3 minute read
MANAGING YOUR PONY LIKE AN ATHLETE
Our ponies are athletes, and they need to be treated as such. If we expect our ponies to work with us, carry us over jumps, and dance through dressage tests, we need to treat their bodies well to keep them fit and healthy for as long as possible. Here are our top tips for managing your pony like the athlete he is!
1. Getting to the event
When you travel to shows, and your pony goes in the box, they use their muscles to keep balanced. This means that it is best to arrive early at a show so your pony can rest their muscles a bit before they have to start competing. After the event, let them cool down before heading home. For long trips in the box, take breaks every four hours to let your pony rest and drink water. If it’s safe, you can let them graze for a bit during these breaks.
2. Warming up
Warming up your pony is one of the most important steps of competition. A good warm-up helps their muscles get ready for exercise and reduces the risk of injuries.
3. Cooling down
After the event, don’t jump off your pony right away. Walk them for at least 20 minutes to help remove heat and toxins from their muscles. This prevents soreness and helps them recover faster.
4. Cooling techniques
To cool your pony further after the cool-down, hose them with cold water starting at the legs and hand-walk them to improve airflow and cool them faster. If it’s sunny, find shade so your pony can properly cool down. If the weather is cold, use cold water and add a sweat sheet once they’re cool.
DID YOU KNOW?
How fast a pony cools down depends on their fitness level. Fit ponies can get rid of heat faster.
5. Taking care of the legs
Icing your pony’s legs after heavy exercise reduces inflammation and helps protect against injury. For the best results, use a tub of ice water. Ice boots are also helpful, but you usually need to change over your ice packs at least once to get the legs properly cold. Soaking the legs in water before icing helps cool the tissues better.
6. Water
Ponies need water to stay healthy. Let them drink whenever they want.
7. Food
During shows, always provide salt and let your pony eat hay or grass 24/7, but wait until they’ve cooled down before giving them concentrate feeds.
8. Watching for dehydration
Check your pony’s hydration levels by pinching the skin on their shoulder; it should snap back quickly. If you are worried that they are not drinking enough, make sure the water is at room temperature (i.e. not too cold), consider adding a bit of molasses to their water, or even put a bit of salt on their tongue to encourage drinking.
9. After a show
Once you get back from a show, you should give your pony a day or so to rest and walk around in their paddock with their friends. Bodywork can also help relieve stiffness in their muscles.
Take home message
Use these tips at every event to help your pony recover quickly and stay healthy. Taking care of your pony right after an event and at home will keep them happy and ready for even more fun!