Do you have a special routine for your horse each time you come home from a show? Horse shows take a lot out of our horses, both physically and mentally. Here are some ways you can help your horse recover from the demands of horse shows.

Cooldowns

The first step that you can take in helping your horse recover from a show is to make sure that he is properly cooled down after his classes. A gradual cooldown will allow your horse’s body to rid itself of toxins, like lactic acid, that are produced during exercise. Giving your horse the opportunity to walk around and relax will give his heart and respiration rates time to return to normal, and will lessen the chances of tight and sore muscles.

Poultices

Poulticing your horse’s legs at the end of the day can help to draw out heat and inflammation. Poulticing can be a little messy, but it’s worth it if it helps your horse stay sound and comfortable. Be sure that you know how to properly apply a poultice and a wrap before attempting to do so - done incorrectly, you could injure your horse and even prompt a bowed tendon.

Massages

Post-exercise massages are great ways to help your horse feel better and speed his recovery after a show. Massages promote blood flow and circulation, and can also relieve sore or tense muscles. Consider hiring an equine massage therapist to work on your horse after the show, or learn some basic massage techniques yourself. Massages are also great when paired with a liniment application or liniment bath.

Nutrition

During a horse show your horse needs to perform at a high level. You may already be increasing his feed before and during a show, but remember that the effect of his athletic exertion will have a lasting impact on his system. Your horse may go through more hay than usual in order to keep weight on during and after the show. You may want to increase his electrolyte intake as well, especially if the shows are during the summer and your horse is sweating heavily. Be sure to adjust your horse’s feed accordingly to compensate for the demands of his increased athletic performance.

Light Workouts

Your horse will be tired the day after a show, but that’s no excuse to leave him sitting in his stall. Instead, take your horse out for some light exercise. A relaxing trail ride or stroll around the property will help to relieve any stiffness that remains from the show and will also give you a chance to evaluate how well your horse is moving and how well he feels.

We ask a lot of our horses during horse shows, so it’s important to help them recover as well and as quickly as possible.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/fivefurlongs/9263678596

Original Source: Helping Your Horse Recover From a Show