How to Help Prepare Your Horse for Colorado’s High-Altitude!

As our summer trail riding excursions are swinging into full force in the next couple of months, it’s time for us to think about our summer trail rides into the mountains. Most importantly, we need to think about what we should do to prepare our trail buddy for the altitude change in the mountains.  Altitude can have a vast effect on our horses. As we prepare our equine friends for the high-altitude change, it’s important to consider these tips when riding the highlands to help make our trail ride adventurous, and not the health concerns of our four-legged friends.

Vet Health Checks

It is important to let your vet know you are traveling and they can take the time to evaluate your horse’s health prior to venturing out to the mountain trails. This evaluation will give you peace of mind that your horse seems to be healthy enough to endure the physical activity. Most U.S. states also require CVI, health certificates and Coggins for your traveling companions. For specific requirements by state, check out the individual state health requirements prior to loading up and heading out to the trails across state lines.  

   

Allow for Additional Travel Time for Your Horse to Acclimate to The Altitude Change

Doing this will allow for downtime and more time to acclimate to the altitude before starting your excursion into the mountains on your trail ride. Altitude can have similar affects on them as it does to us as humans and allowing for additional time to acclimate, can help reduce the effects of the high-altitude. Some of these affects can include increase blood pressure and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). In an Equus magazine article (The Effects of Altitude, 2002), their study recommended at least an overnight stay and indicated that most acclimation has stabilized within three days based on the physiological measurements that were evaluated.

Trail Riding(PublicDomainPictures) 2013

Gradually Increase Your Trail Riding Activity

Most trail rides have multiple trails with a variety of levels. Start off with the easiest level and as the week progresses, increase the intensity of your trail riding to the more difficult trails if possible. This will help allow your horse to adjust to the increase level of altitude change.

Keep Your Horse/s Hydrated

Providing your horse with water is important to help reduce the effects of dehydration due to the high altitude. When possible, check with your trail guide or lodging manager to map out clean water sources along the trail to ensure that your equine friend stays alert and hydrated throughout the ride. Staying hydrated isn’t only important for your equine friend, but for you as the rider too. It can help avoid potential onset of symptoms of AMS, such as headaches, fatigue, and nausea which can make it such a challenge to enjoy your trail riding trip.

We hope these helpful tips guide you in preparing your horse for the highlands. We look forward to riding in the mountains with you and your equine companion when you come and visit our wonderful state of Colorado.