While naturally athletic, horses require moving freely to maintain optimal health. Even though they move a lot when grazing, especially when put together with others, it is crucial also to keep them at speed. Horse exercise is vital to improve blood circulation, flexibility, bone and muscle development, digestion, and influence their overall mood. Keeping your horse in a confined space while limiting its movement is not wise. It could lead to issues like Laminitis and mental health as the horse becomes hard to wire. The following are helpful tips to start exercising your horses.
Consult a Veterinarian
Before exercising your horse, the first and most crucial thing to do is take it for a health checkup. Regular checkups before exercise are vital to confirm that the horse is in good shape from the beginning. Your veterinarian will design a program most suitable for your horse based on the climate.
Plan for Daily Exercise
Never keep your horse confined in a small space. Instead, give it at least 20 minutes every day to move around and increase the duration with time. Hiring a hot walker to walk the horse daily can be a good idea. Before you begin the exercise, starting with a 5-min workout is essential. Start simply walking and progress as the horse gets accustomed to the practice. Daily routine builds fitness. The horse may lose its stamina and endurance if you are not giving it enough exercise. Even worse, it becomes prone to diseases because of the compromised immune system.
Add Swimming
While planning on exercise, adding swimming can also be a good idea. This will work if your facility allows you. Swimming is a low-impact exercise the horse can enjoy as it works out its muscles. Your horse may be timid at the beginning. However, it will get used with time. You can also use any aid you may get to help the horses adjust to the environment.
Keep the Horse Hydrated
Horses require drinking a lot of water. Therefore, ensure you give your horse a few gallons of water after exercise to keep it hydrated. A horse can take up to 10 gallons daily and more on hotter days. So, make sure you are giving enough.
Use a Trainer
It is advisable to use a trainer for a recovering or old horse. If your horse is recovering from an injury or has a specific training goal, consider using the expertise of a qualified horse trainer. They will help you know how to exercise the horse properly and develop an exercise that suits your horse.
Consider its Current Fitness Condition
While exercising your horses, it is vital to consider their current fitness condition. Knowing this will help you know where to begin as you progress. So, start slow and small. Once the horse has gained endurance and stamina, you can increase the time and intensity of the exercise. Ensure you increase gradually.
Closing Words!
Ensuring your horse is moving, especially in small stables, is crucial. Start with simple exercise and advance as your horse gets used to it. Before you begin, consult a vet and set specific goals.
