For competition and race horses, every day is leg day. If you've ever felt muscle soreness after a hard workout, then you know what it feels like! There are several steps a rider can take both before and after a training session or competition to help their horse recover faster. The first step to keeping a healthy horse starts long before they step in the arena for a competition. Horses should be well conditioned at a level for which they are competing before the training starts. It's also important owners don't skip on the post workout recovery, as horses that aren't properly cared for after strenuous exercise are more prone to injury. Follow these steps to help prevent injury and promote a faster recovery time in your horses after a workout. 

General Conditioning

Having your horse trained and in shape for the exercise you plan to do is important for injury prevention and quick recovery time. A horse used for low intensity trail riding obviously won't be prepared to be at the same level as a barrel racing horse. Training at about 80 percent of the intensity you intend is great for strengthening muscles, tendons and ligaments while also improving cardiovascular endurance. By maintaining a consistent training plan with your horse, it will help your horse to perform better in the competition and reduce the likelihood of being injured. 

Hydration and Electrolytes

Horses experience a lot of water and electrolyte loss during training and competition. Horses should have access to fresh clean water before and after exercise. It is helpful to supplement your horse with electrolytes every 20 miles or so during intense workouts, especially in the hot weather.  Electrolytes are essential minerals required for natural body functions. The more a horse sweats, the more they lose. Adding salt or electrolyte supplements to the diet prior to transport or competition are helpful to ensure your horse drinks on the road and arrives to the competition well hydrated. 

Warm Up and Cool Down

Warming up your horse properly before intense exercise will help release red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues. Getting the muscles warm before exertion improves the elasticity of tendons and ligaments and prevents the build up of lactic acid, which causes soreness. Proper cool down is just as important for any equine athlete. Cooling down your horse after a workout keeps them from overheating and provides an opportunity for the rider to assess how well they are moving. Walk the horse on a loose rein for 10 to 15 minutes to allow him to cool down mentally and physically. For really intense workouts in hot weather, you can use water on your horses coat to help draw heat away from the body. 

Apply Liniments or Poultices 

Other supplements such as liniments and poultices can help assist with your horse's muscle soreness and recovery. Liniments help to cool down the muscles, drawing out the heat from exercise. If you notice inflammation or swelling after a workout, a poultice can keep the leg firm and help to draw it out. Treating your horse to a post-workout massage is another valuable tool when it comes to recovery. Massage can help to reduce stiffness and pain and improve blood flow. 

Supplements and Replenishing Energy

After muscles are broken down by exercise, they need to be built back up. You can provide support to your performance horse by providing them with the nutrition the body needs for a hard post-workout recovery. Providing amino acids, electrolytes and vitamins will help to reduce muscle fatigue, reduce cramping and speed your horses recovery.

Our horses work hard for us in the arena, and it is our responsibility as a rider to provide proper care after a workout. By supporting their recovery process and taking the proper steps, you can help to reduce muscle pain and get them ready for their next competition sooner!

Sources: BRL Equine Nutrition, BarrelHorse News, Vitafloor

Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended to treat, diagnose or prevent any disease. In all cases, it is each owner's responsibility to obtain veterinary services and advice before using any of the information provided. Durvet encourages owners to make their own animal health care decisions in partnership with their veterinarian. Please read all labels carefully. Product is for veterinary use only. Not intended for use in humans.