The fall indoor season is one of the most exciting times of the year. Capital Challenge, Washington International, and the National Horse Show bring together the best horses and riders from across the country. For equine athletes, this stretch of high-intensity competition is one of the most physically demanding times of the show season. Between the travel, heightened competition atmosphere, and the busy schedules, it's easy for horses to feel run down right when they need to be feeling their best.
So, how can you set your horse up to go their best before stepping into those iconic rings?
The Pressure of Indoors
Unlike summer circuits where horses have time to settle into a rhythm, indoors compresses everything into a short, intense window. Horses often ship long distances, go straight into competition, perform under bright lights, in electric environments, and on footing that may feel different from home. This can take a toll on their bodies, particularly the soft tissues that bear the brunt of repeated jumping, tight turns, and long hours at the horse show.
Common Risk Factors During Finals
Soft tissue health is especially vulnerable during the indoor season for a number of reasons:
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Increase class load:Â some horses are competing over multiple rounds every week, with minimal downtime in between
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Travel stress:Â long trailer riders can make horses stiff and fatigued before they even enter the ring
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Footing changes:Â moving from one venue to another means constant change in footing, which can add strain on tendons and ligaments
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Elevated stress:Â the atmosphere of these prestigious shows can leave horses more stressed in their body and mind, which may change how they go
Pre-Show Conditioning
The key to keeping horses strong through finals is balance. You want them fit enough to handle the demands of the show, but not overworked in the weeks leading up. Focus on maintaining strength and flexibility without drilling high-impact work. Flatwork that encourages suppleness, hacking on good footing, and varied routines can keep muscles and soft tissues resilient without risking strain before show week.
Show Week Care
Once you're at the show, the details matter:
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Warm up smart:Â short, purposeful warm-ups that conserve energy while loosening the body
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Cool down thoroughly: walking out and stretching post-ride helps reduce tension
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Recovery tools:Â ice therapy, poultice, stretching, and even hand-walking between classes can go a long way in reducing inflammation and stiffness
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Rest days:Â if possible, give your horse a lighter day to mentally and physically recharge mid-week
Long-Term Wellness
Indoor finals might feel like a sprint, but the horses who thrive are the ones with consistent, year-round support behind them. Prioritizing tendon and ligament health throughout the season builds the foundation for success when the pressure is on. This includes proper conditioning, smart scheduling, and supportive care products that work from the inside out.
Tendonall was formulated to give horses an extra edge when it comes to soft tissue health. By supporting cellular repair, enhancing elasticity, and reducing inflammation, it helps protect the structures most at risk during the most demanding parts of the show season. Whether your horse is heading to indoors or just gearing up for their next goal, Tendonall keeps their tendons and ligaments strong so they can perform at their best.
Prepping for Indoors: Keeping Your Horse Feeling Their Best Before Finals
The fall indoor season is one of the most exciting times of the year. Capital Challenge, Washington International, and the National Horse Show bring together the best horses and riders from across the country. For equine athletes, this stretch of high-intensity competition is one of the most physically demanding times of the show season. Between the travel, heightened competition atmosphere, and the busy schedules, it's easy for horses to feel run down right when they need to be feeling their best.
So, how can you set your horse up to go their best before stepping into those iconic rings?
The Pressure of Indoors
Unlike summer circuits where horses have time to settle into a rhythm, indoors compresses everything into a short, intense window. Horses often ship long distances, go straight into competition, perform under bright lights, in electric environments, and on footing that may feel different from home. This can take a toll on their bodies, particularly the soft tissues that bear the brunt of repeated jumping, tight turns, and long hours at the horse show.
Common Risk Factors During Finals
Soft tissue health is especially vulnerable during the indoor season for a number of reasons:
Pre-Show Conditioning
The key to keeping horses strong through finals is balance. You want them fit enough to handle the demands of the show, but not overworked in the weeks leading up. Focus on maintaining strength and flexibility without drilling high-impact work. Flatwork that encourages suppleness, hacking on good footing, and varied routines can keep muscles and soft tissues resilient without risking strain before show week.
Show Week Care
Once you're at the show, the details matter:
Long-Term Wellness
Indoor finals might feel like a sprint, but the horses who thrive are the ones with consistent, year-round support behind them. Prioritizing tendon and ligament health throughout the season builds the foundation for success when the pressure is on. This includes proper conditioning, smart scheduling, and supportive care products that work from the inside out.
Tendonall was formulated to give horses an extra edge when it comes to soft tissue health. By supporting cellular repair, enhancing elasticity, and reducing inflammation, it helps protect the structures most at risk during the most demanding parts of the show season. Whether your horse is heading to indoors or just gearing up for their next goal, Tendonall keeps their tendons and ligaments strong so they can perform at their best.