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June, 2009
Warming Up and Cooling Down your Horse
It’s customary for long-distance runners to begin their workout by first walking a bit, stretching, and then walking some more. The same holds true for the cool down. The rationale is that muscles are elastic, and therefore need to be warmed up prior to, after lengthy workouts. At the same time, joints absorb liquids, which enable the tendons and joint surfaces to glide more smoothly.
The same is true of our equine friends who too are made up of muscle, bone, and tendon. The main difference between a human and an equine athlete is that the equine has no say in the matter. We ask them to do what we want them to do, and require them to comply. However, like their human counterparts, stay healthier when we give some thought to the time immediately preceding and following their so-called workout, be it a simple ride or an intense competition.
Horses in the wild move while grazing, and they go from zero to top speed without risking serious injury. This is unlike domesticated horses, the majority of whom live in small paddocks or stalls, and therefore don’t have the ongoing opportunity to warm up.
A well-planned warm up is both important for the physical and mental well being of your horse. The horse can focus better and will have a higher degree of motivation. Plus, the risk of injury is substantially decreased. As importantly, getting into the mindset of thinking of warming up and cooling down your horse as being a part of your horses’ activities will undoubtedly enable you to remember to do it.
What Happens during Warm Up:
Milz is a German word which means freeing up more blood, so that it can
enter the bloodstream. More blood means that there is more oxygen for
the horses’ body. When the horse is warmed up, the blood vessels
widen, and the exchange of stoffe is greater. In addition, blood sugar
(a much-needed carbohydrate) is reduced. There is also a lesser build
up of lactate, which causes sore muscles.
As importantly, the ability of tendons and ligaments to stretch depends
upon their being elastic. Warming up then allows them to stretch more
slowly, which reduces tearing and swelling.
Warming Up—Some Specifics:
Like human athletes, every horse is different. In planning your warm up,
consider your equine’s previous activity, overall degree of fitness,
upcoming task, and age. For example, older horses, who are more susceptible
to injury, or who have suffered some injury in the past, might need a
longer or different workout than horses that are younger, have been injury
free.
(A case in point: Alys’s older horse Tinni has COPD or heaves, so she walks him at least a mile before and after each ride. Thus, his lungs are less stressed during the course of his short trail rides. Conversely, Alys’s younger horse Raudhetta has had no physical problems so she walks and trots her a half mile before and after her longer and more rigorous rides and lessons.)
Some things that you should be a part of your warm up routine include walking, at a slow pace; ground work, nothing rigorous; lungeing, both sides of the horse. (A good way to start is on the side that’s easiest for the horse.) Of course, you should when riding, walk with a loose rein, this enables the horse to stretch out his neck, shoulder, and back muscles. Wait on asking for more speed. Many advocate the use of message or TTeam body work.
Things to Avoid when Warming Up your Horse:
It’s imperative that you give your horse time to warm up! Do not
jump on and race your horse around the round pen or arena. Avoid sharp
turns. Don’t ask for too much bending too soon. Don’t stretch
before walking some, if you do, you’ll risk ripping tendon and muscle
fibers.
Eschew fast speed, starts, and stops.
What Happens During Cool Down:
Any workout at all is stressful to a certain degree. Cool down time serves
to reduce stress and relax the horse, at the same time, reducing fatigue.
As importantly, a very tire horse will become less enthusiastic about
doing what’s being required, both when you are on the ground and
in the saddle. Physiologically, during cool down, tiny muscle irritations
heal more quickly, At the same time, cool down time provides better blood
circulation, which reduces swelling.
Cooling Down: Some Specifics:
The cool down period is as important as the warm up, since it enables
the horses’ body to return to its prior state of being. It’s
wise to walk the horse during the last part of the ride, for at least
five to ten minutes. Let the horse calm down, and loosen the reins so
he or she can again stretch out tired muscles. And too, consider walking
next to your horse and loosening the girth.
Not both gives the horse a bit more breathing room, and too, alerts him or her to the fact that this, the end part of the ride, is an enjoyable activity.
Things to Avoid when Cooling Down your Horse:
Refrain from riding home fast and putting the horse back in the stall
or pasture. If you can, hose your horse off while it is still breathing
hard, using warm water on the back and shoulders. This prevents muscle
spasms. Also, keep from feeding grain while the horse is breathing hard.
Conclusion:
The above is just an overview of what warming up and cooling down is all
about. There are numerous resource materials out there, what follows is
a brief listing that Alys and Alex found while doing research for this
article.
Warm Up and Warm Down