Riding Against The Grain

When people picture the equestrian lifestyle, they often imagine early mornings, jumping courses, trail rides, and ribbons. What they don’t always see is what happens after the ride—the quiet, intentional routines that keep our horses healthy and happy long-term. At Riding Against the Grain, recovery is part of the ritual—and for Oberon, it’s non-negotiable.

Why Recovery Matters (Even for the Average Horse)

Recovery isn’t just for elite athletes or competition horses. It’s for any horse who moves with intention, who jumps, gallops, gets turned out hard, or just gets a little stiff on chilly mornings. Whether you’re riding six days a week or casually schooling twice, the wear and tear on your horse’s body is real.

And as someone who rides with intention—but also heart—I’ve realized that skipping recovery is like skipping connection. It’s not just about muscles; it’s about trust, longevity, and listening.

Recovery Ritual with Oberon

Oberon is playful, eager, and always gives me his best. So I owe it to him to return that energy with care that supports his physical and emotional well-being. Here’s what recovery looks like in our world:

Walk-Down Time Before we ever untack, we cool out.

Whether it’s walking on a loose rein or a hand-walk around the barn loop, I give his muscles time to reset before the gear comes off.

Grooming as Body Check

I don’t just curry—I assess. I look for tight spots, swelling, flinching, or heat. Grooming is how I check in with Oberon without words.

Support Tools I Love

I use Ice-Vibe boots after jumping days, especially on his front legs, to combine cold therapy with circulation support. On off days, we stick to a warm liniment rub and standing wraps.

Mental Recovery Counts Too

Some days, recovery is a hack on a loose rein. Others, it’s just a quiet grooming session while the barn hums around us. Recovery isn’t always high-tech—it’s about being in tune.

Recovery Is a Love Language

Some people buy fancy tack or haul to lessons every week—and that’s great. But for me, recovery is how I say “thank you.” It’s how I show Oberon that I see him not just as a partner, but as a teammate I deeply respect.

Want to Go Deeper with Recovery? Here Are Some Options to Explore:

If you’re looking to elevate your horse’s post-ride care, there are a range of high-quality recovery modalities available today:

PEMF Therapy: Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy helps stimulate cellular repair, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation.

Equine Cryotherapy: Cold therapy chambers or localized cryo boots can support joint health and speed up recovery post-exertion.

Hydrotherapy & Swimming: Non-weight-bearing exercise in water strengthens muscles, supports joints, and offers both rehab and conditioning benefits.

Massage & Bodywork: Regular soft tissue therapy can reduce tension and help maintain proper biomechanics.

Chiropractic & Acupuncture: Support skeletal alignment and neurological health as part of a holistic routine.

You don’t need to use everything. Even just learning about what’s available can help you make better choices based on your horse’s age, workload, and needs.

Riding Against the Grain Means Slowing Down When It Counts

Part of why I started this blog is because I wanted to share a different perspective. One where softness, intuition, and smart care are just as celebrated as performance. Where recovery is part of the ride—not something we do when it’s almost too late.

Because at the end of the day, ribbons fade. But a sound, happy horse? That lasts.