Spring and the nice weather has finally arrived. We have been waiting for this moment all winter long. I know I have. (At least those of us without indoor riding arenas). Let's saddle up and go!
Before heading out for that long awaited ride, there are some things you need to consider. Neither you nor your horse are in the best of shape after a winter layup. You are both out of condition and you need to bring yourselves back slowly.
For your first ride of spring, tack up and go out for a slow, easy walk. Ride for a short period of time. Enjoy the scenery and the fact that you are finally able to get out into the fresh air to ride. Do a little bit of a trot for about 10 minutes. Walk again and trot once more for about 10 minutes. If the horse is huffing and puffing, you have overworked him.
Each time you take your horse out for a ride, increase the trotting time and gradually add the canter. As you progress in the riding, both you and your horse will begin to feel fit and be able to eventually take those rides for hours on end.
Remember, your horse has not really gotten much exercise over the winter and has been mostly standing around enjoying his meals. For example, it is like you racing the marathon without training for it. You will drop before you even get started. It's the same for a horse.
A horse is an athlete and athletes need to get into condition. Without conditioning, they will break down. Rather than taking the chance of injuring the horse and being laid up for months, wouldn't you rather sacrifice that long afternoon ride until everyone is fit for it?
John:
Each section of the country is different weather wise. Here in the Northeast we are having nice spring weather.
BLR Guy:
I am planning on doing more riding and enjoying the nice weather this year. Life is too short.
Kelly:
The weather has been perfect this spring for riding.
I have to have my horse and myself fitted up before we can go ride! I had Scarlett at home in Gainesville, Va.....I never rode her. This year I finally decided to board her at the barn of a close friend. One of those horse people that you know if you had half a little fingers worth of her horse sense, you'd be a brilliant horse person yourself. And she's very humble about it! I was lucky to have found a stall in this barn since no one ever leaves! It's right across a quiet little two lane street from the battlefields...never have to trailer again! And I already have 3 friends boarding there. Giddyup!!!
Great to hear that, Anne! Very few of us get that opportunity. Have a great time!!