Reconditioning a broodmare

I have Raja my arab mare. She is 12 years old and has been a broodmare for most of her life. She is very under muscled. I really want to get her back to shape. I saw a post of another member saying that she didnt know if her broodmare-now riding horse would loose the "Ribby" look from so many foals. Is this true. Depending on angle Raja is ribby. What are the chances of her getting back into shape? What exercises can I do to speed up the process?
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I would first suggest alot of heavy ground work to initially get her use to long heavy work and to build some initial muscle...then once she can handle it long distance trail riding at a trot and lots of hill work...then for neck muscle bending flexing work like poles...

Also make sure she is on a good diet that will aid in her weight and muscle gain...as for the ribby thing...im not sure...

That's my advice! Goodluck! Very pretty girl!

An article in Equus, I believe, last month said studies how that horses on 24/7 turn out in large pastures gain as much condition from the turn out as they did for being ridden 5 days a week for a long period each ride, so that might be a thought.

Thank you. Looks like lots of ground work for us. Deineria that's really good news. They are always out in pasture. :) Ill have to try and find that article.

I'm the one you're referring to trying to get a ex-broodmare in shape. Your girl looks a lot better off than my mare. She doesn't have a belly or anything, just needs some muscle. Mine still has her last filly with her (we don't have the space to completely wean her right now - Daisy is naturally weaning her, not my choice, but it works...) so that's not helping her gain weight.

But, I agree - lots of ground work for these girls! We'll be lunging, trail walking and long lining all winter long.