What should you do for a horse after a hard workout?

After a hard workout, it is essential to check a horse for any signs of heat, swelling, lameness, or injury. This assessment is crucial for ensuring the horse's well-being and can help identify any potential problems that may have arisen during the workout. By checking for these conditions, a handler can take early action if any issues are detected, which can prevent more serious injuries or complications from developing.

Monitoring a horse’s condition post-workout is part of responsible care and management, ensuring that the horse remains healthy and fit for future training. This proactive approach is instrumental in promoting the horse's long-term health, especially after exertion that may have caused strain or fatigue.

While other options might seem beneficial, they do not provide the immediate assessment necessary for the horse's safety and recovery. For instance, giving extra feed could lead to digestive issues if the horse is already fatigued or stressed from the workout, and leaving the horse in the stall without monitoring could overlook any possible injuries. Taking the horse for a long walk can be helpful for cooldown purposes, but it's more important to first check for any immediate physical concerns.