The trail horse is an incredible creature. He’s brave and courageous, goes where many horses won’t, carefully navigates tough terrain, and boldly carries you to new country. We spend quite a bit of time thinking about the joint health of the performance horse, but don’t neglect your trail horse’s comfort and well-being when it comes to healthy joints. I’m going to discuss ways to preserve the health of your trail horse’s joints, how I implement proactive measures, and how I keep his joints happy on the trail.
The Importance of Joint Health for the Trail Horse
I would like to preface this by specifying that I live in the Rocky Mountains. And there’s a reason they call this mountain range rocky. This means that the terrain I am used to riding in is tougher terrain than most people think of, when they picture trail riding. When I think of trail riding, I think of difficult and steep terrain, rocky, and often uneven and inconsistent.
With this steep terrain, and the way the horse has to use his hind end and his hocks, both ascending and descending; his joints are very active. I don’t expose this type of country to trail horses until they’re about four-years-old. Until then, they’re bodies aren’t mature enough to even handle it. Trail riding puts a lot of wear and tear on joints, so we need to be proactive in considering joint health, and understand the importance of it.
On top of this, think about the qualities you love in a good trail horse. The older he gets, the better he gets. A solid trail horse only gets more reliable, and therefore, more valuable over time. Unlike a show ring career where you show hard for a few years and then take it easy, these horses are going to work hard their entire career. This means that the longevity piece is super important. If you think of it in those terms; the endurance factor, inconsistent terrain, difficult hill work, are absolutely putting as much wear and tear on the horse as what high performance horses endure.
How Fitness Meshes With Joint Health
Fit horses are healthier, their muscles, tendons, and ligaments are stronger, which in turn, helps protect the joints.
A fit horse is less likely to injure himself. And can navigate tough country easier than an out of shape horse. There’s also the longevity factor as our horses get to middle age or past it. Just like in humans, we don’t do him a favor letting him get unfit or out of shape. It gets harder and harder to bring him back as he ages.
And middle age is when these horses are getting into their prime. It’s a disservice to your horse to let him sit idle in a small pen, and then pull him out for a tough trail ride without properly conditioning him first. Depending on how long he’s been idle, factored in with his age, it can take a long time to get that horse fit enough to do much. You risk greater injury because you’re asking a horse to perform that doesn’t have the strength to do the maneuver or protect his joints.
And it’s not just joints and muscles. It’s all of the soft tissues that become weak with lack of exercise. All of that weakness makes the horse more prone to injury when we ask him to do things like navigate rocky country, go up and down hills, and balance on uneven ground. So when it comes to protecting your trail horse’s joints, fitness is everything.
Know Your Horse; Know the Warning Signs
You know your horse best. You know his baseline energy levels, behavior, and physical health. Knowing how your horse normally looks and acts can give you a good idea that he needs support, if you notice a change in his day-to-day behavior. I pay close attention to how our horses look in their stalls in the morning, their posture, alertness, behavior, signs that they laid down. I look for any subtle signs they don’t feel great or have any stiffness or soreness. Your horse will tell you if he doesn’t feel good, if you just listen.
One thing I really pay attention to when it comes to horses that have recently been ridden hard or are older, is how they feel when I first swing a leg over. I just throw the reins and let him pick the pace. Often, that horse might feel reluctant to move at first. I always just let him take his time to warm-up. Then, I’ll reach a point where he feels normal, stretched out, and is using his body evenly, and then it’s time to start the warm-up. Pay attention to how long that process normally takes.
Make sure to pay attention to any changes in your trail horse’s condition, whether they are for the better or worse. Soreness or reluctance to move may not be immediately apparent after a hard ride, so monitor your horse closely for a few days post-ride to determine if joint support is needed.
When to Start Support
Joint problems can arise from a combination of age and wear and tear, making joint support essential for horses of all ages. Start incorporating joint supplements early on, such as Cosequin®, to promote joint health and prevent issues in the future.
Choose the appropriate joint support product based on your horse’s individual needs. For example, a horse with soft feet transitioning to a dry, rocky climate may benefit from Cosequin® ASU Joint and Hoof Pellets or Calxequin hoof supplement.
Keep Joints Healthy
Collaborate with your farrier to ensure your horse’s hooves are balanced and in good condition, as this is crucial for overall joint health. Regularly assess your horse for any changes that may indicate joint problems, and be proactive in maintaining his well-being.
Be mindful of your horse’s environment and riding activities to prevent joint damage. Avoid prolonged exposure to hard surfaces like concrete, and refrain from overworking your horse with repetitive or strenuous exercises. Prioritize your horse’s comfort and well-being to keep his joints healthy.
Other Ways to Protect His Joints on the Trail
In addition to joint supplements and mindful riding, consider the terrain and difficulty level of your trail rides to ensure they are suitable for your horse’s age and skill level. Riding smart and adapting to your horse’s needs will help prevent injuries and maintain his joint health.
Be a Good Trail Partner For Your Horse
Supporting your trail horse’s joint health involves being a responsible rider and monitoring his well-being during rides. Take breaks when needed, be aware of your horse’s exertion levels, and watch for any signs of discomfort or joint pain. By listening to your horse and adjusting your riding routine accordingly, you can ensure his joint health and overall well-being.
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Please let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification.