Post-competition recovery protocols for horses are inconsistently applied despite evidence that appropriate management reduces injury, illness, and long-term welfare costs.
Competition recovery welfare is often neglected because the acute event is visible and assessed, while the post-event period receives less attention. Transport respiratory disease clusters after major competitions reflect failure to allow adequate recovery before transport. Metabolic recovery after endurance and cross-country requires active management — simply returning to the stable is insufficient. Welfare-positive competition management includes mandatory cool-down periods, post-event veterinary assessment at major events, appropriate electrolyte supplementation, and delayed transport for horses competing in high-intensity disciplines.