July 6: Showdown at the OK Corral

RICHARD SIMMONS FOR HORSES
(HORSEY WORK-OUTS)*

* Per veterinarian’s advice only!

This is what Matt gave me as exercise guidelines for Traverse. I have been TRYING to follow them.

1. After being laid up, hand-walking is always the best way to start. Walk horse with lead rope and halter. Progress from 5 minutes to 10 to 20, etc.
2. Hand-grazing
3. After hand-walking is up to 30 minutes two times daily, O.K. to increase to one hour
4. Turn-out in small pen when ready
5. Once the leg has had stitches removed and the vet approves it, I can ride lightly. This means riding for 10 minutes at a walk at first, progressing up to one hour -- no sharp turns or circles. Later, trot/walk work can be added gradually. Later, add in circles, etc. to build strength in soft tissue.
6. Leg will need to be wrapped/supported for weeks as horse gets stronger.

Equipment needed: Halter and lead rope to hand walk, or you can use a lunge line in a pinch. Bridle, saddle with blanket underneath, secured with girth to ride him. You should always wear good, solid shoes or boots when riding a horse, and you should always where a helmet! I can testify to that!