So spring seems to be coming agian (aleast for me up here in the Snowbelt). Anybody have any ideas how to get my fat mare back in shape. She's on a very
strict diet. She is in decent shape (gone for some hourish rides at a walk w/ some trotting in the last week no sweat). I need to get the weight off her so I
can do some more challenging rides (canter work). I can fit in about 4-6 rides a week with long ones on the weekend.
Personally I need to get back in shape too but I think I need to do it differently from last year. As soon as the snow is all gone I need to be able to do 16km bike rides regualerly. Last year I was doing 10km and the first day I just got on my bike and went barely making it home (this is hill country folks). So yeah any advice for getting both my mare and me back into shape? The mare needs it more then me. I am lost, I never seem to get it all off her. She's on hay only right now and as soon as the pasture is safe (as in founder safe for 12 hour turnout) I'll cut almost all her hay off (down to 2 flakes, she's at 5 now). arrgh, this is something I just can't seem to find good info on how to. Conditioning was never covered in 4H or anywhere else. Everyone around here goes on a 4 hour trail ride and bam! their horses are "back in shape". I don't think that works.
Personally I need to get back in shape too but I think I need to do it differently from last year. As soon as the snow is all gone I need to be able to do 16km bike rides regualerly. Last year I was doing 10km and the first day I just got on my bike and went barely making it home (this is hill country folks). So yeah any advice for getting both my mare and me back into shape? The mare needs it more then me. I am lost, I never seem to get it all off her. She's on hay only right now and as soon as the pasture is safe (as in founder safe for 12 hour turnout) I'll cut almost all her hay off (down to 2 flakes, she's at 5 now). arrgh, this is something I just can't seem to find good info on how to. Conditioning was never covered in 4H or anywhere else. Everyone around here goes on a 4 hour trail ride and bam! their horses are "back in shape". I don't think that works.
