Are there any ground work and ridden videos that would be a good place to start after time off after an injury?
Original Question
Hi Angie,
Karlo has been on paddock rest for a month now, but I’m getting to the point where I can start getting him back into some work (some corrective shoeing and pentosan injections for my gorgeous old boy).
I don’t want to rush him back too fast, I was thinking of a week or so of ground work before I get back in the saddle? Are there any ground work and ridden videos that would be a good place to start where he can start moving again in a gentle way? I’m planning a weekend of watching videos and making a plan, but thought I’d throw the question out or am I being too sensitive and can get back into the saddle earlier? His ground work is pretty awesome thanks to his previous training.
PS – I’ve been watching new videos go up eagerly, there’s nothing like a forced absence from the saddle to make you crave a ride so much more!!
Angie’s Answer
Great question Gina,
I would use the time to play with your groundwork and focus on supporting and building the connection between the tasks so he relaxes. You will need to make sure that you move his feet in a way that gets the fresh out of him (as you don’t want to be getting on a fresh horse!!).
Do as bigger circles as you can on the lunge, just not as hard on his legs etc. if you are having problems with that. But don’t go around and around, move his feet then work on connection (The video on where I bring a young 4 year old into work after a 4 month spell will help).
https://wicksequine.com/videos/how-to-ground-work-a-horse-in-prep-for-the-first-ride-back-after-a-4-month-spell/
Then when you feel SAFE to ride him, I would work on lots of straight lines (not small circles). Swinging in the walk, like we practice at clinics. Watch the ”Walk video’ where I am on Django. Bring the frame up, then stretch and swing the walk in long straight lines. Practice lots of halt transitions. Focus on his RELAXATION!!
https://wicksequine.com/videos/two-exercises-at-the-walk-the-crawl-and-the-free-walk/
Also, when I bring a horse back into work after an injury, once I start trotting, I do big ovals/rectangles around the big arena, so long straight lines and just focus on rhythm and relaxation. I actually time my trotting or count the laps. Start slow and build a few extra laps a day to slowly build fitness. Lots of stopping to encourage him to let down and relax as I know he is sensitive. Once his fitness builds up then you can go back to your normal training routine.
Anyway I hope that helps, HAVE FUN!!!