Proper Horse Care by Alissa Kelly

Many times riders will disregard how important pre and post care is not only after a competition run, but in a horses weekday rides as well. The 20 minutes you spend tending to your horse before sitting in the saddle as well as the 20 minutes after your ride are a staple in your horses care regimen.  From the moment you catch your horse it's important for you to pay attention to how they look, if they are tracking evenly and their overall disposition. Once you begin the grooming process this is your chance to check your horse from head to hoof for any abrasions, cuts or swelling. If there is swelling on one of a horses legs it's  important to know this prior to riding to help you prevent further injuring your horse. Running your hands down your horses legs everyday checking for heat or swelling is a great habit. Always be sure to pick feet and examine your horses shoes for any signs of lifting nails or a bent shoe. Before I saddle my horse I take into consideration where my horse has been sore in the past or any tight/sore areas I found while grooming and will apply  DiO The most common areas of soreness I have found is shoulders, neck, back, hamstrings and ankles. All horses get sore, from the ones just starting the pattern to a finished horse.