Today, I’m excited to share some valuable tools on managing your sensitive horse. If you have a horse that’s a bit hot, sensitive, or anxious, this post is for you. Big thank you to today’s video sponsor: Purina.
First, let me introduce you to Kensington. This year, he’s competing in the Intermediaire I (I-1) level, which means he needs to build significant muscle for advanced movements like pirouettes and collected work. However, Kensington tends to internalize stress and retreat into his shell, much like a turtle. Balancing his training, confidence, and performance is always a delicate task.
- Nutrition and Gut Health
Before even getting on your horse, ensuring they have the right nutrition is paramount. A healthy gut can significantly impact their overall well-being. Just like us, horses can suffer from upset stomachs when nervous, which can affect their performance. This year, Purina introduced the MQ™ Equine Microbiome Testing Kit. I used it to analyze Kensington’s gut health by sending a swab sample to Purina. Their PhD nutritionists provided a detailed diet plan tailored to his needs. Here’s what they recommended for him:
- Ultium® Gastric Care: This feed contains Outlast to keep his tummy happy.
- SuperSport® Amino Acid Supplement: Essential for building muscle, crucial for upper-level competition.
- Purina Systemiq™: A probiotic supplement proven to reduce stress responses during training.
These products have helped Kensington tremendously, supporting his gut health is optimal for performance.
2. Grooming and Bonding
Grooming is more than just keeping your horse clean; it’s a bonding activity that can calm a sensitive horse. Horses often scratch each other’s withers in the wild, a behavior that can lower their heart rate and reduce stress. Spend extra time grooming your horse, focusing on areas they enjoy being scratched. Kensington loves when I scratch his withers and under his chest. Use a curry comb that suits your horse’s preference—some prefer metal combs, while others might like rubber ones.
3. Groundwork for Relaxation
Horses instinctively raise their heads when alert or scared. So by teaching them how to lower their head on cue, it naturally helps them relax. By gently guiding their head down, you can help them calm down. Place one hand on your horse’s poll and the other on the halter. Move their head side to side until they lower it, then release. Practice this during your daily routine like coming in from the paddock until they are confident doing it.
4. Mindfulness and Intention
Your mental state greatly affects your horse. Before riding, take a moment to breathe deeply and set a positive intention. Release any tension from your day and focus on enjoying your time with your horse. By staying calm and centered, you create a more relaxed environment for your horse, making the entire riding experience more pleasant and productive.
5. Walking Breaks
Incorporate plenty of walking breaks into your training sessions. Start with a long, loose-rein walk to relax your horse. Then during strenuous exercises in your ride, give them short walking breaks to let their nervous system calm down (and for both of you to catch your breath). Maintain a relaxed position during these breaks, sitting tall and breathing deeply. This helps prevent you from transmitting any tension to your horse.
Managing a sensitive horse like Kensington requires a combination of proper nutrition, bonding activities, effective groundwork, mindfulness, and thoughtful training practices. A big thank you to Purina for sponsoring this post and providing Kensington with the best possible nutrition. Their scientifically-backed products give me confidence in feeding my horses and ensuring his well-being.
**Don’t forget to check out the information about Purina’s feed options and their MQ™ Equine Microbiome Testing Kit**. You can get a customized nutrition plan tailored to your horse’s needs based on their unique gut health profile.
