Starting an older horse after sitting?

Start slow I started a 25 year old quarter horse that hadn't been ridden in 5 years. Start with short easy walking rides maybe 15 to 20 minutes. I also wouldn't ride her every day in the beginning also try having someone ride next to u with one of her buddies. Slowly progress to longer tougher rides she should be fine though. Just take it slow

My mare is young and after long period without work i start very slow. Don't even pit a saddle on her for awhile, start with slow walks then work her to a short lunge, after that put Saddle on and only go for a walk. Watch for sweat on her hind quarters and DO NOT overdo!!

I also agree with Georgia, but before you start riding her, I would start her back with ground work. Getting her to build muscle with side reins and a lunge line, will help her muscles reform correctly, and it will remind her of her previous job, and be easier when you start riding her. Try 2 weeks on the ground for 15-20min per day practicing transitions, and building stamina, then move to riding her a couple of days a week lightly, and on the other days continue ground work. A 17yr old will take longer to get back in shape, and it is really important that you first work on strengthening her topline and hind end before you ride her. On older horses especially I like to run long reins from there bit, between legs and back up to their withers, tigh in a knot that leaves the reins just short enough to tip the horses neck in, this gets the horse using there back muscles, withers, and stretches there necks without being hard on their joints. I would do this intermittent with just regular side rein work, slowly shortening the side reins up as the horse gains muscle. In 60 days with consistent 3-5 days per week of slow and consistent work you will have built her up well enough to be able to start getting her ready for competitions again.

It won't be like starting a young horse. At her age and previous experience, she will remember what she's supposed to do, but is very out of shape. Start slowly and gradually increase the time and intensity of workouts.

I have purchased older horses for very little because they were in the hands of novice people and I liked their looks and p.

Some had been very well trained at one time and just in the first few minutes of riding I knew they had lots of great training in the past. Some I had ready to sell again in two weeks.

Others just needed to be asked the right questions to work willingly.

If she was well trained in the past, and if you are familiar with horses and ride well you could bring the past training out in just a few rides.

But, if the horse has been in the hands of a jerk for some time, it make a while for you to fix the problems she has developed.

GEORGIA SAID IT PERFECTLY