We all have those days where feeling stiff and sore slows us down and dampens our enjoyment, and horses are no exception to this. A good pre-ride workout (especially in winter) can help you and your beloved horse stay limber and agile. All too often, the temptation to throw on the saddle in a mad dash and speed of into a training session can lead to injury or accident.
If your horse is acting a little hesitant or more resistant to cooperation than usual, try the following techniques. You may find a gentle warm up is all that he's asking for. First, as any good rider will tell you, a proper body and equipment check is a vital part of the process. Is the horse comfortable with the saddle and bridle? Are there any visible bruises or markings, perhaps from an encounter with another horse in the stable? Next, take your horse for a walk, circling left then right at a steady pace. Check for signs of cramp or discomfort. Encourage him to bend his neck, and observe his responses. If he seems happy, begin a gentle trot at a slow pace. Don't allow him to dictate the pace, instead remain in control and keep observing.
When you're confident that both yourself and our horse are feeling good, increase the pace of the trot and think about starting your practice routine. These and other proper warm up techniques are wonderful opportunities to get to know your horse better. Learn to read his responses and decide what he's trying to tell you, and make the warm up a part of your daily routine. Your horse should come to expect it just as much as you, and this sets both of you up well for a good working relationship.