Safe Daily Warm-Up for Every Horse

Prep your horse for the day safely, every day

Whether your horse is recovering from treatment, struggling with minor niggles, or simply needs a little extra care, a safe, structured daily warm-up is essential. It’s especially important if your horse is being worked straight from the stable, or if the weather is colder and muscles are stiffer. A proper warm-up loosens the joints, wakes up the core muscles, and reduces the risk of injury—helping your horse move with more comfort and confidence.

Step 1: Mobilise First

Start gently to wake up the joints and increase circulation:

• Stable-based core exercises to gently mobilise the spine, hips, and shoulders before heading out

• Weight shifts, lifts and pelvic tilts; think of this as a pilates mini routine!

• 5-10 minutes walking in hand on a loose rein before anything else in the arena

• Walk over poles in-hand for 5 minutes—great for proprioception and loosening the body

Step 2: Activate the Core

Once joints are warmed, engage the muscles that support posture and balance:

• Lateral steps or serpentines in-hand to wake hindquarters and improve straightness

• Walk-halt transitions to encourage balance and core engagement

• Backing up to awaken the hindquarters and develop coordination

Consistency is key—just a few minutes each day builds strength and body awareness, preparing your horse for more demanding work later.

Step 3: Observe and Learn

A warm-up is also a chance to tune into your horse and notice subtle changes:

• Watch how the horse moves before and after each exercise

• Look for stiffness, asymmetry, or tension in the body

• Notice changes in rhythm, relaxation, and engagement

• Adapt the exercises based on what you see—every horse is different

Learning to read your horse not only improves safety, it also builds your confidence and strengthens your partnership.

Step 4: Keep it Short, Safe, and Consistent

Even 5–10 minutes of mindful warm-up done daily is better than a long session once a week.

Plan Ahead: Set realistic goals for the season. Perhaps it’s improving your horse’s straightness, mastering new in-hand exercises, or committing to a weekly core routine. Planning small, achievable goals keeps your momentum going and ensures steady progress.

Why It Matters

A safe, structured warm-up is more than a “nice to do.” It:

• Prepares the joints, muscles, and mind for work

• Reduces the risk of injury

• Improves body awareness and confidence

• Sets the horse up for more effective training sessions

Make it Simple with a Step-by-Step Routine

If you want a clear, structured plan that’s safe for every horse, there are two great ways to start:

• Core Exercises for Your Horse – perfect for daily practice to build a strong foundation, improve posture, and keep your horse moving safely and confidently. Only £9 to get started!

• In-Hand Exercises for Your Horse – ideal for improving straightness, coordination, and engagement from the ground, especially useful if your horse is recovering, stiff, or you want a focused, low-impact training session.

👉 Start your Core Exercises routine today
👉 Explore the In-Hand Exercises course