Prehabilitation for Peak Performance

The ride begins long before the first stride. Prehabilitation with Draw It Out® is about preparing muscles, joints, and skin to perform — not react. Built for real riders, this routine helps prevent stiffness, support recovery, and keep your horse ride-ready every day.

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Prehabilitation for Horses: Elevate Performance, Prevent Injury & Recover Faster

Prehabilitation—or “pre-hab”—is proactive care for your horse’s body before injury or surgery ever happens. In the same way athletes train to stay ahead of breakdowns, equine prehabilitation builds strength, balance, and flexibility long before recovery is needed.

What Is Prehabilitation?

Prehabilitation means conditioning the horse’s muscles, joints, and mind to reduce the risk of injury and speed recovery if it does occur. It’s about working smarter, not harder: building core stability, joint mobility, and muscular endurance so your horse performs better and recovers faster.

Why Prehabilitation Matters

  • Prevents injuries before they happen: Strengthening stabilizer muscles helps avoid strain and overuse injuries.
  • Improves recovery outcomes: A pre-trained, balanced body rebounds faster after stress or surgery.
  • Enhances performance: Greater strength, coordination, and confidence translate to smoother rides and better results.
  • Builds long-term soundness: Preventative conditioning supports joints, tendons, and soft tissues for a longer, healthier career.

The Core Pillars of Equine Prehabilitation

1. Baseline Assessment

Start by identifying asymmetries, soreness, or restricted motion. A vet or equine physiotherapist can evaluate gait, posture, and soft tissue condition to establish a baseline.

2. Mobility & Range of Motion

Introduce dynamic stretches, pole work, and gentle lateral exercises. The goal: keep the spine, shoulders, and hips moving freely to improve circulation and reduce stiffness.

3. Strength & Stability

Incorporate hill work, backing, and core activation drills. Stability builds through slow, deliberate exercises rather than intensity—form over force.

4. Balance & Coordination

Alternate terrain, vary transitions, and work on proprioception (body awareness). This trains the nervous system and prevents compensatory movement patterns.

5. Conditioning & Recovery Readiness

Conditioning develops aerobic and muscular stamina. Controlled progressive loading builds the durability your horse needs to perform at peak level without overstraining.

How to Incorporate Prehab Into Daily Routines

Start with small, consistent efforts. Five minutes of balance or mobility work before rides can improve long-term soundness. Follow training sessions with cooldown stretches and non-tingle topical care to maintain elasticity and comfort.

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12-Week Prehabilitation Framework

  1. Weeks 1-2: Baseline evaluation and flexibility focus.
  2. Weeks 3-4: Add basic core activation and balance drills.
  3. Weeks 5-6: Introduce light strength work and incline walking.
  4. Weeks 7-8: Combine stability with dynamic movement and pole courses.
  5. Weeks 9-10: Integrate sport-specific training demands.
  6. Weeks 11-12: Maintain progress with mobility and post-ride recovery support.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the assessment phase—prehab without a plan risks overtraining weak areas.
  • Focusing only on muscle and ignoring joint mobility.
  • Not incorporating proper recovery and rest between sessions.

FAQ

What’s the difference between prehabilitation and rehabilitation?

Prehabilitation is proactive—done before injury or surgery. Rehabilitation is reactive—focused on recovery afterward. Together, they form a full-spectrum approach to equine care.

Is prehabilitation suitable for older horses?

Absolutely. Senior horses benefit from gentle mobility and stability work to preserve range of motion, circulation, and quality of life.

How often should I do prehab exercises?

Three to five sessions per week is ideal for most horses, adjusting intensity based on age, workload, and recovery response.

What products support a prehabilitation program?

Topical liniments, restorative gels, and daily care solutions like MasterMudd™ EquiBrace and Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel help maintain muscle comfort and joint mobility during conditioning.

Final Word

Prehabilitation is proactive horse care—the foundation for every strong performance and successful recovery. When paired with consistent conditioning, nutrition, and trusted products, it’s how you elevate every ride.

