5 Tips for Keeping Your Horse’s Muscles Happy and Healthy
by Brittany Gray, Gray Scale Equine LLC
Did you know your horse has approximately 700 muscles in their body? That makes up 40-60% of their entire weight! Each of these muscles has a unique role in the movement and stabilization of the skeleton but are often overlooked. It's time we start prioritizing muscle health in the equine athlete.
Here are 5 tips to keep your horse’s muscles healthy and happy:
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Make time for pre & post ride rituals
Create pre & post ride rituals to ensure your horse is getting a proper warm up and cool down to prevent injuries. I also like to incorporate a post-ride stretching routine while my horse’s muscles are still warm. This will help with injury prevention, increased circulation, recovery, and improved range of motion.
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Check the fit of your tack
Prioritize getting your tack checked every 6-12 months. If your horse’s body is going through changes(young growing horses, fluctuating weight, building/losing muscle, etc.), they may need to be checked more frequently. Ill fitting tack can result in muscle atrophy, discomfort, sores, swelling, compensation patterns, etc.
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Create a healthy training plan
Keeping your horse in consistent work is great for their overall wellness! But it’s also important to remember to give them enough time off to recover. In addition to rest, it’s worth noting that the type of exercise they’re doing matters. For example, throwing on a halter and having your horse run in circles on the lunge isn’t going to be as beneficial for them as pole work or hill work would be. You want to properly develop their muscles over time in order to prevent injuries and bad habits.
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Nourish your horse
All of that hard work training isn’t going to matter if your horse isn’t being properly nourished. It’s important that your horse is receiving all of the necessary nutrients in order to build muscle, recover, and feel/perform their best. It’s a great idea to work with a vet and nutritionist to ensure your horse is getting everything they need.
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Stay consistent with your horse’s wellness team
Your horse’s body needs proper maintenance to continue feeling and performing their very best. It’s crucial to stay consistent with your wellness team, even when your horse seems to be in peak condition.
Professionals that you should consider including in your wellness team based off of your horse’s personal needs:
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Farrier (4-8 weeks on average)
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Vet (as needed but typically at LEAST twice a year for vaccines/wellness exams)
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Dentist (6-12 months on average)
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Chiropractor (as needed)
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Bodyworker/PEMF Practitioner (per recommendation of practitioner - on average between 1-6 weeks)
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Saddle Fitter (6-12 months on average)
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Nutritionist (as needed)
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Bit & Bridle Fitter (as needed)
It’s important to remember that each and every horse is different and requires a custom maintenance plan. Have a discussion with your vet about your horse’s personal needs to create a plan going forward.
About Brittany
Brittany Gray is the heart and hands behind Gray Scale Equine LLC. She’s a certified Equine Bodyworker, PEMF Practitioner, and life-long equestrian. Her mission is to help both horses and riders reach their full potential through Equine Bodywork, PEMF, and education.
Why Brittany loves BOTORI
My favorite BOTORI item: I'm obsessed with the BTR Active Seamless Baselayer! It's so comfortable you feel like you're wearing pajamas. Not to mention you really can wear it ANYWHERE! It's a staple piece in my closet for riding, working, running errands, and working out. You can't beat it!
Photos by Gold Horse Media.
