Really just forming some ideas here as nothing is set in stone yet but here's the basics.
My mare has been barefoot since August and her feet are gradually getting there. She couldn't keep shoes on, her feet were very flat etc. The hinds now seem a lot better, the fronts still have a wee while to go yet. But basically i'd like to start bringing her into work (in a month or two) but would like some ideas on how best to do, what exercises etc. She was moved in August to a new place in a small village but i'm not too keen on the idea of leading her round on foot just yet as she can get quite spooked especially in new places (unless someone is on her back).
So my main thought process is, how do i bring her back into work gradually? I've never long reined but could learn if needed. I didn't think after 6 months off she'd appreciate me sticking her on the lunge straight away. Would i be best to start getting her used to her bridle and saddle again and just doing groundwork exercises in the menage?
I'm going to invest in some barefoot boots for her fronts so that in time i can venture onto the village road and down the tracks and know that she's not sore but that's the ambitious side of my plan
My mare has been barefoot since August and her feet are gradually getting there. She couldn't keep shoes on, her feet were very flat etc. The hinds now seem a lot better, the fronts still have a wee while to go yet. But basically i'd like to start bringing her into work (in a month or two) but would like some ideas on how best to do, what exercises etc. She was moved in August to a new place in a small village but i'm not too keen on the idea of leading her round on foot just yet as she can get quite spooked especially in new places (unless someone is on her back).
So my main thought process is, how do i bring her back into work gradually? I've never long reined but could learn if needed. I didn't think after 6 months off she'd appreciate me sticking her on the lunge straight away. Would i be best to start getting her used to her bridle and saddle again and just doing groundwork exercises in the menage?
I'm going to invest in some barefoot boots for her fronts so that in time i can venture onto the village road and down the tracks and know that she's not sore but that's the ambitious side of my plan