Spring and the nice weather has finally arrived.  We have been waiting for this moment all winter long.  I know I have.  (At least those of us without indoor riding arenas).  Let's saddle up and go!

Before heading out for that long awaited ride, there are some things you need to consider.  Neither you nor your horse are in the best of shape after a winter layup.  You are both out of condition and you need to bring yourselves back slowly.

For your first ride of spring, tack up and go out for a slow, easy walk.  Ride for a short period of time.  Enjoy the scenery and the fact that you are finally able to get out into the fresh air to ride.  Do a little bit of a trot for about 10 minutes.  Walk again and trot once more for about 10 minutes.  If the horse is huffing and puffing, you have overworked him.   

Each time you take your horse out for a ride, increase the trotting time and gradually add the canter.  As you progress in the riding, both you and your horse will begin to feel fit and be able to eventually take those rides for hours on end. 

Remember, your horse has not really gotten much exercise over the winter and has been mostly standing around enjoying his meals.  For example, it is like you racing the marathon without training for it.  You will drop before you even get started.  It's the same for a horse. 

A horse is an athlete and athletes need to get into condition.  Without conditioning, they will break down.  Rather than taking the chance of injuring the horse and being laid up for months, wouldn't you rather sacrifice that long afternoon ride until everyone is fit for it?