OKay I have a 19 year old gelding that is really out of shape and is about 200 or more lbs over weight, I havent rode him in like a month or two due to the fact that I have a new colt and been working with him. but know Im ready to start getting my gelding back into shape and stuff, so I was just wondering what exercises I could do with him that would help me out ...
Lots and lots of long trotting, also hillwork will help. If you have sand somewhere do lots of long trotting in their as it makes them work more. Start him out at 30min of long trotting for about a week them move him into 1 hour of strictly long trotting. Like I said if you know of any sandy places or arenas use them. That is how I get my barrel horses into great shape is long trotting on our sand track.
To start with bring him into work slowly and gradually perhaps 1/2 an hour everyday then increase his hours ... nothing too hard just walking a trotting .. a few trotting poles if you have access then gradually in time just increase his work. on hacks try trotting up hills this strengthens their legs and feet plus try giving him a challenge on rocky terrain ... but i again make sure its all gradual especially with his age
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Another thing to do is to check what he is eating ... maybe cut down his feed or grass (what ever you do) with muzzles or set up what i call a starve pen .. a section of field that is either mowed or eaten by him and put him in there for part of the day
Hope this was helpful:) and good luck for bring him back into work
Large paddock turnout with lots of roaming area, normally with a buddy is helpfull. Free lunggeing lots of gallope work helps build muscle. Hill work is the BEST for hind en work. Trot poles, lots of trot work in general is the number one calorie burner in horses.
I would start with some easy work and then go to some harder work you could also decrease his food a little bit
