Rethinking paddock rest: balancing recovery and movement
Horses are often prescribed periods of rest after an injury to prevent further damage to the injured site. Within the acute (early) stages of injury, short periods of rest are important to reduce bleeding, inflammation and pain. In humans, we know that prolonged periods of rest has detrimental effects to body - significant muscle wastage, loss of cardiac conditioning, increased heart rate, poor digestive function and negative psychological affects including depression and anxiety. Here are some ways to keep your horses body and brain active while they are on a period of rest.
NB: It is VITAL that you consult with your veterinarian of physiotherapist prior to beginning ANY alternative form of exercise to ensure it won’t negatively affect the injured site.
Dynamic Mobilisation Exercises: A perfect way to maintain or build core muscle strength and topline for horses. Suited to horses on rest for distal limb injuries (e.g. suspensory or tendon injuries) who are restricted in terms of movement. NOT SUITABLE (without specific prescription from a vet or physio) for horses with spinal pathology. See the guide HERE.
In-hand walking: If your horse has been cleared to move around the paddock, chances are they are ready for an in-hand walking program. ‘But my horse will walk around the paddock’ - no they won’t. They will walk from the feed bucket, to the hay, to the water trough. You will not see your horse diligently walk itself calmly around the paddock for 20 minutes. Longer periods of walking are important for blood flow throughout the body - this will assist in digestive function, improve healing rates of the injured site and provide mental stimulation of getting out of the paddock - especially if they are getting the zoomies and gallivanting around the paddock because they are bored. Depending on your horse’s injury, you can add some pole work or walk in an Equiband Pro system to improve core activation and hind limb gait symmetry.
Trick training: now, I’m no expert in this area but trick training (e.g. teaching your horse to ‘smile’) is a great way to provide mental stimulation without any movement. Perfect for horses on box rest.
Altered feeding positions: Changing the position in which your horse is getting fed (e.g. high hay net vs. low) can activate different muscle systems within the body and challenge the horse in different postures. Whilst most feeding should be encouraged from low positions (for best digestive function and lift through the back), adding treat or lick toys up higher can encourage your horse to stretch their neck and shift their weight across all four limbs while providing the mental stimulation of working out the toy.
Lets be super clear - it depends on your horses injury as to which of these forms of exercise will be suitable for your horse if they are on paddock or box rest. You MUST consult with your vet or physio to find out what will be best for your horse!
Want to know which exercises are suitable for you horse? Fill out the contact form to book an online or in-person appointment HERE.