Top 5 Ways to Biohack your Horse’s Performance - From an Equine Massage Therapist/Former FEI Groom

Here are my top 5 ways to biohack your horse’s performance 

(From an equine massage therapist and former FEI groom)

#1 prioritize a proper warm up and cool down

It takes between 10-15 minutes for freshly oxygenated blood to reach the tendons in horses’ lower legs. Oxygenated blood helps prevent injuries. Additionally, walking enables the optimal flow of synovial fluid, which cushions horses’ joints and helps absorb the shock of exercise. A proper cool down walk allows lymph to move through the body, instead of settling excessively and causing muscle pain. 

#2 cross train

If you lifted the same weights every day, do you think you’d get sore? On the other hand, if you ran one day, lifted the next, then swam, don’t you think you’d become a well rounded athlete? Cross training your horse is one of the best ways to ensure their long term well being. Try cavaletti training, hill work, and low jumps, if your horse is able!  

#3 Make sure they get at least one day of rest a week

Ideally, I like to see performance horses get at least one day off, and one day to hack a week. Many horses benefit from more days to hack/ have off. Additionally, make sure they get breaks throughout the competition season to heal from micro tears in their tendons and ligaments.

#4 Work with a nutritionist to make sure they’re getting everything they need

Different regions have mineral deficiencies in their soil, leading to some kinds of hay needing to be supplemented. Your nutritionist can order a hay test, as well as discuss with you your horse’s nutritional needs. 

#5 massage them! 

Massage has been scientifically proven to effectively alleviate and prevent delayed onset muscle soreness. It also can improve performance at shows, and is a natural, drug free alternative to manage pain while relaxing your horse. If you want to try out massage I have a freebie for you, click the link at the top of my page to sign up!

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