Back to Routine: How to Prepare Your Horse for a New Period of Activity

After a period of rest, holidays or a reduced workload, it is time to get back into a routine. Whether the goal is to resume training, prepare for the competition season or simply return to normal activity, this transition should be made gradually to protect the horse’s health and wellbeing.

As with human athletes, a horse’s body needs time to readapt to exercise. Increasing the intensity or duration of work too quickly can increase the risk of muscle injuries, joint problems, digestive disturbances or a decline in performance.

A gradual adaptation is key

During the first few weeks, it is recommended to increase the workload gradually, allowing the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints to regain their ability to adapt.

In addition to exercise, it is advisable to check the horse’s body condition, make sure the saddle fits correctly and assess any physical changes that may have occurred during the period of rest.

Nutrition: a fundamental pillar

As activity increases, nutritional needs also change. The diet must provide sufficient energy without compromising digestive health, one of the most sensitive aspects of the horse’s wellbeing.

It is important to provide a balanced diet based on high-quality forage and adjust the energy intake according to the level of exercise. When demands increase, appropriate supplementation can help meet specific nutritional needs and support better adaptation to work.

For horses that require an additional source of sustained energy, OMEGA OIL is an excellent option thanks to its combination of Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, which provide slow-release energy and help maintain good physical condition during training.

Take care of the joints from day one

The joints withstand significant loads during exercise. After a period of inactivity, it is advisable to pay particular attention to joint care in order to support mobility and minimise the risk of overloading.

Chondroprotective supplements containing ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, hyaluronic acid or MSM can provide valuable nutritional support for maintaining proper joint function. In this regard, ARTI EQUIFLEX PLUS, thanks to its high concentration of hyaluronic acid combined with other chondroprotective ingredients, helps maintain healthy and functional joints.

Hydration and electrolyte balance

Exercise increases the loss of water and mineral salts through sweating. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for both performance and recovery.

Electrolyte replacement helps maintain fluid balance, supports muscle function and encourages water consumption, reducing the risk of fatigue and dehydration, particularly on hotter days or during intense training sessions.

In these situations, HYDRABOOST provides rapidly absorbed electrolytes, formulated with glycine to optimise their assimilation and promote effective rehydration before, during or after exercise.

Energy to perform, recovery to keep moving forward

A horse returning to work needs energy sources adapted to its level of activity. Essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and amino acids contribute to energy metabolism and help maintain good physical condition.

During demanding training sessions or competitions, TRIAMIN PRO BURST provides glucose, amino acids, vitamins and electrolytes in a convenient syringe, delivering a quick-to-use energy boost.

Recovery after exercise is equally important. Adequate muscle recovery allows the horse to approach subsequent training sessions in better condition, reducing the risk of overloading and supporting consistent performance.

Don’t forget the digestive system

Changes in routine, transport, stress or dietary modifications can disrupt the balance of the intestinal flora. Maintaining a healthy digestive system is essential to ensure that the horse can properly utilise nutrients and maintain good overall condition.

FLORYBOOST provides prebiotics, electrolytes and bentonite to help maintain the balance of the intestinal microbiota and protect the digestive tract. It is particularly recommended during periods of changes in routine, stress or competition. For horses with gastric sensitivity or a tendency towards recurring digestive problems, GASTRIAID can be used as daily support to help maintain stomach balance.

Prepare today to perform tomorrow

Returning to a routine is not simply about increasing the number of hours worked. It is a process of adaptation in which training, nutrition, hydration and supplementation work together to achieve a healthy, comfortable horse that is ready to face a new season.

Observing the horse, respecting its adaptation time and meeting its nutritional needs will help reduce the risk of injury and improve both its wellbeing and performance, whether it is a competition or leisure horse.