Why is recovery after exercise important?
After intensive exercise, the body begins its recovery process. During exercise, the body is put under strain and requires a large amount of energy, which reduces stored energy reserves and can cause changes in body tissues. Recovery after exercise is therefore extremely important for maintaining a healthy and supple horse and for supporting performance. In this blog, we explain what happens during exercise, which recovery methods can be used, and which nutrition and supplements are important for optimal recovery.
What Happens in the Body During Exercise?
During exercise, various physiological changes occur in the horse’s body. Training affects muscle mass: muscles adapt and become more strongly developed. At the same time, very intensive exercise places significant strain on the body.
Several systems and organs are involved during exercise to enable movement and performance, including the respiratory system, circulation, and digestive system. During exercise, the demand for oxygen increases because oxygen is required for energy production. As a result, the horse breathes faster and more deeply. Breathing also plays an important role in dissipating the heat generated during exercise.
When horses exercise, especially in higher temperatures, they sweat and lose fluids and electrolytes¹. Electrolytes are minerals that are essential for fluid balance and the proper functioning of the muscles and nervous system. The amount of electrolyte loss is directly related to the amount of fluid the horse loses¹.
Within the muscle cells, energy is produced through the metabolism of nutrients. This can occur in two ways: with oxygen or without oxygen. Energy production with oxygen is called aerobic respiration, while without oxygen it is called anaerobic respiration². During light to moderate exercise, aerobic respiration predominates. During very intensive exercise, however, oxygen supply may become insufficient, causing more anaerobic respiration to occur. Anaerobic respiration provides energy quickly but also produces lactic acid². An accumulation of lactic acid lowers the pH in the muscles, leading to acidity. This can accelerate fatigue and cause muscle stiffness after exercise.
Exercise also affects the horse’s tendons and joints. Under normal exercise and movement, this can have a positive effect on the homeostasis of joints and tendons³. However, when a horse is excessively overloaded, it can lead to permanent damage to tendons and joints. This may result in inflammatory reactions in the joints and irreversible structural changes in the tendons⁴.
In addition, intensive exercise can cause oxidative stress in the body. During very intensive exercise, an imbalance may arise between the amount of free radicals and antioxidants in the body⁵. At that moment, more free radicals are released. Excessive amounts of free radicals can result in tissue damage.
A great deal therefore happens within the body during intensive exercise, making optimal recovery after exercise important.
Methods for Optimal Recovery After Exercise
Optimal recovery already begins before exercise. A proper warm-up ensures that muscles, tendons, and joints are gradually prepared for heavier workloads. During the warm-up, heart rate, respiration, and circulation increase gradually, allowing the body to absorb and use oxygen more efficiently. Research shows that a good warm-up helps the body switch less quickly to anaerobic metabolism⁶. As a result, less lactic acid is produced in the muscles, reducing the risk of acidity and stiffness.
Alongside a good warm-up, an effective cool-down is also essential for optimal recovery. A cool-down helps the body gradually transition from intensive exercise back to rest. This allows body temperature, heart rate, and breathing to decrease in a controlled manner, helping to prevent overexertion and muscle stiffness. A study conducted by Kang et al. (2012) demonstrated that active recovery, such as walking or light trotting for 15 to 30 minutes, promotes faster removal of lactic acid. In addition, horses that walked for 30 minutes or trotted lightly for 15 minutes after intensive exercise returned to their normal heart rate within 30 minutes⁷. In horses that trotted lightly for 30 minutes or received no cool-down at all, it took approximately 60 minutes for the heart rate to fully recover.
Complete recovery of the body after intensive exercise can take up to 72 hours. Research shows that it may take up to 72 hours for glycogen stores in the body to be replenished⁸. Glycogen is an important form of energy during intensive exercise and is stored in the horse’s muscles. Low glycogen reserves cause horses to fatigue more quickly during prolonged or intensive work⁸.
