Spring is here. It’s been a brutal winter. It’s time to start riding more. Unfortunately, with such a harsh winter, the horses haven’t been able to get very much exercise. With shedding out, it’s evident that they’ve lost muscle and conditioning.
How can we help support our horses as they become more fit?
◆︎ What was lost:
Lack of exercise can be a major cause of deconditioning. You lose muscle mass (use it or lose it). You lose stamina. You lose mitochondria within the cells. You also lose the signaling molecules that help keep the tissues vital. While reconditioning is possible, it takes time, energy, and nutritional support.
◆︎ How to recondition:
The heart of reconditioning should be graded exercise. It’s important to give the horse sufficient exercise to become more fit, but not overtaxed. For horses recovering from laminitis, surgery, a significant illness, or other debilitation, this may be just walking until the horse can walk for 30 minutes. Of course, for these horses, you would start at 5 or 10 minutes, so that you don’t overstress your horse.
For horses that are reasonably fit, you may consider starting with short rides of half an hour, building up to several hour rides.
Trying to do too much too soon can result in pain, injury, and a bad attitude.
◆︎ How to nutritionally support your horse:
☛ Sufficient feed: It’s important that if a horse has become deconditioned and has lost weight, he/she may need additional calories. For an older horse that has had a tough winter, it’s important to remember that the horse may have dental issues which contributed to the weight loss. If that’s the case, extra feed, soaked pellets or beet pulp may be advisable.
☛ Sufficient proteins:
➡ Limiting amino acids: In order to recondition the horse appropriately, it’s important that your horse gets sufficient protein, especially the limiting amino acids. It’s unrealistic to expect sufficient muscle development if the protein levels are marginal or inadequate. Top 3 Aminos contains the three rate-limiting amino acids.
➡ L-Leucine: This is a signaling molecule that may be helpful to support muscle development. It signals the muscle to bulk up and build more muscle.
➡ Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) may be helpful, in that it encourages repair of damaged mitochondria. It also signals to the cell to create additional mitochondria, which gives the cell more powerhouses. The increase in powerhouses can potentially allow the muscle to have more output.
➡ Equine Muscle Support contains the 3 rate-limiting amino acids, as well as leucine, ALCAR, betaine, beta alanine, and a hesperidin complex. This is a comprehensive muscle support product.
☛ Sufficient hydration: With increased exercise for reconditioning, more thought needs to go into hydration. In the winter, at rest, the horse doesn’t sweat very much. However, as the horse increases work, water is lost through sweat, and respiration, as well as urine. One way to help the horse stay hydrated is to have plenty of fresh water on hand. It’s also prudent to increase the intake of salt or electrolytes to encourage drinking.
☛ Joint support: Many horses have stiffness from arthritis. When increasing the work load, you may consider supplements to support their joints. This can be as simple as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, or hyaluronic acid (HA). Or it can target other nutraceuticals, such as Mov-Ease, boswellia, devil’s claw, or ultra-micronized PEA. While these nutraceuticals aren’t a cure for the horse, they can increase the horse’s comfort.
◆︎ Consistency: It’s important that when you recondition a horse, that you have consistent work. This may be 3 times per week, or another schedule that works for you. Your horse will not be able to become sufficiently conditioned if you attempt to be a weekend warrior, and take long rides only on Saturdays and Sundays. Unfortunately, unless we make time for our activities, they frequently get pushed to the back burner.
◆︎ Have fun:Now is the time to enjoy your horse and the weather. Your horse is in tune with your emotional state. Let it be a positive experience.
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Disclaimer: Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
©Joan Kulifay, MSc. 2026