Spring is nearly here and I am so excited to get back to riding a bunch! We have had a
good and cold winter which should help stunt the bug population (that’s the optimist in
me)! Now is the time to do routine care, maintenance, and training before you are
burning the rubber off the tires going to trail rides, shows, or more. I thought it would be
a great topic to consider what should be on our “Spring Checklist.”
Spring Care List
1. Overall inspection of your horse! Check for muscle soreness, fungus or bacterial
infections, check teeth and more.
2. Vaccinations
3. Negative Coggins (if traveling over state lines or to shows)
4. Deworming (if needed)
5. Balanced hoof care or shoes
6. Float teeth
7. Vet exam, blood panels, or more (if needed)
8. Adjust nutrition
9. Bodywork session to get things limbered up
10. Clean sheaths and teats (Pro tip! When your horse is sedated for teeth or any
other procedures, immediately following is a perfect time to clean sheaths and
check for beans)!
Spring Equipment Care List
1. Overall inspection of your tack! Check for wear spots, cleaning needs, and more.
2. Double check fly gear
3. Wash blankets
4. Safety check, clean and oil all tack
5. Service the truck
6. Service the trailer
7. Double check helmet expiration
8. Restock first aid kid
Training Checklist
1. Saddle Fit and Tack: Double check your saddle fit and make sure your pad
is as clean as possible. Horse’s bodies can change through the winter by
losing or gaining. Also check any common places of wear to be certain your
leather is all in working order.
2. Fitness Consideration: The duration and terrain of your trail ride should be
considered. Horses that have been stalled, standing around a round bale, or
in small dry lots without much room to move, will have lower fitness and stiffer
joints. Consider a gradual trail ride instead of a multi hour and multi terrain
ride. You will decrease your risk of injury and are less likely to sour your
horse.
3. Check Engine Light: Some horses can come out of the pasture and be right
where your left them while others might be a little more anxious. Observe and
be mindful of your horse’s emotional state and be open to what they offer. In
other words, your horse might need a “tune up.”
4. Stiff or Sore: Anxiety and adrenaline can overpower soreness and pain.
Remember, horses are masters at hiding their pain (prey animal instinct).
Consider the horses that would just go and go and go on that first trail ride of
the spring. What is fueling them? How do they get around the next day?
Building muscle will cause soreness but muscle should be built systematically
over time.
5. Warm Up: Some horses can maintain some level of fitness in the pasture.
This is to your advantage, but don't forget they aren't hanging out in the
pasture carrying weight around. A couple rides getting warmed up to carrying
a rider again can make a big difference for the future.
6. No Foot, No Horse: Make sure their feet are trimmed and balanced. Check
for thrush, laminitis, or abscesses. There is nothing worse and more
dangerous than tripping around on the trails with long toes!
I hope everyone has a great spring enjoying their horses!