Equine Guelph has some very good tips for keeping your horse healthy and ready for action during the summer months:
1. Use Cross Training to Prevent Injury: Cross training allows us to spread the cumulative level of orthopedic stress over an increased number of muscles and joints. By “sharing the load” we are able to train longer at greater intensity without overloading vulnerable areas. For example: A dressage horse (or a show jumper) requires a high level of hindquarter strength and endurance to maintain the engagement and power of collection.
Keeping your horse healthy
Click on each of these five health tips from Equine Guelph to keep your horse healthy and ready for action during these warm summer months.
An alternative to the typical “strength training” exercises within the arena, the same horse would benefit from regular, controlled hill work to: (1) strengthen the muscles of the hindquarter without putting a focal stress on common areas of injuries (hock joints, suspensory ligaments); (2) move the sacro-iliac joint in a different pattern reducing the chance of repetitive strain associated with inflammation; (3) give the rider and the horse a mental break from the intense training within the ring.
“It is critical for the mental and proper musculoskeletal development of the athlete to have for every three training days a day off or even better provide cross training like trail riding or swimming on these days" ~ Dr. Judith Koenig DVSc ACVS, Ontario Veterinary College Understanding conditioning - Learn the benefits of cross-training from Dr. Bri Henderson.
2. Step smartly into summer: Do you know why it is desirable to match hoof moisture to ground conditions? Find out this and much more about hoof health with this Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food fact sheet.
3. Be proactive on lameness: You know who to call but do you know when to call? Dr. Ken Armstrong talks about early diagnosis of lameness in this video.
4. It's not just a scratch: All wounds no matter how small need treating to ward off infection.More wound care tips and when to call the vet.
5. Move out manure: Cleaning up the paddock helps control parasites. It also reduces flying pests. Read more tips to keep the insects away from your horse.