Peak Performance on the Winter Show Circuit: Recovery Strategies for Elite Equine Athletes
Written by: Tatum Tatreau
Published on:
External support for recovery
If you walk the aisles of a show barn, you’ll see horses in crossties surrounded by a range of therapies. Ice boots, red-light therapy, magnetic therapy, and other modalities are common tools. External therapies can support recovery by:
- Increasing blood flow and aiding tissue perfusion (where appropriate and used as directed)
- Reducing inflammation after hard work when indicated
- Potentially shortening warm-up times by promoting looseness and comfort in the horse
When selecting external therapies, consider timing and the athlete’s workload. Red-light/near-infrared therapies, ceramic therapies, and certain magnetic or pulsed modalities are often discussed as vasodilators that may help with circulation and muscle readiness. These can be favorable as pre-performance aids, used to help a horse feel more limber under saddle. Ice, cold therapy, and other vasoconstrictors can help manage inflammation and swelling after intense exertion or competition.
A few practical notes:
- Work with a veterinarian or licensed equine rehabilitation professional to tailor external therapies to your horse’s needs and to ensure safe use.
- Follow product guidelines and venue rules, particularly at events with specific restrictions.
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Internal support for recovery
Lactic acid management and muscle oxygenation are key topics in internal recovery. Some trainers consider pre-performance supplements that may help modulate lactic acid production and delay fatigue. For example, there are amino-acid–based formulations sometimes used pre-exercise to support metabolic readiness. Other teams use post-performance products aimed at enhancing oxygen delivery and circulation to muscles and joints to facilitate recovery.
If you’re evaluating internal supplements:
- Discuss with a veterinarian to ensure compatibility with any current medications, and to confirm dosing, indication, and withdrawal considerations for competition.
- Seek products backed by credible evidence and proper labeling (active ingredients, concentrations, and recommended usage). Be mindful of anti-doping and event rules in your jurisdiction.
- Consider a targeted plan aligned with workload: heavier show weekends may justify a different internal support strategy than lighter periods.
Recovery Supplements
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Rest for recovery
Rest is a foundational element of recovery. Adequate rest helps the horse physiologically recover and mentally reset after demanding performances. Rest strategies can include:
- Passive rest days with grazing, with limited handling
- Light activity options such as hand walking, gentle turnout, or a tack walk to promote normal movement and circulation without adding fatigue
- Sleep and environmental comfort (appropriate stall size, bedding, ventilation, and regular routine)
Integrating recovery into your show plan
- Plan recovery days in a way that matches travel, back-to-back classes, and anticipated fatigue. Balance the need to train and sharpen with the horse’s need to recover.
- Monitor indicators of recovery: performance after a rest day, heart rate recovery, gait quality, and behavioral signs of fatigue or discomfort. If concerns arise, consult your veterinarian.
- Maintain clear communication between rider, trainer, and veterinarian when adjusting training and recovery protocols, especially during peak show weeks.
Elite equine athletes rely on thoughtfully integrated recovery—encompassing external therapies, internal support, and purposeful rest—to translate training into peak performance. When combined with precise periodization and professional guidance, these recovery components help ensure that horses remain sound, competitive, and eager to perform.
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