Why a 10-Minute Warm-Up Could Be the Most Important Part of Your Ride 🐎
When time is tight, it’s tempting to jump straight into schooling or test practice. But skipping or rushing your horse’s warm-up can lead to tension, resistance, poor performance — and even injury.
At Rider Guider, we believe the first 10 minutes of any ride should be about preparation, not performance.
The Science Behind the Warm-Up 🔬
Just like human athletes, horses need time to get their bodies into “work mode.” When your horse moves, joint fluids begin to circulate and lubricate the joints — essential for pain-free, supple movement. This takes time. Studies show it can take several minutes for joint fluid to fully mobilise, especially in horses kept in stables or limited turnout environments.
Muscles also need increased blood flow to support the contraction-relaxation cycle. In a resting state, only around 15% of a horse’s blood is directed to the muscles. During exercise, that jumps to 85%! Without this shift, asking for engagement or collection too early is essentially like “choking” the muscles — demanding more than the body is ready to give.
What Makes a Good Warm-Up? ☀️
A warm-up isn’t about asking for perfect bend, frame or collection. Instead, it should focus on:
- Establishing rhythm and relaxation
- Encouraging long-and-low movement to stretch muscles and ligaments
- Waking up proprioception (body awareness) through gentle turns and circles
- Assessing your horse’s mental and physical state before work
An ideal warm-up begins with a relaxed, purposeful walk — allowing your horse to stretch, loosen, and mentally settle. Tension or excessive energy? That’s a cue to adapt your approach. For example, a hot or spooky horse might benefit from bending patterns to focus their mind and release tension.
Why Tempo and Rhythm Matter ⏱️
The terms rhythm and tempo are often used interchangeably, but they serve distinct purposes. Rhythm refers to the sequence of footfalls (like the four-beat walk or two-beat trot), while tempo is the speed of that rhythm.
Maintaining a consistent rhythm and tempo helps prevent physical strain and mental confusion. Uneven steps, rushed corners or inconsistent contact can lead to short strides, bracing, or overuse of certain muscle groups.
Good warm-ups build this consistency before moving into more collected or demanding work.
When Is Your Horse “Warm”? 🌡️
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A young, fresh horse may take longer to settle mentally. An older or stiffer horse may need more walking to feel comfortable. As a general rule, when your horse is moving forward with relaxed energy, breathing evenly, and responding to light aids — they’re ready for more focused work.
You may notice their back softening, their neck lengthening, or their transitions becoming smoother — all signs that circulation is up and muscles are switched on.
Your Warm-Up, Your Way — with Rider Guider 🎧
That’s where our 10-Minute Warm-Up audio guide comes in. It’s designed to support your riding — not replace your instincts. Whether you’re prepping for a flatwork session, dressage test, or simply want to ride more purposefully, the warm-up audio:
- Keeps you focused
- Ensures you give your horse enough time to prepare
- Reinforces good habits and rider position
- Helps reduce injury risk and improve performance
You can even add it to a playlist with other sessions in the Rider Guider App — making every ride structured, intentional, and flexible to your goals.
Final Thoughts ✨
A good ride starts with a great warm-up. Giving your horse those essential first 10 minutes to mobilise, stretch, and focus doesn’t just improve performance — it shows respect for their body and mind.
So next time you ride, take that time. And when in doubt, remember: you can never do too much walking.
Want to try it for yourself?
The Rider Guider App is available now on the App Store and Google Play — with a free trial to get you started.