Healthy mind, healthy body
By taking an holistic approach to your horse’s stable environment, you can help to keep him mentally and physically healthy. Veterinary physiotherapist, Harriett Wareham, shows you how
As told to Rebecca Philpot. Photos: Jon Stroud
Strength, suppleness, balance and relaxation – these are qualities we strive to achieve in our horses’ ridden work. However, if we’re focusing on these in our sessions under saddle, why aren’t we also making them a consideration in the remaining 23 hours of the day? Your horse’s environment outside the arena has a huge impact on both his mental and physical wellbeing – and each of these factors has a role to play when it comes to bodily comfort as a whole. A content horse is more likely to remain relaxed through his body, while a stressed horse will carry extra tension, aches and pains. Therefore, by taking care of your horse’s mindset and ensuring his stable is set up to suit him, his body will reap the rewards, too. Here are my steps to a happy, healthy yard and stable environment.
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.
1 On the go
Did you know that horses in the wild will spend up to 20 hours per day on the move and foraging for food? That’s why so much of what I recommend is based around keeping horses active. The vast majority of horses would benefit from being turned out 24/7. However, this isn’t always a realistic option and modern management practices mean it’s becoming increasingly common for horses to be stabled for at least part of the day or night. While this is often totally unavoidable for owners at livery yards, the norm tends to be to bring in horses overnight – especially over winter.