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Writer's pictureDrs. Luedke

Conditioning a Horse After an Injury: A Practical Guide

Reconditioning a horse after an injury is a delicate process that requires patience, careful planning, and a focus on gradual progression. Here’s a streamlined approach with key points and timelines to help guide your horse safely back to full work.

1. Initial Rest and Rehabilitation

  • Rest Duration: Follow veterinary advice; typically, this phase lasts from a few weeks to several months, depending on the injury.

  • Activities:

    • Stall Rest or Limited Paddock Time: Essential for healing.

    • Hand-Walking: Begin with 5-10 minutes daily, gradually increasing as the horse shows improvement.

  • Goals: Prevent muscle atrophy and stiffness while promoting gentle circulation.

2. Reintroducing Exercise

  • Week 1:

    • Duration: 10-15 minutes of walking under saddle on flat, even ground.

    • Frequency: 5-6 days per week.

  • Week 2:

    • Duration: Increase to 20-25 minutes, add in 3-5 minutes trot work.

    • Incorporate: Gentle turns and slight inclines; avoid sharp turns or uneven terrain.

  • Week 3:

    • Duration: Walking 30-35 minutes, increase to 5-7 minutes trot work.

    • Add: Ground poles to improve coordination and strength.

3. Improving cardiovascular fitness

  • Week 4:

    • Duration: 8-10 minutes of trotting in intervals with walking.

    • Frequency: 5-6 days per week.

    • Focus: Straight lines, balanced movement.

  • Week 5:

    • Duration: 10-15 minutes of trotting, with extended walking intervals. Can add in 1-2 minutes of canter work each direction.

    • Adjust: Increase duration gradually based on the horse's comfort.

  • Week 6:

    • Duration: 20 minutes of trotting, 3-5 minutes of canter with reduced walking intervals.

    • Incorporate: Low-impact exercises like swimming, if possible. Underwater treadmills are wonderful at reducing impact but improving fitness.

4. Reintroducing Moderate Work (Weeks 7-8)

  • Week 7:

    • Duration: 5-10 minutes of cantering in addition to prior levels of walk and trot.

    • Frequency: 4-5 days per week.

    • Focus: Straight lines, avoiding tight circles.

  • Week 8:

    • Duration: 10-15 minutes of cantering.

    • Add: Gentle transitions and slight inclines; continue monitoring closely for any discomfort.

5. Returning to Full Work (Beyond Week 8)

  • Gradual Progression:

    • Add: Lateral movements, more complex maneuvers, or jumping, depending on the horse’s discipline.

    • Monitor: Keep a close eye on the horse's response, adjusting as needed.

  • Regular Check-ins: Continual communication with your vet to ensure the horse remains on track.

6. Nutrition and Weight Management

  • Balanced Diet: Ensure adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals to support healing.

  • Supplements: Consider joint supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, or antioxidants if recommended by your vet.

  • Weight Control: Manage to avoid excess strain on the healing injury.

7. Mental and Emotional Well-being

  • Enrichment Activities: Grooming, hand grazing, and social interaction can help alleviate boredom and stress.

  • Monitor Behavior: Watch for signs of frustration or anxiety; adjust the workload to the horse’s mental readiness.

Key Takeaways

  • Patience is crucial: Rushing the process can lead to re-injury.

  • Close Monitoring: Adjust the conditioning program based on the horse's progress and comfort level.

  • Veterinary Guidance: Always follow your vet’s recommendations for the best outcome.

By following a structured plan and paying close attention to your horse's physical and mental well-being, you can help them return to full fitness safely and effectively.




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