How Do You Warm Up Before Equestrian Sports?
Warming up before any sport is important, not only for people but for animals as well. Here are some ways you can warm up before any horse event you may be attending. Warming up a horse prior to exercise allows for better use of fatty acids in the early work so less lactic acid is produced after the work is done. Research has shown that lower lactic acid levels in humans or horses lead to less fatigue and less injury in horses. Warming up the muscles help prevent muscle, ligament and tendon injuries. It could also help prevent tears, sprains and strains. A warmup should start with the horse walking on a loose rein. Afterwards, the intensity of the exercise should be increased to a trot or a canter. Not all horses can be warmed up the same or even benefit from the same kind of warm up. Some horses that have stiff muscles, prior injuries, or scar tissue benefit better with warm ups that include a fast canter or gallop. This helps stretch out the areas in them that are tight. Other horses
