Reconditioning Horses After Layoffs

For a horse in fit, athletic condition, taking a week off now and then won’t bother him. If he’s idle for a longer period, however, such as being out of work all winter, getting him back into condition for a day of showing or a long trail ride will take a while, and the process should not be hurried.

Old-time horse trainers advocated a day of conditioning for every day the horse has been out of work.

Following this plan, put the date of your event, show, or strenuous trail ride on the calendar and then turn back three months. This will tell you when to start with short periods of slow, easy work at least three or four times a week. Exercise bouts should progress very gradually in length, frequency, and plane of exertion until the horse reaches his previous level of athletic condition. If you aren’t sure how to proceed or how fast to build up performance demands, ask a trainer or a more experienced rider in your discipline.

Muscular fitness may return fairly quickly, but it’s important to remember that the horse’s bones, ligaments, tendons, lungs, and heart also need to adapt to the more vigorous exercise schedule. These structures are not as visible as muscling, and also don’t respond as fast to a change in exercise. However, the chance of injury is much greater in horses that have not been conditioned slowly and gradually for the amount of work they will be asked to do. Older horses and those that have been ill or injured will need more time to regain condition than healthy horses in the prime of their years.

Muscle damage is a constant risk in working horses, leading to reduced performance or inability to work. Preserve™ PS contains a proven mixture of antioxidant agents and essential nutrients that supports normal muscle function during even the most strenuous exercise, and speeds muscle recovery after work, reducing downtime between performances. Preserve PS features natural-source vitamin E for superior bioavailability. Learn more.