Active recovery: an often neglected phase
Recovery doesn’t start in the stable, but right at the end of exercise. It’s essential never to stop a horse cold after a sustained effort. Why?
Because a sudden stop can lead to poor elimination of lactic acid, responsible for muscle soreness and stiffness.
What to do?
– Walk your horse at walking pace for 10 to 15 minutes, in hand or mounted, whichever is more comfortable for him.
– Make sure he’s breathing calmly and that his heart rate gradually returns to normal.
– Then offer him a drink of cool water. If he’s sweated a lot, a bucket of lightly salted or electrolyte-enriched water is an excellent solution to compensate for mineral losses.
This first step is the basis of all effective after-work care.
Post-session grooming: much more than a moment of cleanliness
A recovery grooming session isn’t just about cleaning the horse. It’s also a moment of bonding, observation and prevention.
Our advice:
– use a soft currycomb and a suitable brush to remove sweat and dirt, especially if your horse has sweated profusely. This prevents skin irritation.
– take the opportunity to inspect his body: look for any sores, swellings, hot or sensitive spots. Early intervention can prevent many complications.
– don’t forget to detangle mane and tail, especially if they’re damp or sticky from sweat.
This moment of care is also a good time to relax: your horse will associate these gestures with a feeling of comfort.
The horse's limbs: sensitive areas not to be neglected
After exercise, tendons and joints are particularly stressed. It is therefore essential to provide them with appropriate care.
What you can do:
– shower limbs with cold water for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps reduce inflammation and prevents congestion.
– Dry them thoroughly. If the effort has been particularly intense, you can apply natural clay or a recovery gel to soothe the tissues.
– For sensitive horses, or after a high-level event, cotton rest bands are recommended. They improve circulation and relieve residual tension.
These simple but regular gestures help prevent tendon pathologies.
Helping the horse manage its temperature
A horse that has sweated a lot needs to regulate its body temperature, especially in cold or windy weather.
Our recommendations:
– if you’ve showered him, use a heat knife to remove stagnant water.
– Then cover him with a drying blanket. This speeds up the drying process and prevents cold snaps.
– Set him up in a draft-free, quiet place, so he can rest peacefully.
A well-warmed horse after a session avoids muscle stiffness and will recover more quickly.
See also
Equine thermotherapy: a precious ally for your horse’s well-being
Nutrition: eating well for better recovery
The timing of meals needs to be thought through. After physical exertion, your horse’s body is not ready to digest immediately.
Allow him to come down completely before feeding his ration (1 to 2 hours).
Make hay available on a continuous basis. Rich in fiber, it aids digestion and hydration.
For intense efforts, consider offering him a warm mash. Highly digestible, it stimulates the appetite, soothes the stomach and helps rehydration.
Good to know: avoid concentrates immediately after exercise, which can weigh down digestion and cause problems.
Observe your behavior in the hours that follow
Recovery doesn’t stop with immediate care. Pay close attention to his behavior in the hours (and sometimes days) that follow.
A horse in good recovery must :
– eat and drink with appetite ;
– be calm and relaxed, with no signs of discomfort;
– show no lameness, stiffness or change in posture.
A little free time in the paddock or a quiet walk later in the day can also do him a lot of good.
Going further: deepening your knowledge of horse care
At CAMAYA, we believe in a comprehensive approach to equine well-being. That’s why we warmly recommend reading our book dedicated to equine myology, written by Julia Prével.
In a nutshell…
Taking care of your horse after an intense work session is an essential responsibility for any rider or owner. By integrating these steps into your routine, you not only improve your companion’s physical recovery, but also strengthen the relationship of trust between you.
By respecting his body, observing the signals he sends you and adapting your movements, you offer him the best conditions for progress, in complete serenity.