Q3 Theme: Mobility & Hind-End Power
SI Joint Care for Horses: Signs, Warm-Ups & a Calm Recovery Plan
The engine lives in the hind end. Small stiffness can turn into big behavior. Here’s a rider-friendly plan to spot issues early, warm up smart, and cool down clean—without drama.
In this post
Early Signs Riders Notice
- Reluctance to step under or push off behind
- Swapping leads behind or “bunny-hop” canter moments
- Crooked tracks; difficulty staying straight into transitions
- Sensitivity over croup/loin during grooming or tacking
- Shorter stride behind after days off or hard footing
These are coaching clues, not diagnoses. If soreness, heat, or changes in movement persist, loop in your veterinarian.
5–7 Minute Hind-End Activation
- Walk & observe (2 min). Hand-walk and watch footfalls. Note any guarded steps.
- Pelvic tucks & belly lifts (1–2 min). Wake up core engagement before you mount.
- Carrot stretches (1–2 min). Nose-to-girth and nose-to-hip each way, slow and even.
- Targeted support (1–2 min). Smooth a thin layer of Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel over known hotspots on clean, dry skin. Let it absorb before tacking.
In-Saddle Patterns that Help
- Big loops and serpentines to invite bend without torque
- Walk–trot–walk transitions on straight lines for rhythm
- Raised ground poles at the walk for careful stepping under
- Canter departs out of a balanced trot, both leads, no rush
Post-Ride Cooldown & Support
- Walk down. 3–5 minutes on a loose rein.
- Cool & dry. If you rinsed, squeegee and towel dry. Keep skin clean before any wrap work.
- Cooling pass. Mist a light pass of Cryospray over large muscle groups per label directions.
- Recheck. Palpate for heat or defensiveness over croup/loin. If concerns persist, pause work and consult your vet.
- Spot-target (optional). Riders often reach for MasterMudd™ EquiBrace post-ride on focused joint/soft-tissue areas.
Keep the Hind End Happy.
Short warm-ups, clean cooldowns, and calm, sensation-free support you’ll actually use.
Rider-Favorite Products
- Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel — sensation-free support that fits under tack and wraps when used per label.
- Cryospray Cooling Body Brace — quick, even cooling after work.
- MasterMudd™ EquiBrace — focused support for joints and soft tissue post-ride.
FAQs
Is it okay to school SI work on hard footing?
Keep sets shorter, favor straight lines and big loops, and prioritize a full cooldown. If soreness follows hard days, back off and consult your vet.
Can I wrap after this routine?
Wrap only on clean, dry skin with even pressure. Recheck at 30–45 minutes. Avoid tight, prolonged wrapping over irritated skin.
Always follow label directions. Patch-test new products. If heat, swelling, or lameness persists, consult your veterinarian.
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