Hi! I have a 27 y.o. Arabian mare. She was a broodmare for most of her life and then went to her second home where her owner broke her to ride. Not sure how much training/structure she actually has. That owner then just used her for trail riding. Since I have had her we have just been on the trails mainly just to build some kind of relationship and trust. I have tried to lunge her a few times, I know her previous owner has, does great with a trot but once asked to canter some doesnt know how to respond and bolts. Shes good under saddle for the most part. Great at the trot again but while cantering if you dont really hold her back she will speed up and up and up. I would like to try some exercises to get her kind of back in shape a little and work on her bending and her balance. I have been taking lessons for 12 years but this is my first horse so just seeing what else may be out there. thankyou
Walking at different speeds and trotting at different speeds are both good. They are also good ways to introduce and train a horse to respond to the half-halt. The half-halt should be good when you canter/lope the mare.
Personally, I would avoid lunging both older horses and younger horses because the extended time circling can be stressful on joints.
^Especially not lunging at a canter. While a 27yo may have a number of good riding years in her yet, often they're a bit... fragile by that age & I'd be sticking to low impact stuff.
Be mindful that her head may tell her to go but her body may not be able to keep up. It is up to you to monitor this closely. They don't have the stamina they once had. Trail riding is good exercise as the trails aren't flat like an arena so the horse uses more muscles even just at the walk.
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