How to Prepare Your Horse’s Body Before a Ride

Blending Bodywork, Movement, and Wellness-Focused Gear for a Better Ride

With Equine Body Worker Expert Kara O'Laughlin

As a professional equine bodyworker, Kara O'Laughlin—founder of @EquineBodyworkOnline and the information-rich site www.equinebodyworkonline.com—has the unique privilege of observing how riders prepare their horses across disciplines, barns, and breeds. From dressage to trail, Kara sees firsthand the care and attention riders give their horses in those crucial pre-ride moments.

And while each rider has their own routine (yes, treat givers—she sees you when the girth goes on!), one thing is clear: most riders deeply care for their horses’ comfort and well-being.

We’re thrilled to welcome Kara to the Equestroom community, where she’s sharing exclusive insights into how small, intentional changes in your pre-ride routine can make a big difference in your horse’s performance and long-term health. Whether you're schooling at home or heading into the show ring, her blend of bodywork, movement, and smart gear choices can help you and your horse feel more connected and ready.

Let’s explore Kara’s top tips for preparing your horse, body, mind, and tack for your next ride.

1. Begin With Connection, Not Just Grooming

One of the most common things I notice is how often riders rush through the first few minutes of greeting their horse. But those early moments of contact matter. They set the tone for communication and trust.

Instead of diving straight into grooming, make sure to pause and connect first. Place a hand behind your horse’s poll or on their lower back and take a few slow, deep breaths. This quiet moment helps regulate both your nervous systems and initiates tension release in two of the most commonly tight areas in ridden horses.

As you groom, don’t just use your brushes; use your hands to check for heat, asymmetry, or sensitivity. Grooming with awareness is your first opportunity to catch subtle signs of discomfort and prep the body for work.

2. Use Bodywork to Support Your Ride

Before I tack up, I always spend a few minutes doing light bodywork to encourage circulation and soften any tension. One of my go-to techniques is the EBO 50, which involves making long, slow strokes along the back from withers to pelvis using the palm of your hand. I use light pressure—imagine your hand sinking into cookie dough—and aim for 50 strokes on each side, all while breathing deeply and rhythmically.

Once I’m in the arena, I’ll hand walk along the rail, checking to see if my horse is happy to go forward and walking with even strides. It’s a gentle way to warm up the muscles before asking for more.

My favorite dynamic pre-ride stretch is Shoulder Circles. This simple range-of-motion exercise helps activate the thoracic sling, softens the pectorals, and encourages body awareness. 

To perform it:

Pick up a front hoof as if you’re going to clean it

Support both the hoof and carpal joint (often called the “knee”, but fun fact, your horse’s knee is actually their stifle)

Gently guide the leg through a circular motion, only as wide as your horse’s comfort allows

Repeat 10 circles on each side.

Finally, I always include EBO Lines behind the poll— use your fingers to draw lines from the mane down toward the ground. This area often holds tension, and releasing it can impact the entire body. I spend 1–2 minutes on each side, using the same “cookie dough” pressure and rhythmic breathing.

3. Gear Can Support—or Restrict—Your Horse’s Movement

One of the things my clients find most surprising is how much gear can impact the horse’s comfort and health. While saddle fit gets the most attention (and rightfully so), even seemingly minor items like pads, girths, and brushing boots can create irritation or restriction when poorly chosen or improperly fitted.

Here are a few gear tips to keep in mind:

Saddle pads and half pads should be breathable and moisture-wicking to prevent heat buildup and skin irritation.

Girths should avoid pinching or restricting shoulder movement—an anatomical design is often best.

Leg boots or wraps should fit snugly, not tightly. Too loose, and they rub. Too tight, and they risk impeding circulation or causing nerve pressure.

High-quality gear matters—and brands like Equestroom strike the balance between function and style. Their thoughtfully designed pieces not only look sharp in the barn or arena, but also help your horse stay comfortable, focused, and ready to work.

Conclusion: Invest in the Minutes Before You Ride

Pre-ride prep gives you an opportunity to connect, assess, and support your horse’s wellness. When you combine a few minutes of bodywork with movement and well-designed gear, you set your horse up for long term health and comfort, as well as taking your relationship to a deeper level.

And if you’re interested in taking your equine bodywork skills even further, and offering your horse entire muscle releases, check out our amazing online program for horse owners at  EquineBodyworkOnline.com.