Why Your Horse Feels Stiff After Work—And How to Prevent It
Why Your Horse Feels Stiff After Work—And How to Prevent It
Ever had a horse that always seems “a little sore” the day after they work? Maybe they warm up stiff but loosen up, or they’re just a little touchy when you curry certain areas. Here’s the deal: that’s not normal, and it’s not something you should ignore.
Muscle soreness in horses is often dismissed as part of the job, but the truth is, it’s a sign of deeper issues—most commonly fascial adhesions or delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). When your horse works, their muscles create tiny micro-tears, which the body repairs through increased circulation and lymphatic flow. But here’s the kicker: unlike the bloodstream, which is moved by the heart, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump. It relies on muscle contractions, movement, and manual therapies, like massage or stretching, to propel lymphatic fluid. If your horse is standing in a stall for 23 hours a day or not cooling down properly, that lymphatic fluid stagnates, leading to tightness, stiffness, and soreness that doesn’t just disappear.
👉 How to avoid Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness with your horse:
Take at least 15 minutes to hand-walk your horse before and after work. This helps flush out lymphatic fluid and prevent soreness.
Massage and stretching aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities for equine athletes. Even a few minutes of targeted myofascial release can make a difference.
If your horse only works a few days a week, stop making up for lost time with hard rides on the weekend. That’s the fast track to soreness and long-term compensatory issues.
Soreness that lingers is your horse begging for help. The good news? With small adjustments, you can make a massive difference in their comfort.
