So how do we get from the plug to performance?
Let’s start with physical appearance. To help get rid of that nasty winter hair try the following tips:
Spring worming. Administering an early spring worming always seems to help the winter coat shed quicker. No scientific studies to support this one, just personal experience.
Feed. Older horses may need an increase in protein in the spring to lose the hair. Check with your Veterinarian if unsure, as other health issues may be the cause of extremely delayed shedding or excessive hair growth.
Put stalled horses under lights. Contrary to popular belief, length of daylight dictates hair growth, not simply cold weather. By leaving lights on beyond the natural length of daylight, we can help “fool” the horse’s body into letting go of winter hair or never getting a heavy winter coat in the first place. This tactic requires enough light in the stall so that you can read a book in the corner…one lone household bulb simply isn’t enough to accomplish this. Remember that this procedure usually requires the use of blanketing to ensure the horse is warm enough when prematurely minus his normal hair. Also, make sure your lighting system is not a fire/shock hazard.
Spring bathing. A thorough, warm, spring bath always helps the hair go away! I like to use an iodine or sulfer-based shampoo in the spring to help alleviate the itchiness that accompanies shedding. Make sure you give the bath on a warm day, use warm water, rinse well and a use cooler on the horse while drying.
Grooming. The more you groom, the more you increase circulation. The result is quicker shedding and healthier looking new hair growth. Body clipping does not stop shedding. It does make the shedding hair less obvious. If you must body clip, be prepared to use blankets.
Sweating. If you plan to show in halter, the use of sweats on strategic areas can encourage shedding and start defining the regions that need work. Remember to keep sweats and sweated areas clean to avoid fungus and balding.
Moving on to some tips on physical conditioning:
Skeletal fitness. The equine bone takes a full six months to get into condition. This means you must plan well in advance of strenuous, weight bearing activity in order to condition the skeletal system properly. A conditioned system is far less apt to suffer injury under stress than an unconditioned system. Weight bearing (riding) work 3 or more times a week is an easy way to skeletal fitness. Stalled horses should start out with 10-15 minute sessions and work their way up, while pasture horses can usually start with 20 minutes or more. Build to a level appropriate for the planned activity.
Aerobic fitness. Aerobic means “with oxygen”. Aerobic exercise is conditioning the heart and lungs (and as a result, the musculature) to perform work. Minimal aerobic condition can be achieved fairly quickly, in as little as 30 days. Remember that the pulse and respiration must be elevated to achieve maximum results. This means you can do long trotting work for a minimum of 20 minutes, three times a week. Once again, start slow and work your way up to an appropriate level for the planned work. Ask for professional advice if the horse is health-compromised in any way.
Flexibility. This often forgotten part of equine conditioning is vital in helping prevent injury. Just as we stretch as part of an exercise routine, the equine athlete needs to stretch in order to obtain maximum performance in all gaits. A long, reachy walk is a great way to start and end your work out. It’s also helpful to minimally supple the entire horse when starting, ask for more midway through the work and again supple the horse as part of the cool down. Ask for thoughtful bending and reaching, never pull, force or hold the horse in the name of stretching.
Other condition areas of concern in the spring include hoof and dental care. Most horse owners realize the importance of preventative hoof care, but many fail to routinely care for the horse’s mouth and teeth. Have the teeth attended to as part of your regular spring Veterinary work. Schedule a farrier visit well in advance of the start of your training season.
Its amazing how quickly the horse gets back into shape. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were as easy for the rider?