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Post by dannyboy on Apr 23, 2010 16:30:47 GMT
.... for my Murphy. As unable to ride presently, I'm looking for a few tips on what I can do to develop Murphy's rear area. He has hardly any muscle and I accept that it has been a tough winter, he is an older horse and has had no-one riding him for approx 3/4 months due to the harsh weather conditions and of course as I'm pregnant. I am long-reining Murphy approx 2/3 times per week for approx 1 mile each time. I am going to increase the distance gradually but how far do you think would be satisfactory? I still really enjoy working from the ground and although I have been doing long-reining I was wondering if there was anything else I could do. I had thought about lunging Murphy in the field that he currently uses but wanted to run it past you guys first. The field is quite flat, it seems to be in good condition although it may be uneven at parts. I did learn how to lunge at my horse management class but it was some time ago - what would I need to purchase to get me started? Any advice welcome  |
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Post by fleabitten on Apr 23, 2010 16:39:59 GMT
hey DB  I cant really advise much on the long reining as no experience but i know that hills are the best thing for him, a good brisk walk up and down hills. You could do a bit of suppling exercises on the ground. Stretching him laterally using treats or feed or grass etc. Getting him to stretch his nose towards his hip on each side: stretch along his back by getting his nose in between his legs. Bending at the poll- touching his nose to his chest. You could do a bit of in hand work with him. Practice getting him standing square, trotting up, leading well at your shoulder. Getting him to move sideways from the ground. I wouldnt lunge him due to his arthritis as it is a lot of pressure on the joints from constantly circling. |
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Post by brigadier on Apr 23, 2010 19:42:58 GMT
I dont think gentle lungeing would harm DB but best get your vets advise on this as they would be the best to advise on whether suitable for Murph. You can lunge off the bridle inthe first instance to see how you go, all you need is alunge line and a whip. Make sure he wears boots and you wear gloves and your hat. attach the line to the bit and thread through to the opposite side so the line comes through the inside bit ring, then dirst Murph around you, let him walk freely then ask for transitions from walk to trot and trot to walk. Just doing lots of these calmly will start to build him up, if youve had lessons on this before then its simply practice. deffo wouldnt canter a horse with arthritis on the lunge to any extent but he may offer to canter on his own. Once you start getting more confident then you can consider using side reins or even a pessoa to help him balance and shape more, but in the first instance let him sort his own balance out as he will be rusty. I personally wouldnt invest in a lunge cavesson just yet. He will be safe and comfortable to lunge with just the bridle for the time being.
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Post by dannyboy on May 8, 2010 22:45:12 GMT
I had a go at lunging today and loved it. Murphy was an old pro and it took very little effort. I was surprised that after 20mins he wasn't even breathless but then again I hardly had him killed - walk to trot transitions on each rein - wonderful!!
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Post by fleabitten on May 9, 2010 19:47:04 GMT
Thats great! All that pottering about in the field and long reining must have made him fitter than you think!
Glad he was good - did he try and sneak grass? lol!
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Post by dannyboy on May 9, 2010 20:59:28 GMT
No, no sneaking of grass. I had him out today again and once again, he went like a dream. I will give him a couple of days of now and see how he fairs but all in all I'm delighted.
If I want to keep Murphy fit but not over fit, how often do you feel I should lunge / long rein per week?
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Post by fleabitten on May 9, 2010 21:01:42 GMT
Aw, what a good boy - better manners than my greedy ponies lol! Good stuff |
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for so much hard work we thank ye!!