I just started back to weekly dressage lessons with my 25 y/o Belgian cross mare. We’re taking our rides slow and steady as we’re both out of shape. I was wondering what you all would recommend for post work therapy? She has no health issues, is turned out 24/7 and has never (knock on wood) had any lameness issues. After our first lesson last week, I cold hosed her and applied liniment to her legs and back. Should I be icing her legs? Any other therapy techniques that work well?
I think what you are doing is sufficient. The turnout to allow her to be walking around is the best part!
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It sounds like you’ve pretty much got things covered. Adequate nutrition and lots of turnout will be the most helpful. Keeping her from getting too chunky, as well as regular trims with a good farrier will help keep the stress down on her joints.
If you want to pamper her you could add a bodyworker to the schedule.
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Avoid unnecessary boots/bandages, turn out after work. That should be more than sufficient for this work level. Routine icing is a mixed bag, and not universally recommended anymore.
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I love arnica and it really works to reduce muscle stiffness and pain for me. So my horses get straight rinsed in Sore No More after any kind of workout. I’m thinking your girl would love that TLC.
And all of us with Posture Prep groomers would recommend that too.
Your girl is lucky to be turned out 24/7!
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Most horses thrive best on least interference, particularly at the very low level of work you are currently doing. The 24/7 turn out is absolutely the best thing. On a hot day, a hose down might be appreciated, mainly to remove sweat and stop flies.
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Suitable nutrition for her level of activity, turnout in a compatible herd, and listen to what she tells you about her body.
I would be remiss if I did not tell you, from my own horse, that carrots have healing powers and should be applied liberally.
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Renn_aissance is correct, though my leased horse, who has studied these things intensively in his 25+ years, would also offer that the application of any treat is therapeutic for joints, muscles, and cognitive status (my fella is much smarter when treats are applied vs. when they are not).
A 10- or 15-minute hack around the property or down a trail if possible, before you get into going in circles in the ring, is also therapeutic (you may be doing this already; I know you asked about post-ride. A post-ride hack on a loose rein is good for stretching and self-adjusting, too).
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Thank you all! She is my heart horse and I want to make sure she’s around as long as possible (so, forever!) We attribute her good health and overall excellent condition to her steady diet of carrots (although apples are definitely her favorite) and 24/7 turnout for the last 22 years!
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I agree with SharonA1, about a warmup BEFORE starting her work to get all the joints lubricated, blood flowing. We walk 10 minutes, then trot for another 10 minutes. A similar cool down if she is hot after your work is helpful. She just needs to walk out, like she is going someplace, not a pitter-patting walk. You can get the warmup times on a trail or in the arena doing 5 minutes in each direction walking, then 5 minutes trotting each way, before asking her to actually engage on the reins, and with your legs.
This time also let’s you get warmed up, be ready to ride with body flexible to ask things from her. An older horse with a job is a happier horse, good for their body too.
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