 

 

How Prehabilitation Works

Every great performance starts with preparation. This three-step routine primes, protects, and restores — keeping your horse moving freely and feeling their best.

Draw It Out Gel icon

Step 1 — Warm Up & Prime

Apply Draw It Out® High Potency Gel before the ride to support circulation and loosen soft tissue without heat or tingle.

MasterMudd EquiBrace icon

Step 2 — Target & Support

Use MasterMudd™ EquiBrace on joints or muscles needing extra attention. Arnica and botanicals help maintain comfort and mobility through training and competition.

EQUINE DEFENDER K Tape icon

Step 3 — Protect & Recover

Apply EQUINE | DEFENDER™ K Tape after work to reinforce support and aid recovery between sessions — breathable, flexible, and show-safe.

Prehabilitation Products Bundle

Prep. Protect. Perform.
Build strength and mobility before soreness strikes with the Draw It Out® Prehabilitation Products Bundle — modern performance, proven calm.

Draw It Out 16oz High Potency Gel

Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel

Sensation-free formula delivering deep relief and enhanced circulation before and after every ride. Non-greasy, show-safe, and barn-tough.

MasterMudd EquiBrace

MasterMudd™ EquiBrace

Powerful arnica-based topical designed to support healthy joints and muscles. Perfect for pre-performance prep and post-workout recovery.

EQUINE DEFENDER K Tape

EQUINE | DEFENDER™ K Tape

Enhanced proprietary adhesive supports tendons and ligaments without restricting movement. Designed for comfort, stability, and recovery between rides.

RESTOREaHORSE Miracle Salve

RESTOREaHORSE® Miracle Salve

Natural liqui-gel salve to restore skin integrity and resilience. Ideal for small scrapes, rubs, or skin irritation that can hinder consistent training.

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Prehabilitation FAQ

What is Prehabilitation for horses?

Prehabilitation means preparing muscles, joints, and soft tissue *before* stress or soreness begins. With Draw It Out®, riders build a consistent routine that supports performance, recovery, and long-term soundness.

How often should I use the Prehabilitation Products Bundle?

Daily use is ideal — especially before and after work. Light application of the High Potency Gel and targeted MasterMudd™ support can be used pre-ride without concern for residue or show restrictions.

Is this routine safe for competition horses?

Yes. All Draw It Out® products are show-safe, non-tingling, and free from prohibited ingredients. They can be used on show day without withdrawal or cooling delays.

Can I combine these products with supplements or therapies?

Absolutely. Topical prehabilitation pairs well with stretching, massage, chiropractic, and joint supplement protocols to maximize overall recovery and mobility.

Which product should I start with if my horse is new to Draw It Out®?

Begin with the Draw It Out® 16 oz High Potency Gel once daily after light work. Then add MasterMudd™ for focused joint support and EQUINE | DEFENDER™ K Tape for extra stability as you build your routine.

Reactive vs Proactive Care

Reactive Care

  • Waits for soreness or visible discomfort before acting.
  • Often disrupts training cycles and show prep.
  • Relies on post-event recovery and rest periods.
  • Can lead to recurring stiffness or chronic fatigue.
  • Focuses on damage control instead of performance building.

Proactive Prehabilitation

  • Prepares muscles and joints *before* stress begins.
  • Integrates into daily grooming and tack-up routines.
  • Reduces downtime and improves long-term mobility.
  • Builds resilience through consistent, show-safe care.
  • Supports calm performance and confident recovery — every ride.

Prehabilitation isn’t an emergency fix — it’s a mindset. The earlier you start, the longer your horse stays sound, supple, and ready to perform.

Elevate Every Ride

True performance isn’t about pushing harder — it’s about preparing smarter. With Draw It Out®, prehabilitation becomes a daily ritual of care, trust, and calm strength. Support your horse before, during, and after every ride — because prevention is the ultimate power move.

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