Warm up before the ride - Getting back in the saddle

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Posted : 12/22/2010 12:44:45 AM

We all have those days where feeling stiff and sore slows us down and dampens our enjoyment, and horses are no exception to this. A good pre-ride workout (especially in winter) can help you and your beloved steed stay limber and agile. All too often, the temptation to throw on the saddle in a mad dash and speed of into a training session can lead to injury or accident.
If your horse is acting a little hesitant or more resistant to cooperation than usual, try the following techniques. You may find a gentle warm up is all that he's asking for. First, as any good rider will tell you, a proper body and equipment check is a vital part of the process. Is the horse comfortable with the saddle and bridle? Are there any visible bruises or markings, perhaps from an encounter with another horse in the stable? Next, take your horse for a walk, circling left then right at a steady pace. Check for signs of cramp or discomfort. Encourage him to bend his neck, and observe his responses. If he seems happy, begin a gentle trot at a slow pace. Don't allow him to dictate the pace, instead remain in control and keep observing.
When you're confident that both yourself and our horse are feeling good, increase the pace of the trot and think about starting your practice routine. These and other proper warm up techniques are wonderful opportunities to get to know your horse better. Learn to read his responses and decide what he's trying to tell you, and make the warm up a part of your daily routine. Your horse should come to expect it just as much as you, and this sets both of you up well for a good working relationship.
If, like me, you're missing the joy of owning and caring for your own horse, there's no better time to remind yourself of the vast variations of horses for sale. One of my favorite reads, and a great place to meet other equestrian enthusiasts is horse deals. Drop by, and you'll soon find your ideal riding mate.

earln7

Posted : 1/11/2011 6:28:55 AM

I really don't warm up with my horse I ride it directly he is too good like ride no him.
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Earl

Roxymom

Posted : 2/3/2011 5:55:59 PM

Good to remember - especially if your horse is an athlete - if you are working them for racing or events - and especially after a cold winter! I live and board Roxy in South Lake Tahoe, CA, but have to board her off the hill for the winter down in Carson Valley, Nevada. Don't get to ride her too much in winter due to the weather and dark so dang early - after work! Need to start getting her legged up for barrel racing season. First race is May 15, I'm usually riding her from here on out as the weather gets better, weekends, and during the week as it gets lighter longer, but have to be off for 2 months for collar bone surgery. She's in a toasty barn/paddock and gets turned out in the pasture every day, and will be on the walker at least 3-4 times a week starting March. Yea, spoiled baby, gets blanketed every night and tucked in out of the harsh wind and snow in her bed of fresh shavings!

I'll start her out back in the round pen with some "reminder" work (snaffle bit/split reins) get her to start to focus. (Which I can be doing that even tho dr. orders to not ride for 2 mos.!) Then we'll do some long trotting after a walk/jog warm-up. She wants to just take off and I have to keep her back - cause I don't want her pulling or tearing anything before the season even starts! Some arena work - and always trail rides to let her relax and enjoy being out - all the while we're working on building up strength, endurance, and speed. Pics of her posted all over my desk - its a beautiful day outside - and I'm stuck in the office!!! ick! I WANNA RIDE!!!!!

Any other suggestions for getting our "athletes" ready for a season??? She really gets in good shape when I take her back up to the Lake - usually May after snow has melted - trail rides up and down hills - and the higher elevation - and she has a bigger stall - and we pretty much get to ride almost every day.

I'm always looking for ideas especially from barrel racers - as I'm still a rookie!