Rest after intensive exercise is therefore important, with active rest in particular supporting recovery. Examples include free movement in a paddock or pasture, or hand walking. Studies show that free movement after exercise not only supports recovery but can also reduce swelling in the legs⁹.
Research conducted by Connysson et al. (2019) also suggests that housing conditions may influence a horse’s recovery after exercise. In the study, horses were divided into two groups: one group was housed in stalls (with 4–5 hours of free movement per day), while the other group was kept in an free range housing system. During the 21-day study period, several parameters and exercise measurements were taken, revealing that horses in free range housing recovered better from exercise and had improved appetite, allowing their energy balance to recover more quickly¹⁰. Although further research is needed, this study highlights the importance of free movement for recovery.
Post-Exercise Care for Optimal Recovery
During intensive exercise, a horse’s body temperature can rise to as high as 42 degrees Celsius. It is therefore important to cool the horse down properly after exercise. Part of this already occurs during the cool-down, but additional cooling with running water, cooling gel, or cooling clay can provide further support.
Although cooling with cold running water is the most effective way to quickly reduce body temperature across the entire body¹¹, care products can provide additional support, care, and cooling after the horse has been rinsed with water.
Nutrition and Supplements for Optimal Recovery
After exercise, nutrition also plays an important role in the body’s recovery. This includes providing sufficient energy and protein to replenish available energy stores and support muscle recovery.
Energy is supplied in the form of fats and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are divided into non-structural carbohydrates (sugars and starches) and structural carbohydrates (fibre). Sugars and starches are converted into glucose, a rapidly available energy source. Excess glucose is stored as glycogen in the muscles. Because glycogen is essential during intensive work, it is important to provide sufficient carbohydrates after exercise to replenish these stores⁸.
Adequate forage forms the foundation of the ration. Fibre provides a large proportion of the horse’s daily energy supply through fermentation in the hindgut, where volatile fatty acids are produced¹².
Proteins are also essential for recovery. Proteins consist of amino acids, which are necessary for the development and repair of muscle tissue. A ration containing sufficient high-quality protein therefore supports muscle recovery after exercise¹³.
During heavy exercise, the horse also loses electrolytes through sweat. Replenishing these electrolytes is important for maintaining proper hydration and helping to prevent dehydration¹. Supplements such as Synovium Electrolytes Q may provide support in this regard.
In addition, intensive exercise can lead to oxidative stress. This results in the release of additional free radicals, which can damage body cells and tissues. Antioxidants help neutralise these free radicals. Important antioxidants include MSM, vitamin C, and vitamin E⁵. Supplements such as Synovium MSM Pure, MSM Optimal-C, and Myocare-E may therefore contribute to recovery after exercise.
Research also suggests that L-carnitine may have a positive effect on recovery after heavy exercise. L-carnitine supports energy production, helps reduce oxidative stress, and may contribute to faster tissue recovery. For this reason, Synovium Myobuilder contains not only gamma oryzanol but also L-carnitine to support muscle development and recovery.
Finally, supplements that support the reduction of muscle acidity may also be used. These products help stabilise pH levels in the muscles or support faster breakdown of lactic acid. Examples include Synovium Lactaplus and Neutravet.
Proper recovery after exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy, fit, and supple horse. By paying attention to warm-up, cool-down, rest, nutrition, and support with appropriate supplements, the body is given the opportunity to recover optimally. This supports performance while reducing the risk of overload and injury.
References
1. Assenza A., Bergero D., Congiu F., Tosto F., Giannetto C., Piccione G. (2014) Evaluation of serum electrolytes and blood lactate concentration during repeated maximal exercise in horse. Journal of Equine Veterinary Sciences, 34(10):1175-1180.
2. Vermeulen R., de Meeûs C., Plancke L., Boshuizen B., de Bruijn M., Delesalle C. (2017) Effects of training on equine muscle physiology and muscle adaptations in response to different training approaches. Vlaams Diergeneeskunde Tijdschrift, 86(4):224-230.
