broodmares

Question
I recently acquired a former broodmare from a friend. She is a 9 year old thoroughbred mare who has not been ridden in 5 years and her youngest foal is a yearling. I would like to condition her to riding (I typically ride hunters) but am not really familiar with this process since this is my first mare. Is there a resource for a conditioning program designed to strengthen a broodmare's back?

Answer
Hello Anne,

There is no difference in method for strengthening a broodmare's back and a gelding's back. Their anatomy is the same.

I used to condition my hunters by long walks and trots on a long rein in late summer. Early fall I added short gallops and jumps in the field to get ready for hunt season.

Happy hunting,
Dorothy