Fitness level matters While horses are incredibly athletic and strong by
nature, they still require some level of fi tness and activ- ity to perform at their best. Pasture-kept horses usually get suffi cient activity to fi ll their bellies and participate in the occasional nice-weather lope and roll in the dirt, but they probably haven’t been working every day to keep extra weight off their bodies. Just as a few extra pounds can make a difference
in how you feel, they can also make a big difference for your horse. Saddles may rub in new places and his stamina may not be up to the level it was the last time you hit the trail. If you know you’re going to need to work your horse a little harder in the near future, keep an eye on his weight. If he needs to lose a few pounds before spring, work him with a few extra rides or adjust his rations.
Warm up and cool down A few minutes of slow, easy warm-up before exertion
and an appropriate cool-down following a workout can prevent soreness and health problems down the road. This extra time can allow you to observe how your horse is moving and acting to help you get a better picture
82 The Cattleman November 2016
of how he’s fairing before and after heavier activity. Not allowing a horse to cool down after heavy exer-
tion can result in more than muscle soreness later. A good cool-down allows the heat and sweat the horse has built up to dissipate and proper blood fl ow to return to all his muscles, tissues and organs. Under heavy exertion, the body’s systems redirect blood fl ow to the muscles and organs working the hardest and requir- ing more oxygen, such as the lungs and heart. A horse that walks or is cooled until his heart rate, breathing and temperature have returned closer to normal allows the body’s systems, including the digestion, to regain their equilibrium.
Soreness If you’re sore after riding your horse all day, imagine
how sore your horse could be, having spent as many hours under that saddle. His feet, muscles, joints and ligaments were getting quite a workout. Overexertion can lead to problems that are larger
than simple soreness. Ligament and tendon damage can result from overstress and can lead to numerous issues. Muscles can become stiff, hot and painful to the touch.
thecattlemanmagazine.com
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