my 29 y.o pony is way out of shape, any help?

Question

Its like super dooper hor and humid here and she is really out of shape, we havnt ridden her for a couple of months, and even when she is just standing she breaths hard, and no matter how long i cool her out for, she DOESNT cool out.
how can i get her back in shape without killing her???
(other than retiring her!!)

Answer 1

Take her to the beach or a river! Horses love that and it won't make her hot, and the water takes the weight off her joints. Either that or lots of small workouts. No longer than twenty minutes to half an hour, and work her up to the faster paces. Start by walking and trotting, then after a couple of weeks, bring in the harder work and longer workouts. Just take it slow and steady.

Good luck :)

Answer 2

If this pony is having labored breathing and sweating troubles then you need a vet for this could be a heart problem or the heaves. If she is overly sweating it might be advised to give her electrolytes. Just a couple of months of no riding should not cause this unless you are blowing thru the fields like theres no tomorrow and if this is so, YOU should receive some lashings. Lets say your not doing this but your pony is out of shape and is older and need to be handled w/care. The hot humid weather makes for breathing more difficult so exercise him early morning or when the sun goes down. But I really feel the pony needs a physical or much easier workouts slowly progressing. The breathing issue bothers me and I dont want to frighten you but I highly recommend a vet at once. Good luck and Best wishes.

Answer 3

At 29, she is lucky to be alive and should have retired from being ridden or pulling a cart when she hit 20 - especially if she is in a hot and humid climate such as are found in the southeastern USA.

She needs to be kept indoors or provided shade at all times and cool, fresh drinking water.

You are asking a question the exact same thing as, "How can I get my grandma back in shape?"

Stop abusing that pony! Do not let anyone ride her. She has served you well and you need to let her enjoy the remaining time she has eating fresh grass, relaxing in the shade and being petted. If you can't do that, maybe you need to contact the below organization and let them take care of her before you kill her.

Answer 4

start with gentle hand walking, boring I know, but much better than risking a heart attack for her. Only work her early mornings or late evenings when it isn't so hot, but take it SLOWLY!! If she is struggling without work, I would be very careful. Ensure she has adequate shade and fresh water all the time as well

Answer 5

What I would do is walking her a little more everyday for about 2 weeks, put her tack on her and walk her for about 2 more weeks, then ride her little more everyday. Depending on how out of shape she is you may need to double the excercise.

Answer 6

Start by walking her gently on a lunge. Increase the exercise gently each week. Remember, she is 29 years old....she will NEVER be in great shape.

Answer 7

per chance he's yet im 100% confident that's no longer do to the comic strip how do i understand nicely it really is do to me loving the prepare and that i have a spouse(who i love very a lot and he or she also likes the prepare) recommendations you im going off that your son likes G4 no longer the others if that's the others i do not understand i quite disliked the different remakes.MLPFIM is the in worry-free words quite strong one.

Answer 8

Alittle bit at a time

Answer 9

Feed her "feed" made for old horses. Walk and trot her slowly every other day.

Answer 10

29yrs old huh, leave her alone