Maintaining fitness and soundness in the performance horse requires proper care in between riding and competing. Our horses are athletes and our partners in equestrian sport. As a result, it’s important owners and riders work to keep them strong and healthy.
Ecogold hosted a special virtual event in November, where three industry professionals – a veterinarian, a saddle fitter, and an equine massage therapist – shared their insight on how to properly manage the performance horse and keep back soundness top of mind. Here’s some of their advice.
Carrot stretches.
Dr. Lauren Davang, an equine veterinarian with Collier Equine Vet Services in Waller, Texas, recommended a series of stretches owners can do on the ground with the horse, commonly known as “carrot stretches.”
Riders can encourage their horse to twist and lift their back by using a carrot to guide their head and neck. It’s suggested to ask the horse to stretch to its left and right hips, and it stretch its nose to the ground in between the front feet as a way to warm up the back.
Dr. Davang recommended this series of stretches published on TheHorse.com.
Proper saddle fit.
Ill fitting equipment is one of the most common causes of back soreness in horses. When considering a saddle, Butet fitter and sales representative for the Midwest region, Krista Schneider, said she asks the rider these questions: how old is the horse, what kind of riding are they doing with it, and will it gain some muscle over time?
“Horses obviously do change and that will impact if you want a wool-flocked saddle versus foam flocked,” Krista said. “Horses can change every six months in their back, depending on how hard you’re working them.”
Therefore, a horse can outgrow a saddle and may need to be readjusted for a new fit. An improperly fitting saddle can contribute to soreness and soundness issues over time.
Building topline.
To keep horses sound in the long term, Dr. Davang said riders should be working their horses properly on the flat, encouraging collection and asking the horse to engage its core and use its hind-end muscles.
“If the horse is constantly ridden not collected and hollowed, they’re going to develop back pain even if the equipment does fit,” she described.
She added how important it is to further the rider’s education on riding correctly in order to help the horse stretch and use his body properly.
“Back pain is as much tendon and ligament as it is joint and bone,” Dr. Davang said. “If those muscles aren’t being used appropriately, it can’t support the body.”
There are several exercises riders can use to build topline muscles over the backs of their horses. Some include riding “long and low” to encourage hind-end engagement. Here are some tips from Heels Down Mag.
Body work.
Routine chiropractic and massage therapy is vital for keeping any athlete in top shape. A performance horse is no different. Michelle Skawronski is a certified equine massage therapist in the Cypress, Texas region. She recommends that horses in full work undergo “body work” every four to six weeks.
Another way to ensure your horse’s back stays healthy is to invest in good equipment. Ecogold’s line of innovative pads are made with the horse’s soundness in mind. Shimmable and built with impact protection, Ecogold puts the horse first every ride.