high gear than it does your horse's muscles and respiratory and cardiovascular system.

[TB4life]

He's been off for about 4 months.
The cause of his lameness was a bone chip.

[Spinnaker]

Have you talked with your vet about his workout routine and getting him back into shape?

[TB4life]

Not yet; planning on doing that, though!

[LRHenneman]

One of the horse magazines had a routine for getting a horse back in shape. Unless the horse is terribly unfit, I don't see why you couldn't start with slow work under saddle--alternating walking and resting for an hour--equal rest times between the walking. The next week add a little short jogging to the walking with adequate rest and just keep upping the gain for the next month. Cantering should be OK in a month or so. Obviously, you need to watch to see the horse is progressing, and adjust accordingly.

Horses can come back more quickly than humans, it seems and they don't seem to get unfit as quickly as humans either. Doesn't seem fair.

[Buckshot]

How fit is he?

Not sure how much of an athlete you yourself are, but you'll want to bring Leader back just like you were bringing yourself back from an injury.

First week could be light walking/jogging under saddle, ground-driving is good too.

In the following weeks lengthen your walk/jogging sessions, and ask for more advanced maneuvers.

Within 6 weeks, you could probably be adding short cantering periods.

I know - it's hard not to be impatient - but as with any injury, the possibility of reinjuring it is something you really want to avoid because chances are it will be worse than the initial injury.

[Spinnaker]

Originally Posted by TB4life

Not yet; planning on doing that, though!

When you talk with your vet ask questions - what should I start off with first? lunging? or riding? how long? how many times a week? what intensity? your vet will know how much your horse can handle off the bat and should be able to supply you with exercises that you can perform to help strengthen your horse to prevent reinjury. Then work on getting him into physical shape like these suggestions everyone is giving. Always keep track of how that bone chip is doing - watch for heat, swelling, etc.