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.

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

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 movement patterns to reduce injury risk and improve recovery. It focuses on stability, mobility, balance, and conditioning before problems appear.

Foundational movement starts from the ground up. Consistent hoof hygiene and care routines support balance, loading patterns, and long-term soundness.

Why Prehabilitation Matters

  • Prevents injuries before they happen: Strengthens stabilizer systems.
  • Improves recovery outcomes: A prepared body rebounds faster.
  • Enhances performance: Better coordination and confidence.
  • Builds long-term soundness: Supports joints, tendons, and soft tissue.

The Core Pillars of Equine Prehabilitation

1. Baseline Assessment

Identify asymmetries, soreness, or restricted motion. Establish a clear starting point.

2. Mobility & Range of Motion

Use dynamic stretching, pole work, and lateral exercises to keep joints moving freely.

3. Strength & Stability

Hill work, backing, and core activation build durable support systems.

4. Balance & Coordination

Terrain changes and transitions improve proprioception and movement efficiency.

5. Conditioning & Recovery Readiness

Progressive conditioning prepares the body for work without overload.

How to Incorporate Prehab Into Daily Routines

Start small and stay consistent. Even five minutes of focused mobility or balance work before riding can make a meaningful difference over time.

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12-Week Prehabilitation Framework

  1. Weeks 1–2: Baseline evaluation and flexibility focus.
  2. Weeks 3–4: Core activation and balance drills.
  3. Weeks 5–6: Light strength work and incline walking.
  4. Weeks 7–8: Dynamic movement and pole courses.
  5. Weeks 9–10: Sport-specific conditioning.
  6. Weeks 11–12: Maintain gains and recovery support.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping assessment and guessing at weaknesses.
  • Ignoring joint mobility.
  • Not allowing recovery between sessions.

FAQ

What’s the difference between prehabilitation and rehabilitation?

Prehabilitation is proactive. Rehabilitation is reactive. Together they create a full care cycle.

Is prehabilitation suitable for older horses?

Yes. Senior horses benefit greatly from gentle mobility and stability work.

How often should I do prehab exercises?

Three to five sessions per week works well for most horses.

What products support a prehabilitation program?

Topical care like MasterMudd™ EquiBrace and Draw It Out® 16oz Liniment Gel help maintain comfort during conditioning.

Final Word

Prehabilitation is the foundation of durable performance. When paired with sound training, recovery practices, and consistent hoof care, it’s how you build horses that last.

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    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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