Please help me with my horse!?

Question

So my friend has a horse, and she wants me to take care of it for her, since she is really busy. The horse is really out of shape, but I want to get it back into shape. How would I do that without hurting the horse?

Answer 1

Walks to start off with - every day for 30 minutes to an hour. You may have to lead it along instead of riding. Keep that up until the horse can go the whole hour, with you riding, and not seem winded. Then you can up the time, or the speed. Gradual is the key - too much too fast makes ornery horses and strained muscles.

Some places have trail rides or other activities weekly or monthly where people just get together and ride. My local YMCA offers monthly gatherings, bring your own horse. This is a good way to get advice from other people who own or exercise horses, and as a bonus, they're right there!

Answer 2

have it walk a lot, and eventually work up to running.