The Best-Kept Secret To Keeping Your Competition Horse At The Top Of Their Game

Photo By Andrew Ryback

I’m about to share something with you—something most riders don’t think about, but I promise you, it’s the key to elevating your horse’s performance, happiness, and longevity in the sport.

We spend so much time chasing perfection in the saddle. We obsess over strides, angles, and distances. We pour over training plans and tweak every detail of our horse’s tack and diet. But here’s the thing: none of it will matter if you’re missing this one crucial piece.

Recovery.

That’s right. The real secret to success isn’t in the training—it’s in the time you spend after the training. Because while everyone else is grinding harder, pushing their horses day after day, the riders who prioritize recovery are the ones who truly unlock their horse’s potential.

And if you stick with me, I’ll show you exactly how to do it.

The Forgotten Cornerstone of Performance

Here’s something a lot of riders don’t realize: recovery isn’t just rest. It’s not about throwing your horse out in the pasture for a day and hoping for the best. Recovery is an intentional process—a system designed to keep your horse feeling, moving, and performing their best.

Why does it matter so much? Because every ride, every jump, every competition takes a toll on your horse’s body. Microtears in muscles, stress on joints, and the build-up of lactic acid are all part of the game. Without proper recovery, those little issues stack up until one day, you’re dealing with soreness, stiffness, or worse—a major injury.

But when you make recovery a priority, everything changes. Your horse feels better, moves more freely, and brings their A-game every time they step into the ring.

What Nobody Talks About: The Science of Recovery

Let me give you a little insider knowledge. When your horse works hard, their muscles don’t just get tired—they break down. Tiny tears form in the muscle fibers, which is a natural part of building strength. But if those muscles don’t heal properly, they stay tight, inflamed, and sore.

And it’s not just muscles. Hard work also puts strain on tendons, ligaments, and joints. Over time, this can lead to chronic issues like arthritis or tendon injuries if not addressed.

That’s where recovery comes in. A good recovery routine doesn’t just let your horse “rest”—it actively helps their body repair and rebuild. It flushes out waste products, improves circulation, and reduces inflammation so they can come back stronger than ever.

What a Great Recovery Routine Looks Like

Now that you’re in on the secret, let’s talk about how to build a recovery routine that works. This isn’t about throwing random therapies at your horse and hoping for the best—it’s about using proven techniques to support their body and mind.

1. Cool-Downs That Matter

The cool-down isn’t just a formality—it’s the first step in recovery. After a hard ride, your horse’s muscles are full of lactic acid, and their heart rate is elevated. A proper cool-down (think 10–15 minutes of walking) helps flush out that lactic acid and prevents stiffness the next day.

Pro tip: If it’s a hot day, sponge them off with cool water, focusing on their chest, legs, and neck. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

2. Turnout Is Non-Negotiable

Here’s a little secret I’ve learned over the years: movement is magic. After a tough competition, one of the best things you can do for your horse is to let them roam. Turnout time encourages blood flow, keeps their joints lubricated, and gives them a mental reset.

Even my busiest competition horses get daily turnout because it works.

3. Bodywork Is the Game-Changer

This is where things start to feel like magic. Bodywork—whether it’s massage, stretching, or PEMF therapy—can completely transform your horse’s recovery.

Personally, I swear by PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy. It’s like giving your horse’s cells a recharge, boosting circulation and reducing inflammation. The first time I tried it on one of my jumpers, I was shocked. He went from stiff and grumpy to soft, relaxed, and ready to work—all in one session.

And here’s the kicker: it’s not just for recovery. PEMF can also prevent injuries by keeping your horse’s body balanced and resilient. That’s why it’s my go-to secret weapon.

4. Feed Their Recovery

Recovery starts from the inside out. After a tough ride or show, your horse needs proper nutrition to repair their muscles and replenish their energy. High-quality forage, balanced feed, and a post-workout mash with electrolytes can work wonders.

5. Mental Breaks Are a Must

Here’s something not enough riders talk about: horses need mental recovery, too. The stress of competition can take a toll, especially on sensitive horses.

Give them time to decompress with trail rides, hand grazing, or even just a grooming session. Sometimes, the best recovery happens when you do less.

How I Learned the Hard Way

Let me tell you a quick story. A few years ago, I had a talented jumper who was full of potential. But no matter how hard we trained, he just couldn’t stay consistent. Some days, he’d feel amazing; other days, he’d struggle to move forward.

I was frustrated and started to wonder if he just wasn’t cut out for the sport. But then I realized something: I was so focused on training that I completely ignored his recovery.

That’s when I started incorporating things like PEMF therapy, consistent turnout, and better post-workout care into his routine. Within weeks, the difference was night and day. He became more supple, more confident, and—most importantly—happier.

Why Recovery Is the Ultimate Competitive Advantage

Here’s the real secret: recovery isn’t just about keeping your horse sound—it’s about giving them the edge. While other riders are stuck in the cycle of overtraining, you can set your horse up to feel and perform better every single day.

And the best part? When your horse feels good, they’ll give you everything they’ve got.

Ready to Give Your Horse the Care They Deserve?

If you’re ready to take your horse’s recovery to the next level, I’d love to help. As a PEMF practitioner and someone who lives this sport every day, I know what it takes to keep horses at their best.

Let me help you build a recovery routine that works—because your horse deserves nothing less. Contact me today to book a session or learn more about how recovery can transform your horse’s performance.

The secret to success isn’t just in the hours you spend in the saddle—it’s in the time you spend after. Recovery is the foundation of everything we do as riders, and it’s the best-kept secret for unlocking your horse’s true potential.

Now that you know, it’s time to take action. Your horse will thank you.

Written by Melanie Hammer

Instagram:

@melaniehammer

Article from the March issue of Equine Business Magazine