Injury + Snow = Reading About Horse Shows On The Internet

I fractured my coccyx bone...ugh. Of course, I am bored out of my mind! I am not able to do much. I cannot even put on my own shoes! And guess what?! This injury is not related to horses in any shape or form. That's right, I did this all on my own by falling down the stairs. Awesome.

The good news it is miserable outside, only 20 degrees and constant snow so there is not much fun things to do anyways.

To cheer my self up I decided to see how some of the big Hunter/Jumper shows are doing right now. It would also be important to note the temperate in these places...all which are better then Colorado right now.

Temperature comparison...
Lyons, Colorado: 20 degrees with snow
Wellington, Florida: 74 degrees partially sunny
Gulf-port, Mississippi: 68 degrees and sunny
Tuscan, Arizona: 57 degrees with some rain (I still would take it!)

First show, Winter Festival and Nations Cup in Wellington, Florida. I have always wanted to go to this show. Perfect time to get away from Colorado snow and watch pretty horses in warm weather. Maybe next year. The show features your standard hunter jumper classes and some high dollar Grand Prix too! The $150,000 CWD Prix and a $200,000 World Cup both which happen tomorrow, Sunday March 2nd.

http://www.equestriansport.com/

Then there is the Gulfport, Mississippi show, where my current barn is residing for the next several weeks. Over $1 million in prize money is being offered. There is at least 2 Prix per week with the biggest one being the $77,000 Week 5 Prix. The show also has some turf based classes.

http://gulfcoastclassiccompany.com/

We couldn't forget HITS Arizona. Everyone knows HITS; the six week show starting in January and ending next week, March 9th which includes several Grand Prix including the Strongid $50,000 Prix also a qualifier for a World Cup in France this April. The winner of the Strongid Prix was Saer Coulter and Springtime.

http://hitsshows.com/arizona/

Compression for horsies

How a human athlete recovers from hard work-out is an insight as to how we should care for our athletic equine partner.

I run and cycle, among other sports I have tried, compression socks are amazing! They work especially well when you are on your feet all day so consider for post-horse show work.  People use them during their workouts as well and boost their athletic performance, however, I think the key time to use is post-exercise to assist in recovery. 

Compression Socks Benefits:

• Improve circulation, therefore, improving recovery time
• The microfibers support the muscles in the leg, offering support and giving your muscles a break 
• Helps relieve pain
• Helps with edema and swelling
• Reduces the risk of blood clots and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) 
• Helps with fatigue of muscles

2XU would be my choice in human compression socks, also they have compression items for other body parts like arms, full upper body, shoulders, full legs, and thighs.  Same with Equifit, which has compression items for other joints of the horse.

Human compression sock, comes in cute colors buy here

So if it helps with all that on humans, why wouldn't it help our best equine friend?!  Equifit seems to think so, they have a huge product line of compression type items that also emit mineral oil. Some riders use it after heavy work or during.  (people also wear compression socks during workout, but I personal feel like the difference is recovery so just throw them on after your ride).  It's the same thought concept as a standing wrap but these socks are more advance and will yield better results.

Another use for these would be to place under your brush boots to add extra protecting out on the cross country course, fox hunt, or hack through tall grass.  Also great for bed sore protection!

Gel Sock by Equifit

Recovery compression pumps would be a step up from just the compression socks, they provide all the benefits of the compression socks plus some.  In addition they assist in removing waste from the body (free radicals that form after heavy exercise) to aide in recovery.  Most pumps have a hand held or electronic piece that actually pumps you or your horse's legs.  They kind of slowly compression until hey are squeezing your left for about 1-2 minutes then release, then repeat again.  Very effective and relaxing.  

Recovery Pump For People

And the equine version, which also provides ice therapy (feasibly you could buy the equine version and use it on you!)

Equifit has ton's of other recovery and support products, so check it out.

Who uses these horse compression items, well some big names like Karen O'Conner, McLain Ward, Phillip Dutton, and much more!