Leave horse over winter, or carry on riding her?

[donna]

My Icelandic is 5 years old, and I started riding her this year(they mature later, so are normally started at 5). Over the summer I rode her lightly most days and it was great, although we didn't really do much cantering, as she finds it hard to sort her legs out and trots/tolts quickly instead. I cannot ride her in the evening now as it is so dark, so am just riding her at weekends, about an hour each day, mostly walk with a bit of trot. She is out 24/7 on a hilly field which helps to keep her fit.
I don't know whether to carry on like this until spring, then gradually build it up again, or just leave her now, and then start again in spring. Is there a benefit in 'turning away'?
The other thing is she is barefoot-she has fantastic feet-but I am worried that as they are not getting regular work on hard ground it might be better to leave her, although she never has ouchy moments on the short weekend hacks.
The other thing is the canter, I know I was getting 'hung up' on it and was making it worse by trying too hard, she is forward going but laid back. I have decided not to try cantering again until spring.
Wow! I've really waffled on! But the more info you have, the easier it is to advise!

[jen1]

well why dont you do a little of what takes your fancy,bit of ground work one day, gentle hack another,walking out in hand another,or maybe a day just to hang out together,its all good experience for her,sounds like you need balanced from the ground before taking it up a gear out on hacks,sorry i cant recomend any good schoolong books,but i bet kellys books would be just the ticket, ;D

[jes]

Hi Donna, I think that's good advice from jen1. Just do what you feel like doing, or what you feel like she'd be up to doing. Don't forget if you only want to do a half hour walk I'm always available to come with you, to be honest I think Phoenix needs riding now anyway as he's got way too much energy!

(The ponies have been getting hay in the top field as well).

Julie

[specialsparkle3]

8-)I am a great believer in turning youngsters away for the winter,the year they are broken in, they seem to come back to work the following spring, refreshed and mentally more mature to learn. ;D

[Louise C]

You will not do her any harm by giving her the winter off at this age - I did the same with my boy as we didn't have a saddle to fit so I just took him out in hand until the weather improved, he didn't mind at all!

[donna]

Thank you for replies so far. Unfortunately I have no area suitable for 'proper' groundwork. The field is 15 acres of hills, and she is more focused on her companion than me if I work with her in the field, this means that she is learning to ignore me! In the spring there will be more horses in the field so I can take her out without leaving the other alone, and I will have access to a school, and of course brighter nights.
Do you find that the horses become harder to deal with if left-like they get used to doing there own thing? I do feed her every day, and groom her when her coat is dry enough.

[Louise C]

I left Flynn for several months doing nothing other than feeding, I expect she will be very happy in a 15 acre field! Just make sure that when you do want her to do something that she does it. Just start as soon as the other horse has a companion again.