3. te Moller N.C.R., van Weeren P.R. (2017) How exercise influences equine joint homeostasis. Veterinary Journal, 222:60-67.
4. Dahlgren L.A. (2007) Pathobiology of Tendon and Ligament Injuries. Clinical Techniques in Equine Practice, 6:168-173.
5. Williams C.A. (2016) HORSE SPECIES SYMPOSIUM: The effect of oxidative stress during exercise in the horse. Journal of Animal Sciences, 94(10):4067-4075.
6. Geor R.J., McCutcheon L.J., Hinchcliff K.W. (2000) Effects of warm-up intensity on kinetics of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production during high-intensity exercise in horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 61(6):638-645.
7. Kang O.D., Ryu Y.C., Yun Y.M., Kang M.S.(2012) Effects of cooldown methods and durations on equine physiological traits following high-intensity exercise. Livestock Sciences, 143(1):70-76.
8. Lacombe V.A., Hinchcliff K.W., Kohn C.W., Devor S.T., Taylor L.E. (2004) Effects of feeding meals with various solublecarbohydrate content on muscle glycogen synthesis after exercise in horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 65(7):916-923.
9. Connysson M., Rhodin M., Bergh A., Jansson A. (2021) Effects of horse housing on musculoskeletal system post-exercise recovery. Comparative Exercise Physiology, 17(5):421-428.
10. Connysson M., Rhodin M., Jansson A. (2019) Effects of Horse Housing System on Energy Balance during Post-Exercise Recovery. Animals, 9(976):1-9.
11. Takahashi Y., Ohmura H., Mukai K., Shiose T., Takahashi T. (2020) A Comparison of Five Cooling Methods in Hot and Humid Environments in Thoroughbred Horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Sciences, 91:1-5.
12. Richardson K., Murray J.A. (2016) Fibre for performance horses: A review. Journal of Animal Sciences, 46:31-39.
13. Li G., Li Z., Liu J. (2024) Amino acids regulating skeletal muscle metabolism: mechanisms of action, physical training dosage recommendations and adverse effects. Nutrition and Metabolism, 21(41):1-14.
What Happens in the Body During Exercise?
During exercise, various physiological changes occur in the horse’s body. Training affects muscle mass: muscles adapt and become more strongly developed. At the same time, very intensive exercise places significant strain on the body.
Several systems and organs are involved during exercise to enable movement and performance, including the respiratory system, circulation, and digestive system. During exercise, the demand for oxygen increases because oxygen is required for energy production. As a result, the horse breathes faster and more deeply. Breathing also plays an important role in dissipating the heat generated during exercise.
When horses exercise, especially in higher temperatures, they sweat and lose fluids and electrolytes¹. Electrolytes are minerals that are essential for fluid balance and the proper functioning of the muscles and nervous system. The amount of electrolyte loss is directly related to the amount of fluid the horse loses¹.
Within the muscle cells, energy is produced through the metabolism of nutrients. This can occur in two ways: with oxygen or without oxygen. Energy production with oxygen is called aerobic respiration, while without oxygen it is called anaerobic respiration². During light to moderate exercise, aerobic respiration predominates. During very intensive exercise, however, oxygen supply may become insufficient, causing more anaerobic respiration to occur. Anaerobic respiration provides energy quickly but also produces lactic acid². An accumulation of lactic acid lowers the pH in the muscles, leading to acidity. This can accelerate fatigue and cause muscle stiffness after exercise.
Exercise also affects the horse’s tendons and joints. Under normal exercise and movement, this can have a positive effect on the homeostasis of joints and tendons³. However, when a horse is excessively overloaded, it can lead to permanent damage to tendons and joints. This may result in inflammatory reactions in the joints and irreversible structural changes in the tendons⁴.
