A horse walker is someone who has been trained to walk a horse for the purpose of exercise or cooling down after a race, a strenuous workout, or another activity. These individuals are usually trained, and while much of this training can be obtained haphazardly or on the job, occupational training programs for this type of position do exist. A mechanical device used to exercise horses is also known as a “horse walker.”
Horse walking is an important part of any working horse’s overall care and maintenance, but it’s especially important for racehorses. According to many experts in this field, cooling down a horse after exertion is necessary to reduce body heat, redistribute blood flow, and promote the metabolization of lactate wastes from the muscles. Lactate is a waste product of muscle contractions that can cause soreness, fatigue, and cramping. After a period of intense activity, such as a race, the horse will benefit from a proper cool down.
A stable hand or a groom performs the job of horse walker in many stables. While this job is important, it does not always necessitate a position dedicated solely to horse walking. However, in some larger stables with a large number of horses, a professional walker may be hired. The horse walker in these situations does not provide any other care to the horses besides walking them. A horse walker may walk a horse just to give it some exercise on a day when it doesn’t have any more intense workouts planned, or as part of a rehabilitation program.
A career as a horse walker is often used as a stepping stone to a position as a horse trainer, which is a crucial position in a stable. Those interested in becoming a professional horse walker or groom can enroll in training programs. While these jobs appear to be low-skilled, they necessitate a great deal of horse knowledge and experience, as well as the ability to relate to the animals and adjust to their various personalities and needs.
A machine that is designed to take the place of a human walker is referred to as a “horse walker.” The reins of the horse being walked are usually attached to a carousel-type mechanism, which is usually driven by an electric motor. The horse is led in a wide circle by the operator, who sets the machine to the desired speed.