Proper Management of Horses After Exercise

Proper Management of Horses After Exercise: The Importance of Movement and Paddock Time

Properly handling a horse after exercise is essential to its well-being, both physically and mentally. Horses, like any athlete, need a recovery routine that allows them to relax, recover and prevent possible injuries. In this article we will explore the importance of post-exercise handling and time spent in the paddock, with a particular focus on climatic variables such as heat, and tips on always ensuring fresh water and shade.

The Importance of Post-Exercise Movement

After a hard work session, whether it's a training session, a long walk, or a competition, it's important not to stop your horse abruptly. Gradual movement is essential to encourage proper blood flow from the muscles, helping to prevent lactic acid buildup, which can cause muscle soreness and stiffness.

A horse that is stopped abruptly could develop problems such as cramps or muscle colic, which is why it is advisable to dedicate at least 10-15 minutes to cool down, which can consist of a slow and regular walk. This process allows the muscles to gradually cool down and the cardiovascular system to return to normal.

The Role of the Paddock in the Recovery Phase

The paddock plays a crucial role in post-exercise recovery. Allowing your horse to spend time in the paddock after training has numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows the horse to move freely, which helps to further cool down the muscles. Secondly, the paddock gives the horse the opportunity to stretch out, roll around and behave naturally, reducing stress and promoting mental wellbeing.

A horse that has the opportunity to relax in the paddock will have better digestion and a happier mood, helping to prevent stress-related problems such as gastric ulcers. In addition, time spent outdoors helps improve circulation and general health, reducing the risk of injuries related to immobility.

Beware of the Heat: Tips for Managing in Summer

High temperatures present an additional challenge in managing horses, especially after exercise. During hot days, it is essential to pay special attention to cooling the horse. A key precaution is to avoid leaving them in direct sunlight after exercise. Instead, try to take them to a shaded, windy area to facilitate the cooling process.

After exercise, it is important to carefully monitor the horse's body temperature. If you notice that the horse is sweating profusely or appears fatigued, it is advisable to wet his body with cool water, especially focusing on areas such as the neck, chest and legs, to quickly lower the body temperature.

The Importance of Always Providing Fresh Water

Hydration is another crucial aspect that should not be overlooked. After exercise, the horse must have access to fresh, clean water. It is good practice to ensure that there are always shaded areas in the paddock where the horse can find relief from the sun and drink without problems. In the summer, water can heat up quickly, so it is advisable to check buckets or tubs frequently to ensure that the water remains fresh.

It is also a good practice to offer a small amount of water immediately after exercise, followed by more doses after a short time, so as to avoid the horse drinking too quickly, which could cause colic.

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