Whether you’re sliding into the pen for a reining pattern, loping in the arena for horsemanship, or trotting in for your ranch riding pattern, your performance begins outside the arena. The time you spend before or after your ride, during warm-up and cool-down, sets the tone for the rest of your show day and is also crucial for your horse’s long-term health. Learn why and how to implement show-day routines.
Build the Habit
Warm-up and cool-down routines aren’t just for the show. The best warm-up and cool-down routines resemble what you already do at home. Create a ritual that you can follow during practice and at the show, as it’ll give your horse a sense of comfort in familiarity, even in a new environment. It also helps you get focused and avoid the temptation to overdo it under pressure.
Prep with Purpose
Think of a warm-up as your horse’s pre-show pep talk. It’s a chance to prepare his muscles, joints, and respiratory and nervous systems for the demands of the show.
A proper warm-up gradually increases his heart rate and circulation, raising muscle temperature and improving elasticity. Since cold muscles are prone to strain, a warm-up can reduce your horse’s likelihood of injury. It also lubricates joints, increases oxygen flow, and mentally settles your horse.
Use your warm-up to check in, too; if your horse feels “off” during the warm-up, don’t ignore it. Consider adjusting your approach and figuring out what he needs to be physically or mentally prepared to perform.
What does it look like?
Most warm-up routines will start with light work to increase circulation and respiration, such as 10 to 15 minutes of walking, trotting, and loping. From there, you can incorporate bending and lateral movement to soften and engage his feet. The goal is to connect with him, not overdo it.
Cool Down Carefully
Cooling down is just as critical as warming up, yet it’s often skipped in the rush to get back to the stalls or onto the next class. You may think, it was just one class or one run, we don’t need to cool down. Perhaps your horse isn’t sweating or tired like he might be from your daily rides, but cooling down is still important for his physical and mental recovery.
During exercise, your horse’s body builds up lactic acid in the muscles and generates heat in the joints. Cooling down helps dissipate that heat, clear metabolic waste, and prevent stiffness or soreness later. A good cool-down also allows the horse’s heart rate, respiration, and circulation to return to normal.
What does it look like?
Start with 10 to 15 minutes of walking. This can be done in-hand or under saddle, depending on the horse and the environment. Once your horse has cooled down, you can give him extra post-ride pampering, if needed.
For example, if your horse is sweaty, especially in humid weather, a cool rinse or a sponge bath can lower his body temperature—just be sure to scrape excess water to avoid trapping heat. Blanketing after a cool-down may be necessary in colder temperatures to prevent muscles from stiffening. Some shows also have salt baths available, which can also help your horse’s recovery.
WATCH ON RIDE TV: Horse Show Warm-Up with Ryan Rushing
Products for Performance
A proper warm-up and cool-down helps ensure that your horse stays healthy and injury-free. However, you may choose to use products to support your horse’s recovery. While they’re not meant to be the end-all-be-all, they can supplement your existing routine.
- Standing leg wraps can reduce inflammation and reduce the likelihood of injury.
- A poultice can reduce inflammation, and achy and sore joints.
- Liniments can be used on sore and stiff muscles and joints to reduce swelling and soreness after exertion.
—H&R—
