Show season can be a blast — but it’s also exhausting.
Long days, early mornings, intense rides, and hauling from show to show don’t just take a toll on your horse… they wear you down, too.
Whether you’re starting to feel the fatigue creep in or want to stay ahead of it, here’s your no-nonsense guide to recovering smarter and staying sound this season.
You're asking your body to:
Wake up early
Load and haul heavy gear
Ride + perform horse care tasks for multiple hours
Stay focused under pressure
Repeat it all the next day
And you might be doing all of this on less sleep, limited nutrition, and no formal recovery plan. That’s a recipe for burnout or injury — but it doesn’t have to be.
Yes, foam rolling feels good. But targeted mobility (like deep squat holds, hip openers, and thoracic twists) actually preps your joints and restores movement where you lose it most.
👉 Tip: 5–10 minutes of mobility in the morning or after your ride beats a full “recovery day” you never get around to.
Movement is one of the best forms of recovery. After riding, hauling, or sitting at the edge of a show ring all day, your body needs to re-circulate.
Go for a 10–15 minute walk after your last ride or before dinner. It helps flush out soreness, clears your head, and kickstarts recovery.
You’re likely not eating enough to fuel your work. A protein bar on the go isn’t enough.
Focus on:
eating protein in each meal or snack
Hydration with electrolytes, not just water
Carbs pre-ride to fill energy stores
Your energy, mood, and strength are all tied to what you’re eating.
After high-intensity days, your nervous system needs a chance to reset. Quick breathing drills or even 5 minutes lying on your back, feet up, breathing deeply can:
Reduce nervous system stressors
Calm your system
Improve sleep
Help with mental clarity and focus
It doesn’t mean skipping your workouts. It means:
Training smart (not hard)
Listening to your body
Taking 10–15 minutes to reset after a ride
Giving yourself permission to rest without guilt
You're not alone — and you don’t have to guess what to do.
The Resilient Rider: Essentials includes structured strength training and mobility that fits into your season, not against it.
🧘 3 sessions/week (30–45 min)
🎯 Gym and travel-friendly versions
💡 Recovery tips and ongoing support included