Coming back into work, nearly two months off?

Question

so my horse is comming back into work this week, he has been on stall rest/limited turnout/walk rides since May 3.

we got his hocks injected thursday so he is finally able to come back into work.. of course, he has NO mucles (he looses and gains muscle very quickly)

my question is..

i want him to be working round/collected because it will help his back and hocks and hips, all of which he needs..

on the other hand, he REALLY doesn't want to collect for me, its difficult for him due to his lack of muscle and i feel somewhat bad making him do it..

so what should i do? get him long and low muscle and THEN collect, or go straight back into collection..

any opinions appreciated

p.s he is okay to ride per the vet/trainer(s)/massage therapist, and other trusted horse people, so his unwillingniss isn't a lameness issue, its just that its hard for him and he doesn't feel like doing it (i know my horse...)

Answer 1

defiantly start long and low. he needs to have the muscles in order to learn how to use them. i suggest to lunge him a lot and work him so his muscles can build. try working with a dressage trainer one you start to try to collect him. they will know a lot about collection and extension.

Answer 2

Definately start to build those muscles, or he might get sore and hurt.

Lunging on the trot for more than half an hour is an excellent way to get him back in shape, making sure he's light on the forehand. Lunging him with trotting poles about two weeks after he starts the inital workouts will help him be more balanced for the saddle too.

Answer 3

Yes, start long and low.  He needs to redevelop the muscles in his back just to support your weight.  Gradually begin asking for collection for short periods, only after several weeks (how long will depend on many factors) of work to redevelop all of the muscles used in riding.  Ground poles and cavaletti will help him strengthen, but again, not right away.  And start on flat ground, evetnually adding hillwork (if you have hills).

Definitely do not jump back into collected work.

Answer 4

I would go back into ground work...... I mean not like a long time just something where you work with him on the ground for 15 minutes before you ride. IT will help him get back into shape and back into his old self.