The longer days, busy competition calendar and better weather make summer the busiest time of year for lots of our customers, and riders based all over the UK. Whether you’re heading to competitions, enjoying fun rides or just getting out for long summer hacks, it’s important to support your horse’s body so they can stay comfortable and sound. With spring weather coming around two weeks earlier and autumn around two weeks later (all thanks to climate change), there are many months stretching ahead of you to enjoy time with your horse. With that in mind, we’ve put together some practical steps you can take to help keep your horse sound and healthy, whatever your plans this summer. Let’s get started!
Build up fitness gradually
While we know some of you will have started a fitness programme all the way back in January, that isn’t possible for everyone. If you’re only just beginning your journey, that’s just fine! Just make sure you take it slowly and because building fitness takes time. Your horse’s tendons, ligaments and muscles all need to adapt gradually to increased work as well as boosting their cardiovascular system. Just remember to increase intensity bit by bit and mix up your activities. Schooling, hacking, hill work, gallops, the water treadmill and pole work all have their place and will keep your horse engaged.
At Thorpe Farm, our gallops are ideal for building fitness and stamina, helping prepare horses for the demands of everything from one-day events to long rides out with friends. If you’re aiming for a one-day event, hunter trial or fun ride with jumps, the cross-country field is a great choice for conditioning and working on your accuracy and communication!
Balance work and rest
While we know it’s tempting to make the most of long days and (hopefully) better weather by filling your calendar with events, clinics and fun rides, don’t overdo it. Soundness issues can creep in when horses are overtired, and their muscles get fatigued. It’s best to build a weekly routine that includes at least one rest day and some active rest like a gentle hack, water treadmill session or in-hand stretch session, to allow the body to recover.
Keep track of the ground conditions
We all know the rollercoaster of being a British horse owner: it can feel like we go from deep mud in gateways and sticky bridleways to rattling ground in just a few weeks. Firm ground can take a real toll on joints, especially if you’re jumping and doing faster work. If the ground’s not quite right, opt for schooling sessions, a quieter hack or make use of our all-weather gallops, which offer perfect footing 365 days a year.
Warm up and cool down thoroughly
It’s vital to still warm up your horse properly, even when the weather isn’t quite so cold. A proper warm-up increases heart rate, blood flow and muscle elasticity, helping your horse’s body get ready for the demands of the workout.
After training sessions and competitions, especially when you’ve been undertaking fast work and jumping, it’s important to give your horse time to cool down properly. A long walk, followed by a wash-down or cold hosing on really hot days, helps regulate body temperature and reduce muscle tightness. Ice boots or cold therapy can also be useful for legs after strenuous work, helping to minimise inflammation before it has a chance to set in.
Make the most of water treadmill sessions
One of the best ways to build strength and stamina without the strain is using a water treadmill. It allows horses to work against resistance while the water supports the joints, reducing impact and concussion. It’s also brilliant for active recovery and removing waste products from the muscles after a competition or intense training.
Our customers use the water treadmill at Thorpe Farm for horses in full work as well as those coming back from time off or rehabbing from injury. It’s a great tool for fitness, conditioning and active recovery throughout the summer and beyond.
Don’t forget physio and saddle checks
A slightly sore muscle or a saddle that’s starting to pinch can easily turn into something more serious. Staying ahead of these little niggles and stopping a horse moving awkwardly or overcompensating for a weakness is a big part of keeping them sound. Scheduling routine physio or osteopath checks and making sure you get your saddle checked is a great way to help keep your horse sound and well.
Know what’s normal for your horse
It’s almost always easier to treat an injury or issue if it’s picked up early. That’s why we recommend you get into the habit of checking your horse’s legs every day and watching them move when you’re not in the saddle as often as possible. That might mean getting a friend to trot them up or long reining them in the school, so you know what’s normal for them. Small signs like a shortened stride, reluctance to bend, or a subtle change in attitude can all be early indicators of discomfort. If something feels off, ease off and investigate – trust your gut!
Making sure your horse stays sound and healthy this summer means playing the long game. It’s important to prepare them for your next competition, sponsored rides and long hacks, but focusing on proper warmups, cooling down, weaving in rest days and active recovery will help them stay comfortable and happy for the long haul. With thoughtful training and a bit of forward planning, you can enjoy months of fun together.