Bringing a horse back after a year off, and a injury a few years back?

So this year I've desided to get my 13 year old QH back into riding, I got him 4 years ago from someone who got him of a SD ranch that used their horses in cutting, and ranch work. He got kicked a little below the stifle 3ish years ago the BO never told us till we asked why he was limping and they told us "of he got kicked early this week" like it was no big deal. And got stall rested after we took him in adn they told us a deep bone bruise. We rub ointment on it, and after a while walked him around and then back up hill then a month and a half back with other horses and 3 weeks later riding again!

I rode him for a year and a half after. This past year he was pasture horse I rode bareback once every 1-2 months I rode him twice this month bareback and he was pretty good. He listens to his bit well. And I was going to have a lessen on the 16th in cutting, to see how he does, he wont be used as much as my other 2 horses that will be going to shows and trails this summer. But I would like to ride him.

He doesnt loung never has and if you try with the whip he just stands there next to you tossing his head.

He's out 24/7, oats once a day with MSM supplement. Hay all the time. Water all the time. Very muscular has the old time QH genes with big hooves. He also has a big head. Can streach from one hip to the other.

Any exersizes?
Streaches for his stifle? (back left leg)

Was/is this the same horse you were going to try cutting on this weekend?

Yes he's doing better and I can ride longer now but id like to take him on long trails and maybe some shows this spring/summer.

Just take it easy and slow. Their are many stretches you can do if you search online
Good luck :)

As far as for reconditioning a horse with prior injury that has had a year off, cutting is the last thing you should be doing.

I am happy to hear that he does not lunge as that is terrible on a horse's joints. As other members have said, take it slow and easy and remain in the walk as much as possible. Take a long time to get him used to walking for about 60 minutes on good level ground before you start taking him on short 45 minute trail rides, or adding in any trot. Stretching can be good, but be careful not to overstretch anything and it is generally advisable to stretch after he is ridden that the muscles are warm.

Good luck!