Being an Athlete

Movement - it's great stuff. The more I move, better I feel. I can't imagine having a desk job - boo, hiss!
I am an amateur athelte. I have been a runner for sixteen years, competed in five half marathons, one full marathon, and oodles of horse shows from age 11 to the present.
I have also had injuries....left knee mainly.
Now, I consider myself to be in rather great shape. HOWEVER, when there is too much running or riding or just plain playing, the old injuries rear their ugly heads.

It's the same thing with horses!!! Betcha ya didn't know I was going to say that!!

BUT! for myself, if I take a little time to relax and stretch my muscles, I am ahead of the game and go on to recover in less time then I would have otherwise.
I do the same for my horses when they have had a particularly hard ride (usually at lessons). I give them a day or two, then a light workout and muscle movement afterwards. Unless the weather is crappy, they also have 24 hour turn-out. Now I know that this is not possible for everyone, but, more movement is always a option. There are ways to get your horse out and about.

Horses are athletes. Treat them like one.