Managing Your Horseʼs Summer Weight Gain Needn’t Be A Stressful Event This Summer With The My Yardd App

Summer has well and truly arrived here in the UK and weʼve got some handy tips for managing your horseʼs summer weight gain with the my yard app. After what feels like the longest winter since records began, longer days, t-shirt weather and dry fields are finally here! However, summer comes with its own set of challenges…

Warm sunny days and spring showers result in a sharp increase in grass growth causing weight gain. Managing your horseʼs weight is incredibly important for their health and wellbeing, although it can be tricky to track changes and time-consuming to manage. An overweight horse is at risk of developing serious health conditions such as laminitis and arthritis.

But donʼt worry, we have some simple tips for managing your horseʼs summer weight gain that you can easily implement with the my yardd app and it’s totally free!

My Yard App Tip – Movement is Key

Movement burns calories and can have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, before stepping up your horseʼs workload, take note of any excess weight they are carrying and start increasing fitness slowly. Doing too much too soon if your horse is even just a little overweight can add significant stress to their joints and muscles which could result in injury.

A Safe Surface Can Help! Keep Track On Your My Yardd App

A safe and stable surface is best for increasing your horse’s movement to avoid injury while they build up muscle and fitness. The surface you ride your horse on must have the correct level of support to ensure stability and minimise concussion on your horseʼs legs. As horse owners, the team at Foleyʼs Equestrian Surfaces have the knowledge to carefully choose the right materials to ensure the surface is the best for your horseʼs protection and ability during training. A surface such as Eco-Flex, will provide cushioning and support to provide the right amount of resistance and balance.

A consistent exercise regime will have the best benefit to your horse, a Foleyʼs Equestrian Surface is designed to drain well and be resistant to frost, so you can exercise your horse no matter what the weather!

When using an arena to exercise your horse, think outside the box, or arena fence should we say! Rather than sticking a saddle on and riding circles, here are some suggestions to add fun to your schooling.

Polework can provide an excellent form of exercise as a horse has to use a different range of muscles to lift their legs over poles. You could walk your horse in hand or under saddle over a selection of poles to get them moving and add more excitement to their schooling session. In-hand schooling allows you to bond with your horse at their level and reduce the impact on their joints as well as provide good exercise.

Long Reining can be a useful alternative to lunging if you feel that doesnʼt suit your horseʼs fitness level. Long reining is great for developing suppleness and straightness. Challenge yourself to work away from the arena fence to get your horse working, plus, itʼs good exercise for you!

Download the my yardd app now!