Every Athlete Has An Off Season. Horses Should, Too
Some of my favorite coverage of the Olympics Games came actually after the events were over and the medals were doled out. I loved the homecoming videos so many equestrians shared of their mounts arriving home after making the long trip back from Tokyo, to roll in an extra-floofy stall of shavings or to be turned out for a good roll in their own paddock. Boy, did they deserve it.
As I watched the Olympics from my Florida home, my horse was on a well-deserved summer break. A minor injury in the spring had pushed his competition season later into the summer than usual, but I was determined to give him at least six weeks off of heavy work. He’s sound now, fit and healthy. This wasn’t a forced break from work, but one he very much earned. I think nearly every horse deserves a dedicated off season.
I understand every animal has different needs. Mine, for example, is best when in kept in work. During this down period, I was still riding him… but only once or twice a week for easy going hacks. This horse isn’t destined for the Olympics by any means, but he hard for me, his amateur owner. I want him to enjoy his job and be healthy for many years to come. Making sure he gets some time to take the pressure off performance plays a key role in that.
IMO. In Florida, horse shows go on year round. It’s easy to give in to the pressure of a trainer to keep competing all year, or to chase points on various circuits. My horse isn’t a machine. He’s a living, breathing athlete, and I treat him as such. He deserves the mental break as much as a physical one. And it’s on me as his rider and owner to make sure he’s getting all the care he needs.
This hot take originally published in the Heels Down Spark in September 2021. Get more conversation starters in your inbox every weekday morning by subscribing to the Spark now.