Equines are natural athletes and need to be able to move around freely in their surroundings in order to stay healthy. Even while they graze naturally, especially when other horses join them, quick bursts of speed are still crucial. Hoofs and distal limbs are affected by movement, along with the digestive, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Giving your horse the right kind of exercise will benefit their general health and enjoyment by enhancing their circulation, digestion, flexibility, bone development, and flexibility. Here are some suggestions to remember:
Speak with your veterinarian. The first thing to do before starting an exercise program for your horse is to get them checked out regularly. When your veterinarian provides the all-clear, you can begin making plans. Consider your local climate and heat exposure when making plans. It is better to train your horse in the morning or in the early evening because much of the country has high temperatures at this time of year. You can learn more about the potential risks of sun exposure here.
Create a workout plan with the assistance of a trainer. It’s best to seek advice from a knowledgeable trainer before increasing your horse’s physical activity if they are aged, have recently recovered from an injury, or you are working toward a particular training objective. You can also work with a trainer to create exercises that are appropriate for your horse and your objectives.
Use common sense and keep in mind your horse’s present level of fitness. You wouldn’t begin your preparation for a marathon with a day one ten-mile run. Your horse is the same way. You should make a slow and modest start. Once they have built up some endurance, you can progressively increase the volume, duration, or distance of your workout. Make sure you use ice boots for horses after intense exercise sessions for quick recovery.
Plan to work out every day. A reasonable starting point is 20 minutes of movement per day for horses; from there, the amount can be increased. Programs that are more demanding can last up to two hours per day for competition conditioning. A 5-minute warm-up should always come first and last. Your horse can be led or ridden, and training exercises can be changed accordingly. Depending on the horse’s age and degree of fitness, begin with walking, then trotting, and continue from there.
The majority of horses love it, and it’s fantastic for their respiratory, circulatory, and muscular systems as well. Don’t worry if they seem timid at first; it just takes practice. Horses can be trained to help them become acclimated to the new water environment.
Hydrate your horse regularly. To keep your buddy hydrated after exercise, don’t forget to supply a few gallons of water. Horses drink 5 to 10 gallons of water per day on average, and frequently considerably more on hot days. With the heat, having a second bucket of water with electrolytes added can aid in hydration. Electrolyte supplements will encourage your horse to drink, replenish what is lost through perspiration, and promote normal physiology.