Layoff Your Horse!
When I was young and showing horses when the weather got colder it signified a break in the rigors of training but today, due not only to the proximity of indoor arenas but the fact more riders head south for the winter many horses are kept in training or competing year round. What is best for the working horse? Despite the fact you want to perfect that sliding stop or heel loop, your horse, like you, needs time periodic vacations from it's job. Veterinarians like Wendy A. Schofield who was interviewed for Horses Incorporated and who specializes in sport horse medicine will tell you that horses under constant stress whether it be in training, traveling or showing are more at risk for gastric ulcers, colic, injury, fatigue and poor performance. A lay off period, a short break two to three week break or even cutting training back to one or two days a week can help immensely. And the younger the horse the longer the break should be. In a perfect world every horse would get two to three months off. Remember that these horses still need exercise, ideally pasture time, but even changing the riding routine can help keep horses mentally fresh. Please don’t layoff your employees, just lay off your horse! I’m Susan Allen .
