​ A simple five-minute pre-ride wellness assessment that may save you time and energy beforehand.

Your horse communicates through posture, movement, behaviour, and physical responses. Learning to recognize subtle changes can help prevent discomfort from becoming a more serious issue.


Your pre-ride checklist

1. Observe posture and weight distribution Stand back and observe your horse on level ground. Look for even weight-bearing, a relaxed stance, and symmetry through the shoulders, back, and hindquarters. Watch for: Repeatedly resting one leg, shifting weight, an unusual stance, or reluctance to stand square.

2. Check for heat, swelling, or tenderness Gently run your hands over all four legs, tendons, joints, and hooves. Compare the left and right sides for differences in temperature, swelling, or sensitivity. Watch for: Unusual warmth, swelling, wounds, or a strong reaction to light touch.

3. Assess muscle comfort and back sensitivity Using gentle pressure, feel along the neck, shoulders, back, and hindquarters. Watch your horse's facial expression, ears, and body language. Watch for: Flinching, pinned ears, muscle guarding, moving away, or sensitivity where the saddle sits.

4. Watch your horse move Walk your horse in hand on a safe, level surface. Observe from the front, side, and behind when safe. Look for even steps, smooth turns, and comfortable movement. Watch for: Head bobbing, shortened strides, toe dragging, stiffness, uneven steps, or reluctance to turn.

5. Check behaviour, tack, and overall readiness Notice your horse's attitude while grooming and saddling. Inspect the saddle pad, girth area, and tack for rubbing, pinching, or damage. Check that the saddle sits appropriately. Watch for: Uncharacteristic irritability, girth sensitivity, resistance to saddling, unusual fatigue, or a sudden change in behaviour.


What should you do if something doesn't feel right?
Never dismiss a change in your horse's normal behaviour or movement.
• Avoid riding if your horse shows unexplained pain,
swelling, lameness, or significant stiffness.


• Do not attempt to stretch or massage an acutely
painful or swollen area.


• Contact your veterinarian for suspected injury, lameness,
or unexplained symptoms.


• Consider a qualified equine massage therapist for
appropriate soft-tissue assessment and supportive care
once veterinary concerns have been addressed.



A Little Prevention Goes A Long Way
Taking five minutes before every ride helps you become more familiar with what is normal for your horse. The more familiar you are with their individual posture, movement, and behaviour, the easier it becomes to recognize changes. A comfortable horse is better prepared to move freely and perform confidently.


Equine Massage Therapy - Janet Law, RMT, CEMT, CAc
Helping Horses Move Better, Feel Better. With over 25 years of hands-on equine massage therapy experience, providing professional care and education to help horse owners better understand their horses' musculoskeletal health. Serving Edmonton, Beaumont, Leduc, and surrounding Alberta equestrian communities. Call to inquire more information at  705-561-3072.