How to Facilitate Your Horse's Recovery After Training or Competition
Recovery post-training and competition is a crucial component that should not be neglected. Metabolic waste products in the muscles and other tissues need to be transported away, and new nutrients and building blocks for repair and construction must be supplied. Blood circulation plays a vital role in transporting all these components and welcomes any assistance it can get.
During exertion, waste and by-products from metabolism accumulate in the tissues. If not allowed to be transported away, this can result in stiff, inelastic, and sore muscles and tendons.
By providing your horse with good opportunities to cool down and unwind after work, you create the best conditions for rapid recovery and prepare the horse to perform again. Depending on the intensity and type of exertion, the "post-work" routine may vary, but the purpose remains the same.
Post-exertion, the horse is given the chance to cool down, typically at a walk, and if necessary, any sweat residue is washed and rinsed off. During washing, a soothing liniment shampoo, such as Eclipse Biofarmab's Muscle Shampoo, can offer a comfortable and relaxing sensation.
After work, a full hand massage can be very beneficial and greatly aid blood circulation. We recommend using Eclipse Biofarmab's Arnica gel as the massage gel. The massage and herbal extract stimulate circulation, aiding the body in the removal of remaining metabolic waste and providing a soothing and pleasant feeling.
The horse's legs benefit greatly from being cooled with cold water. After the shower, Swede Clay from Eclipse Biofarmab is applied in a thick layer over tendons and joints and left until the clay is dry. The clay acts as a heat exchanger by drawing heat from the horse's legs and releasing it to the air outside. Consequently, the cold penetrates deeper, providing a profound and effective cooling effect. The dry clay can easily be brushed or washed off. After cooling, circulation is gently stimulated with a suitable liniment, such as Eclipse Biofarmab's Liniment Blue. The massage and liniment enhance circulation and give a comforting warming sensation.