Tips to Get Your Horses Moving Safely This Spring
Longer days are here, and around Ramona and Poway that usually means one thing – more time in the saddle.
After a slower winter, it’s tempting to jump right back into riding, training, and getting out on the trails. But when it comes to spring conditioning, a little patience goes a long way.
At Elston’s, we see it every year: Horses (and riders) do best when they ease back in. Taking the time now helps keep them sound, comfortable, and ready for a full season ahead.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you get started.
Start With Conditioning, Not Intensity
If your horse has had time off, think of spring as a reset—not a restart at full speed.
Instead of jumping straight into heavy work, build back gradually:
- Hand walking or light groundwork
- Short, relaxed rides at the walk
- Slowly adding trot work
- Increasing ride time before intensity
A steady build helps muscles, joints, and tendons adjust safely – especially on our harder, drier SoCal ground.
Taking it slow now often prevents setbacks later in the season.
Pay Attention to Joint Support
Winter downtime can be especially noticeable in older horses or those with previous joint stress. Spring work can bring out stiffness, especially in older horses or ones with previous wear and tear.
Watch for small signs that your horse may need adjustments:
- Stiffness at the start of a ride
- Shorter stride or less flexibility
- Longer warm-up times
Giving your horse a little extra warm-up time – and the right nutritional support – can make a big difference.
Feeds designed for senior horses, like Farmer’s Best Equi-Pell Senior for Horses, are a great option if your horse needs extra support heading back into work.
Reintroduce Exercise Gradually
Even if your horse feels fresh and ready, their body may not be quite there yet.
A simple progression will work well for them:
- Weeks 1–2: Walking, stretching, light groundwork
- Weeks 3–4: Add short trot sets, increase ride time
- Week 5+: Gradually introduce hills, poles, or longer rides
This kind of buildup helps avoid soreness and keeps progress steady.
Check Your Tack Fit
Horses change over the winter—less muscle, coat changes, weight shifts. That saddle that fit perfectly in the fall might not feel the same now.
Do a quick check:
- Uneven sweat marks or dry spots
- Rubbing along shoulders or back
- Saddle balance and fit
Small adjustments can go a long way in keeping your horse comfortable as you get back to riding.
Spring is also a great time to look over your tack and riding gear – replacing worn items or upgrading pieces that need attention. If anything needs fixing or refreshing, it’s a good opportunity to get ride-ready with quality tack and riding gear, including boots, wraps, ropes, whips, and other essentials for the season ahead.
Adjust Feed & Watch Spring Grass
Spring in Southern California can be a mix – some fresh growth, some dry pasture, and a lot of variation depending on rain.
As workload increases, your horse’s nutrition may need to shift too.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Introduce fresh grass slowly (especially for easy keepers)
- Monitor weight and energy levels
- Adjust feed as activity increases
Gradually transitioning your feed and monitoring your horses’ body condition can help them to maintain steady energy and healthy weight. If you’re unsure whether your horse’s feed program needs an update, we’re always happy to help you dial it in.
All horses should be slowly introduced to fresh grass over several weeks to help prevent health issues, with extra care for horses that are overweight or prone to laminitis. Hand-grazing for short periods and gradually increasing turnout can help manage intake safely. It’s also important to keep them on hay in this transition to help them feel fuller, avoid overeating lush green grass, and support a balanced gut as their system adjusts.
Stay Ahead of Flies & Parasites
With warmer weather comes flies, mosquitoes, and parasite pressure – something we definitely see around local barns this time of year.
Spring is a great time to:
- Check parasite load with your vet
- Start or adjust a deworming plan
- Get ahead of fly control before it ramps up
Parasite resistance is a growing concern when horses are dewormed too frequently or with the wrong product. Testing first allows you to choose the right treatment, which helps protect your horse from common issues like colic, poor coat condition, tail rubbing, and digestive upset.
Many folks use Ivermectin Paste-based dewormers like Bimectin in the spring as part of a broader program, but targeted treatment (based on testing) is always the best approach.
Don’t Forget the Basics
Spring is also a good time to get everything lined up:
- Vaccinations
- Dental checks
- Hoof care
Getting ahead of these now makes the rest of the season a lot smoother.
Let the Season Set the Pace
Spring always brings a little extra energy to the barn – and that’s part of what makes it so fun.
But the best seasons usually start slow.
A thoughtful approach to conditioning, nutrition, and care now sets your horse up to stay comfortable and strong all the way through summer.
And if you need anything along the way – feed, fly control, tack, or just a second opinion – we’re here for it.
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Elston Hay & Grain
For over 55 years, Elston’s has been San Diego’s go-to for animal care and rural living. We proudly support generations of horse lovers, livestock caretakers, pet owners, and home growers with top-notch hay, feed, and supplies. Rooted in ranching and built on friendly know-how, we’re here to help you care for your animals with confidence. Whether you’re raising chickens, feeding a stable, or spoiling your pup, here at Elston’s we’ve got what you need.
Shop online or visit us at our locations in Ramona and Poway. We proudly deliver to all of San Diego County, including Escondido, Lakeside, Warner Springs, Julian, Ranchita, and South County. https://shop.elstonhayandgrain.com/