Warm up wisely
Veterinary physiotherapist Harriett Wareham shares her five favourite ways to upgrade your warm-up routine – get ready to reap the body-boosting benefits!
As told to Rebecca Philpot.
Photos: Jon Stroud
Our expert
Harriett Wareham PgDip MNAVP is a veterinary physiotherapist and Founder of Animals in Action Vet Physio. She has over 10 years’ experience working with animals having previously worked as a head eventing groom, an equine and canine massage therapist and at a small veterinary practice as a veterinary physiotherapist.
It might not be anybody’s favourite part of a ride, but the warm-up is vital for setting the scene for what’s to come. Physiologically, your horse’s warm-up works to reduce and prevent injury during his work, while mentally, it allows you to get your horse in the zone and ready to metaphorically sit at his desk.
The science behind it
The warm-up helps to get blood and oxygen pumping through your horse’s body and ensures his muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia are elastic and warm. A lack of elasticity will restrict range of moment and, if his muscles are tight, you won’t get the flexibility from him that you need to start asking him to do anything more difficult.