In addition, intensive exercise can cause oxidative stress in the body. During very intensive exercise, an imbalance may arise between the amount of free radicals and antioxidants in the body⁵. At that moment, more free radicals are released. Excessive amounts of free radicals can result in tissue damage.
A great deal therefore happens within the body during intensive exercise, making optimal recovery after exercise important.
Methods for Optimal Recovery After Exercise
Optimal recovery already begins before exercise. A proper warm-up ensures that muscles, tendons, and joints are gradually prepared for heavier workloads. During the warm-up, heart rate, respiration, and circulation increase gradually, allowing the body to absorb and use oxygen more efficiently. Research shows that a good warm-up helps the body switch less quickly to anaerobic metabolism⁶. As a result, less lactic acid is produced in the muscles, reducing the risk of acidity and stiffness.
Alongside a good warm-up, an effective cool-down is also essential for optimal recovery. A cool-down helps the body gradually transition from intensive exercise back to rest. This allows body temperature, heart rate, and breathing to decrease in a controlled manner, helping to prevent overexertion and muscle stiffness. A study conducted by Kang et al. (2012) demonstrated that active recovery, such as walking or light trotting for 15 to 30 minutes, promotes faster removal of lactic acid. In addition, horses that walked for 30 minutes or trotted lightly for 15 minutes after intensive exercise returned to their normal heart rate within 30 minutes⁷. In horses that trotted lightly for 30 minutes or received no cool-down at all, it took approximately 60 minutes for the heart rate to fully recover.
Complete recovery of the body after intensive exercise can take up to 72 hours. Research shows that it may take up to 72 hours for glycogen stores in the body to be replenished⁸. Glycogen is an important form of energy during intensive exercise and is stored in the horse’s muscles. Low glycogen reserves cause horses to fatigue more quickly during prolonged or intensive work⁸.
Rest after intensive exercise is therefore important, with active rest in particular supporting recovery. Examples include free movement in a paddock or pasture, or hand walking. Studies show that free movement after exercise not only supports recovery but can also reduce swelling in the legs⁹.
Research conducted by Connysson et al. (2019) also suggests that housing conditions may influence a horse’s recovery after exercise. In the study, horses were divided into two groups: one group was housed in stalls (with 4–5 hours of free movement per day), while the other group was kept in an free range housing system. During the 21-day study period, several parameters and exercise measurements were taken, revealing that horses in free range housing recovered better from exercise and had improved appetite, allowing their energy balance to recover more quickly¹⁰. Although further research is needed, this study highlights the importance of free movement for recovery.
Post-Exercise Care for Optimal Recovery
During intensive exercise, a horse’s body temperature can rise to as high as 42 degrees Celsius. It is therefore important to cool the horse down properly after exercise. Part of this already occurs during the cool-down, but additional cooling with running water, cooling gel, or cooling clay can provide further support.
Although cooling with cold running water is the most effective way to quickly reduce body temperature across the entire body¹¹, care products can provide additional support, care, and cooling after the horse has been rinsed with water.
Nutrition and Supplements for Optimal Recovery
After exercise, nutrition also plays an important role in the body’s recovery. This includes providing sufficient energy and protein to replenish available energy stores and support muscle recovery.
Energy is supplied in the form of fats and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are divided into non-structural carbohydrates (sugars and starches) and structural carbohydrates (fibre). Sugars and starches are converted into glucose, a rapidly available energy source. Excess glucose is stored as glycogen in the muscles. Because glycogen is essential during intensive work, it is important to provide sufficient carbohydrates after exercise to replenish these stores⁸.
Adequate forage forms the foundation of the ration. Fibre provides a large proportion of the horse’s daily energy supply through fermentation in the hindgut, where volatile fatty acids are produced¹².
Proteins are also essential for recovery. Proteins consist of amino acids, which are necessary for the development and repair of muscle tissue. A ration containing sufficient high-quality protein therefore supports muscle recovery after exercise¹³.
