On the Importance of Keeping Your Horse Fit
By Caryn A. Tate
Your horse is an athlete, especially if you work him in a particular field, such as barrel racing, roping, ranch work, or jumping. I can't stress enough the importance of keeping this fact in mind as you feed him and take care of him. A horse isn't a miracle animal who can sit around in his stall all week long, and then on Saturday, come out and make amazing time on the barrels. As their trainers, we have to realize that our horses have bodies (and minds) that need to be conditioned just as our own do.
One of the reasons that it is our responsibility to observe our horses' fitness and level of health is because, of course, a horse can't speak. He can't tell you where he hurts or how it feels. So it's up to us to be observant and notice the way that our horses move, the sounds they may make, the body language they have as they move or you ask them to do something. If they limp, or act as though some part of them is more tender or sensitive than usual, we must be able to notice that and take proper steps to help them heal. That’s why it’s so important to teach kids who spend time with horses or other animals how to notice these things. Kids can be epecially rough with them if they aren’t taught to be sensitive to their more hidden needs.
We can look at it as the least we can do to repay our horses' sensitivity and unconditional love to look out for them. After all, if we don't look out for our own horses, who ever will? And as tough as horses are, we all know they tend to be prone to injury (at least compared to most other animals)! Make it a part of your routine with your horse to observe his movements and what he may be trying to tell you. It will be a big payoff when it becomes a natural thing for you to do.
About the Author:
I have lived around and worked with horses my entire life, and learned how to ride when I was a small child. Riding and training horses are great loves of mine, and I enjoy helping other people overcome training issues with their horses. I love working with horses and developing relationships with them, as well as talking about them with other people who are as passionate about the subject as I am.
Caryn may be contacted by email at scribe_79@yahoo.com.
Article courtesy of Suite101.com.
