Why Your Horse Feels Stiff After Work—And How to Prevent It
Why Your Horse Feels Stiff After Work—And How to Prevent It
Why Your Horse Feels Stiff After Work—And How to Prevent It
Ever had a horse that always seems “a little sore” the day after they work? Maybe they warm up stiff but loosen up, or they’re just a little touchy when you curry certain areas. Here’s the deal: that’s not normal, and it’s not something you should ignore.
Muscle soreness in horses is often dismissed as part of the job, but the truth is, it’s a sign of deeper issues—most commonly fascial adhesions or delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). When your horse works, their muscles create tiny micro-tears, which the body repairs through increased circulation and lymphatic flow. But here’s the kicker: unlike the bloodstream, which is moved by the heart, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump. It relies on muscle contractions, movement, and manual therapies, like massage or stretching, to propel lymphatic fluid. If your horse is standing in a stall for 23 hours a day or not cooling down properly, that lymphatic fluid stagnates, leading to tightness, stiffness, and soreness that doesn’t just disappear.
👉 How to avoid Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness with your horse:
Take at least 15 minutes to hand-walk your horse before and after work. This helps flush out lymphatic fluid and prevent soreness.
Massage and stretching aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities for equine athletes. Even a few minutes of targeted myofascial release can make a difference.
If your horse only works a few days a week, stop making up for lost time with hard rides on the weekend. That’s the fast track to soreness and long-term compensatory issues.
Soreness that lingers is your horse begging for help. The good news? With small adjustments, you can make a massive difference in their comfort.
