On The Plus Side- Getting in Cowhorse Shape!
In the spirit of health and wellness, let’s talk a little bit about how and why it is important to keep both you and your horse in tip-top shape for the upcoming cowhorse season. This is a rigorous sport for both parties and it is ultra important to pay attention to the health and fitness part of your program. If you have ever watched a cowhorse competition you know how "wicked cool" cowhorses can be. I cannot think of another equine sport that asks as much physically of a horse and I can testify to the demands it makes on the rider. When I started thinking about this article, I immediately thought of Sue Sultze. Sue is one of the top cowhorse competitors in the region and the nation, and she was gracious enough to share some of her thoughts with you.
What specific things make it important for the rider to have good health?
Working cowhorses is a physically demanding, high performance sport for both horse and rider. Paying attention to your health can improve your balance, timing and your ability to react. This will allow you to stay out of your horse’s way and help, rather than hinder, his performance. You will have better energy and stamina to be with your horse when he is making the moves you have worked so hard to train him to do. As for your general health, it is the same as in anything else, if you feel better you will perform better. It wouldn’t make sense to spend all the time and money to get involved and not be able to enjoy it because you didn’t take the extra time to bring your “A” game.
What suggestions do you have for achieving that?
One of the most important ways to achieve rider fitness is to ride! This helps get both you and your horse in shape. But in addition to that, almost any other kind of fitness training or physical activity is helpful, especially if you are only riding one horse. Aerobic exercise is very important so you don’t run out of breathe down the fence before your horse does! It is important to eat healthy and often to help keep your body fueled and ready for action. Get enough sleep. If you aren’t eating right and sleeping enough, you won’t be as able to make the split second decisions that are required in the fence work. Personally, I have found I have to make a conscious effort to eat right and get enough rest, otherwise I find myself dragging.
What types of things do you think are important when you think about the overall health of a cowhorse and what steps do you take to increase their health?
When I think of the overall health of the cowhorse, I think of fitness, nutrition and soundness.
Fitness: A consistent training program is crucial. Don't skimp on warm-up or cool-down time. We incorporate bending and suppling exercises every day as part of our warm-up. If I have a horse come in that has been off for some time, I do at least 30 days of legging up and dry work before I put them on cattle. If you are in a situation where you are only able to ride on the weekends, I would recommend getting hooked up with a trainer who can keep your horse tuned up and in shape during the week. Risk of injury is greater in a horse that is unfit or exhausted. Your horse needs plenty of muscle strength and aerobic stamina so he doesn't run out of gas when you are trying to circle up!
Nutrition: We work with an equine nutritionist from Nutrena to make sure our feeding program is giving our horses everything they need for top performance. It pays to provide equine athletes with the best quality feed you can get.
Soundness: Have a good farrier that can keep your horse’s feet in shape to help him stay sound. If you aren’t sure how to find one, call some people who are in the industry and get a recommendation. You should set up a regular appointment at least every 6-8 weeks. Your veterinarian can also help you outline a solid, preventitive program encompassing worming, vaccinations, dental care, and overall soundness. We have really seen the benefits of regular chiropractic care for ourselves as well as our horses. On occasion we will use massage or accupuncture.
Experience has taught us that it is especially important to keep the older horses in shape. It is important to keep them moving and maintain some level of fitness, even in the off season. It is much harder for the older performer to get back in shape and sometimes they just don't come back as easily as they used to.
Any advice for the readers?
A healthy lifestyle for both you and your horse will enhance your performance and will make the ride there much more enjoyable. Getting to your goal is only important if you make it there in one piece!
Biography
Sue Sultze has been training professionally for over 25 years and is assisted by her husband Tom Pasma at Double S Quarter Horses in Bow, WA. They specialize in Reining and Working Cowhorse, but Sue has had success in many of the different equine disciplines. Their program regularly produces finalists and top ten placings at the AQHA World Show. In 2001 Sue and Sanjo Freckles were the AQHA Reserve World Champions in the Senior Working Cowhorse and in 2006 Sue and their stallion Key To My Cash Box were top 10 in the AQHA World Show Senior Working Cowhorse. Sue is also a member of the AQHA Professional Horsemen’s Committee. This is one of the toughest ladies in the Northwest, and Sue is a great role model for all you ladies looking to get into cowhorse competition!
Upcoming Events
March 23-35 NWRCHA, Cow Cuttin Colonel and Key to My Cash Box Show. Lynden, WA For more information go to nwrcha.com
March 28- April 1 NRCHA Stallion Stakes-Nampa ID For more information go to nrcha.com
