Feeding and Management Strategies for Horses Returning to Work

Feeding and Management Strategies for Horses Returning to Work

Bringing a horse back into work after a period of rest requires careful planning and execution. Whether your horse has been off due to injury, illness, or simply an extended break, a thoughtful approach to both feeding and management is important for a successful return to fitness. This article will explore key strategies to ensure your horse's transition back to work is smooth, safe, and healthy.

Understanding the Challenges

When a horse has been out of work for an extended period, several physiological changes occur:

1. Muscle atrophy: Inactive muscles lose mass and strength.
2. Decreased cardiovascular fitness: The heart and lungs become less efficient.
3. Reduced bone density: Bones may become more susceptible to injury.
4. Digestive system adaptation: The gut adjusts to a lower-energy diet.

These changes necessitate a gradual approach to both exercise and feeding to avoid potential health issues and injuries.

Feeding Strategies

1. Assess Current Body Condition

Before making any changes to your horse's diet, assess their current body condition score (BCS). This will help you determine whether your horse needs to gain, lose, or maintain weight as they return to work.

2. Gradually Increase Energy Intake

As work intensity increases, so will your horse's energy requirements. However, it's important to make dietary changes slowly to avoid digestive upset.

- Start by slightly increasing the amount of forage (hay or pasture) before adding concentrates.
- If concentrates are needed, introduce them gradually over 7-10 days.
- Choose easily digestible energy sources like beet pulp or rice bran for horses that tend to get "hot" on grain.

3. Balance the Diet

Ensure your horse's diet is balanced for all essential nutrients, particularly as energy intake increases:

- Protein: Adequate protein is necessary for muscle repair and development. Look for high-quality protein sources like lucerne or soybean meal.
- Vitamins and minerals: Consider a balanced vitamin/mineral supplement, especially if your horse's diet consists mainly of forage.
- Electrolytes: As your horse begins to sweat more with increased work, electrolyte supplementation may be necessary.

4. Monitor Water Intake

Proper hydration is paramount for a horse returning to work. Ensure clean, fresh water is always available and consider adding electrolytes to encourage drinking, especially in hot weather or during intense training periods.

5. Use Supplements Wisely

While not all horses need supplements, some may benefit from specific additions to their diet:

- Joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin for older horses or those with a history of joint issues.
- Omega-3 fatty acids to support overall health and potentially reduce inflammation.
- Prebiotics or probiotics to support digestive health during dietary changes.

Always consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist before adding supplements to ensure they're appropriate for your horse's specific needs.

Management Strategies

1. Develop a Gradual Exercise Plan

The key to successfully bringing a horse back into work is a gradual increase in exercise intensity and duration:

- Week 1-2: Start with daily hand-walking or very light lunging for 10-15 minutes.
- Week 3-4: Introduce short periods of trotting and increase session length to 20-30 minutes.
- Week 5-6: Begin short riding sessions at walk and trot, gradually increasing duration.
- Week 7-8: Introduce canter work and more challenging exercises as fitness improves.

Remember, this is a general guide and should be adjusted based on your horse's individual needs and prior fitness level.

2. Monitor Your Horse's Response

Pay close attention to how your horse responds to increased work:

- Watch for signs of fatigue during and after exercise.
- Check legs for heat or swelling after workouts.
- Monitor recovery time – how quickly does breathing return to normal?
- Observe overall demeanor and enthusiasm for work.

3. Prioritise Turnout and Movement

Consistent, low-intensity movement is beneficial for horses returning to work:

- Provide as much turnout as possible to encourage natural movement.
- If full turnout isn't possible, consider using a horse walker or hand-walking sessions.

4. Implement a Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down Routine

As you begin riding:

- Always start with a proper warm-up to prepare muscles and joints for work.
- End each session with a cool-down period to gradually return heart rate to normal and prevent muscle stiffness.

5. Be Flexible with Your Plan

Every horse is an individual, and some may progress faster or slower than others:

- Be prepared to adjust your plan based on your horse's response.
- Don't hesitate to take a step back if your horse shows signs of struggle.
- Consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your horse's progress.

6. Address Any Underlying Issues

If your horse was rested due to an injury or illness:

- Follow your veterinarian's recommendations for rehabilitation.
- Consider therapies like massage, chiropractic work, or acupuncture to support your horse's return to work.

OBringing a horse back into work after a period of rest requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to adjust your approach based on your horse's needs. By implementing appropriate feeding strategies and following a careful management plan, you can help your equine partner safely and successfully return to full fitness. Remember, the goal is not just to get your horse back to work, but to do so in a way that promotes long-term health and soundness. With the right approach, you and your horse can look forward to many more years of partnership and performance.