Finding it impossible....

[dannyboy]

....fitting everything in. I've been trying to get Murphy exercised at least every other day but with 2 small children and me relying on my husband to go out with me (as I'm too chicken by myself), its proving difficult.

I had set a plan - ride Murphy every other day at walk for 15mins for the first week. Then increasing this to 20mins in the second week and then 30 mins on the 3rd week, introducing hill work. I haven't been keeping to this tho due to children.

Hubby could stay at home with the kids, Is there any other training I can do from the ground solo. I have all the gear for long reining - could this be an option or would it be better for me to be on him? I done some free schooling today in an enclosed area, mostly at walk although he did trot now and again.
He's not really listening to my aids and I think he will need alot of work to respect me. He's a big stubborn chappy and I think the break has left him unwilling to work. He's also starting to click again, I'm currently using Devils Claw Root but its still only been approx a week into it so not sure if its working. He's also made a very strong bond with Casper and doesn't want to go anywhere without him and can be therefore very strong which un-nerves me.

Any suggestions?

[solomon]

I think you are being hard on yourself. It's always tough trying to stick to any fitness regime. I have never managed to keep up working Pete for more than a couple of weeks before life gets in the way! Also horses like routine, he is just out of practice. Not really stubborn. Nice for him to have a buddy. Just do what you can and try and enjoy it. Things will improve I am sure. Gentle regular excercise good for his joints too.

[ceej]

Devils claw will take at least 6 weeks to start working...I may have missed the diagnosis of this clicking> is it a tendon sheath?

Yes you are being very hard on yourself! Is there anyone locally you can out riding with? Ground work will improve him listening to you - lunging and then moving onto long reining - do not dot he latter until you are certain he understands your voice aids etc as its a tricky thing!! do you have somewhere to ride in safety on your own? eg a school or small field? Mix your regime then if it helps - 1 x hack with hubby, 1 x lunge, 1 x school (of course, gentle if he is unfit, lots of turns in walk at first - get him going where you want concentrate on going in a straight line and turning where you want) This will help him with listening and with suppling

do some lunging (not too much at first as it is hard work for an unfit horse) and make sure he stops when you ask and moves on when you ask. they pick it up pretty quickly with lots of praise when they get it right. It can help a great deal with respect issues and your bond will improve.

Then you will have a nice mix of things to do that you may find easier to fit in and he will get a nice all round work out every week...

Hope that helps.

[dannyboy]

Yeah, I am probably too hard on myself I just can't wait to get back in the saddle properly.

Thanks Ceej, this is very helpful. I like the sound of this - variety is the spice of life!!

Murphy has arthritis. It affects him by stiffness, clicking in his joints and dipping in the rear. I have taken him off his supplement as it was costing £80 every other month which was becoming quite a strain on my purse. I do hope I have as much success with the devils claw as you have had.

[brigadier]

What about having a couple of half hour lessons every week, that way you can keep him steady, will have something to aim for to keep you motivated, improve your confidence etc etc etc. I know there is a cost but if it gets you going again it will be worth it. Your little paddock would be big enough wouldnt it and ask about for an instructor, most will do this for a regular client esp if you offer some petrol money as well.

[brigadier]

and........I know exactly what you mean about fitting everything in- its a nightmare!!!!

[racaille]

DB relax! We all have trouble fitting everything in, honest! It's called life! And don't think it gets any easier as the kids get older! Mine are now teenagers and yes, I can safely leave them at home but balanced against that is the fact they need taxiing around everywhere to their own activities.

I've been working so hard over the summer that Paco has been off really, with just a small amount of work to keep him going.

Try not to beat yourself up and just do the best you can love.