Just like us after an intense workout or a long hike, horses can experience stiffness, tension, and soreness in their muscles. The good news? Muscle soreness is manageable—and, in many cases, preventable—with a few thoughtful steps. Here’s what you need to know.
What Causes Muscle Soreness in Horses?
Muscle soreness can occur for a number of reasons, including:
- Intense exercise or training.
- Sudden increases in workload.
- Poor saddle fit.
- Hard or uneven footing.
- Dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
You might notice your horse is a little stiff, has a shortened stride, is hesitant to move forward, or just not quite his usual self. He might flinch when you groom certain areas, especially across the back and hindquarters, or become cranky when you try to saddle him.
Treating Muscle Soreness: What You Can Do
When you suspect your horse is sore, here are a few ways to help him recover and return to comfort:
Cold Therapy
Applying cold packs or hosing sore muscles with cold water can help reduce inflammation in the first day or two after hard exercise.
Massage & Grooming
Gentle massage can increase circulation and ease muscle tension. Use your hands or a soft curry comb in circular motions, focusing on large muscle groups like the back, shoulders, and hindquarters.
Movement
Keep your horse moving—light exercise helps muscles recover faster than confinement. Turnout or hand-walking helps flush out lactic acid and also keeps joints from stiffening up.
Liniments & Topicals
Soothing topical products like liniments can provide temporary relief and promote circulation. Apply with care, and always read the label for usage instructions.
Prevention: Keeping Soreness at Bay
Be a proactive horse owner, and take these steps to help prevent your horse from becoming sore after workouts.
Warm-Up and Cooldown
Start and end every ride with several minutes of walking and stretching exercises—think long, relaxed walks and big, looping circles. It makes a big difference in muscle performance and recovery.
Gradual Conditioning
Build fitness gradually to help your horse increase strength and stamina without overloading muscles. Also, mix things up! Like people, horses benefit from variety in their workouts. Avoid overworking the same muscle groups day after day.
Check Saddle Fit
Poor saddle fit is a major cause of back soreness, leading to pressure points and muscle pain. Make sure your saddle is appropriate for your horse’s shape and checked regularly by a professional fitter.
Hydration & Nutrition
Muscles need fuel! Provide access to fresh water at all times, especially in hot weather, and ensure your horse receives a balanced diet. Your horse might also benefit from a daily nutritional supplement like Bute-Less to support his recovery and ease soreness associated with regular activity.
Rest & Recovery
Horses can experience delayed muscle soreness in the days after intense exercise. So following strenuous activity, give your horse’s body time to recover. This might mean taking a couple of days off from riding or just doing light exercise like walking.
Take-Home Message
Muscle soreness is something every horse experiences from time to time, but with these tips you can help your horse stay comfortable and ready to go.
Watch for signs of stiffness, stick to a good conditioning plan, and give your horse some extra TLC and nutritional support as needed. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice—whether it’s your veterinarian, trainer, or another experienced horse owner.
Related Reading:
This article is brought to you by Absorbine.
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