Episode 81: Rebuilding Well: Bringing a Horse Back Into Work
Rebuilding Well: Bringing a Horse Back Into Work
Strap yourself in - this is an episode where you are going to want to take notes!
Today we are talking through how to bring a horse back into work without rushing the process and risking injury. Within 3 months of no work a horse's body looses their fitness. Fitness and strength is represented by physiological changes in the muscles and cells that increase energy storage, oxygen delivery and energy use efficiency. This lack of fitness means a loss of endurance, loss of strength, and reduced capacity to handle work safely. Today we aim to give you a specific roadmap including session length, intensity, frequency to bring your horse back into work safely!
This conversation is especially relevant for broodmares after a foal, or any horse coming back into work without an injury but with a body that still needs thoughtful reconditioning. It will be useful resource for every single person who rides a horse.
In this episode, we unpack:
- Why 6 to 8 weeks is a realistic minimum timeline for rebuilding baseline fitness and why it is integral for injury prevention and your horse's wellbeing
- What to assess before you begin, including posture, core strength, laterality, and old compensations
- How to structure the first few weeks with stability, balance, neuromuscular control, and short, effective sessions
- When and how to introduce more trot, canter, and higher intensity work without overdoing it (including how long your increases in intensity should be)
To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:
Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics
Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com
To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:
Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg
Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?
Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com