During heavy exercise, the horse also loses electrolytes through sweat. Replenishing these electrolytes is important for maintaining proper hydration and helping to prevent dehydration¹. Supplements such as Synovium Electrolytes Q may provide support in this regard.
In addition, intensive exercise can lead to oxidative stress. This results in the release of additional free radicals, which can damage body cells and tissues. Antioxidants help neutralise these free radicals. Important antioxidants include MSM, vitamin C, and vitamin E⁵. Supplements such as Synovium MSM Pure, MSM Optimal-C, and Myocare-E may therefore contribute to recovery after exercise.
Research also suggests that L-carnitine may have a positive effect on recovery after heavy exercise. L-carnitine supports energy production, helps reduce oxidative stress, and may contribute to faster tissue recovery. For this reason, Synovium Myobuilder contains not only gamma oryzanol but also L-carnitine to support muscle development and recovery.
Finally, supplements that support the reduction of muscle acidity may also be used. These products help stabilise pH levels in the muscles or support faster breakdown of lactic acid. Examples include Synovium Lactaplus and Neutravet.
Proper recovery after exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy, fit, and supple horse. By paying attention to warm-up, cool-down, rest, nutrition, and support with appropriate supplements, the body is given the opportunity to recover optimally. This supports performance while reducing the risk of overload and injury.
References
1. Assenza A., Bergero D., Congiu F., Tosto F., Giannetto C., Piccione G. (2014) Evaluation of serum electrolytes and blood lactate concentration during repeated maximal exercise in horse. Journal of Equine Veterinary Sciences, 34(10):1175-1180.
2. Vermeulen R., de Meeûs C., Plancke L., Boshuizen B., de Bruijn M., Delesalle C. (2017) Effects of training on equine muscle physiology and muscle adaptations in response to different training approaches. Vlaams Diergeneeskunde Tijdschrift, 86(4):224-230.
3. te Moller N.C.R., van Weeren P.R. (2017) How exercise influences equine joint homeostasis. Veterinary Journal, 222:60-67.
4. Dahlgren L.A. (2007) Pathobiology of Tendon and Ligament Injuries. Clinical Techniques in Equine Practice, 6:168-173.
5. Williams C.A. (2016) HORSE SPECIES SYMPOSIUM: The effect of oxidative stress during exercise in the horse. Journal of Animal Sciences, 94(10):4067-4075.
6. Geor R.J., McCutcheon L.J., Hinchcliff K.W. (2000) Effects of warm-up intensity on kinetics of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production during high-intensity exercise in horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 61(6):638-645.
7. Kang O.D., Ryu Y.C., Yun Y.M., Kang M.S.(2012) Effects of cooldown methods and durations on equine physiological traits following high-intensity exercise. Livestock Sciences, 143(1):70-76.
8. Lacombe V.A., Hinchcliff K.W., Kohn C.W., Devor S.T., Taylor L.E. (2004) Effects of feeding meals with various solublecarbohydrate content on muscle glycogen synthesis after exercise in horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 65(7):916-923.
9. Connysson M., Rhodin M., Bergh A., Jansson A. (2021) Effects of horse housing on musculoskeletal system post-exercise recovery. Comparative Exercise Physiology, 17(5):421-428.
10. Connysson M., Rhodin M., Jansson A. (2019) Effects of Horse Housing System on Energy Balance during Post-Exercise Recovery. Animals, 9(976):1-9.
11. Takahashi Y., Ohmura H., Mukai K., Shiose T., Takahashi T. (2020) A Comparison of Five Cooling Methods in Hot and Humid Environments in Thoroughbred Horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Sciences, 91:1-5.
12. Richardson K., Murray J.A. (2016) Fibre for performance horses: A review. Journal of Animal Sciences, 46:31-39.
13. Li G., Li Z., Liu J. (2024) Amino acids regulating skeletal muscle metabolism: mechanisms of action, physical training dosage recommendations and adverse effects. Nutrition and Metabolism, 21(41):1-14.