Overtraining is a major contributing factor to diminished athletic performance. It dramatically increases the likelihood of equine sickness and injury. A horse of any age and fitness level can be afflicted, thus it’s important to mind the signs and symptoms and do what you can to prevent chronic fatigue from setting in. Things to watch for include behavioral changes, irritability, a decrease in body weight, elevated heart rate during exercise, and trouble sleeping.
Rest is the best cure for overtraining, but prevention is even better:
1. Identify early signs of fatigue and adjust workload appropriately. If you suspect the risk of overtraining, reduce or stop your horse’s conditioning program to allow for recovery.
2. Make high quality feed and fresh water available at all times.
3. Limit the amount and frequency of sub-maximal workloads, and integrate low-intensity active recovery, such as a walk, slow trot, and fast trot, into training.
4. Supplement feed with an all-natural, high quality formula. Recovery EQ Extra-Strength has been proven to decrease friction and improve joint health. It contains hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance central to cell growth and renewal. Recovery EQ was rated No. 1 product and “best overall performer” by Horse Journal in a landmark trial comparing the most effective products worldwide.
Eryn Kirkwood is a freelance writer and editor residing in Ottawa, Canada. As an animal lover and health and wellness aficionado, Eryn publishes humorous and informative horses across a breadth of topics.
