Before bringing your horse back into work and getting fit them fit, consider the following essential checks:
- Veterinary Examination: Schedule a thorough veterinary examination to assess your horse's overall health, including checking for any underlying issues, joint conditions, or lameness. Ensure vaccinations and dental care are up-to-date.
- Feet and Hoof Care: Arrange for a farrier to assess and address your horse's hooves. Regular trimming or shoeing is crucial to prevent lameness and ensure proper balance.
- Diet and Nutrition: Review and adjust your horse's diet to meet its specific energy requirements for increased workload. Consult with an equine nutritionist if needed to provide a balanced and appropriate feeding plan.
- Worming Programme: Implement a targeted worming programme based on veterinary recommendations to address specific parasite concerns.
- Muscle and Body Condition: Assess your horse's body condition and muscle tone. Gradually reintroduce a fitness regimen, starting with low-intensity exercise, to build muscle strength and stamina. Make sure you take your time.
- Back and Saddle Check: Have a qualified saddle fitter assess your horse's saddle and ensure it fits properly. Ill-fitting saddles can cause discomfort and hinder performance. Get a qualified Physio to check your horse is feeling good and ready for work again.
- Dental Examination: Schedule a dental check-up to address any dental issues that may affect your horse's ability to process food efficiently and is happy in the contact.
- Joint and Mobility Assessment: Consider joint supplements or therapies if your horse has a history of joint issues. Consult with your vet to determine the most suitable approach for maintaining joint health.
- Fitness Assessment: Start with light, controlled exercise to evaluate your horse's current fitness level. Progress gradually to more intense workouts as the horse becomes fitter.
- Behavioural Observation: Observe your horse's behaviour during handling, grooming, and initial exercise sessions. Look for any signs of discomfort, stiffness, or behavioural changes that may indicate underlying issues.
- Training Plan: Develop a well-structured training plan, focusing on a gradual increase in workload and incorporating a mix of activities such as groundwork, lunging, and ridden work.
- Warm-up and Cool-down Routine: Establish a consistent warm-up and cool-down routine to prevent injuries and promote a positive experience for your horse during workouts.
Remember, these checks may vary based on your horse's individual needs, age, and previous health history. Always consult with professionals, including veterinarians and equine specialists, to tailor a plan specifically for your horse.
We are happy to help - sales@equiopulence.co.uk