As the seasons shift, so does the physiology of our equine athletes. According to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), spring is a time of vibrant Yang energy, governed by the Wood element and the Liver meridian.
This period of rising Qi and increasing training loads brings both opportunity and risk. Here are 5 key insights from TCVM to guide your spring management:
1️⃣ Liver Qi is Key
Spring is the season of the Liver, which governs the free flow of Qi and nourishes the tendons. While this supports athletic performance, excess Liver Qi can lead to irritability and muscle tension, while stagnation can hinder digestion.
2️⃣ Wind is the Primary Pathogen
Known as the "chief of all evils," spring wind often carries cold or heat. It invades the upper body and back, making proper warm-ups essential to prevent stiffness and injury.
3️⃣ Open Pores, Sudden Chills
As temperatures fluctuate, the horse’s defensive Qi (Wei Qi) and pores open. A sudden cold snap or cold water after exercise can invite invasion—explaining why spring colic (especially "cold colic") is common.
4️⃣ Qi Redistribution Demands Patience
Transitioning from winter’s "storage" phase to spring training requires a gradual increase in workload. Ramping up too quickly can overwhelm the horse’s ability to circulate Qi and Blood, leading to fatigue or lameness.
5️⃣ Prevention is the Best Medicine
TCVM emphasizes treating before illness arises. This spring, focus on:
1. Supporting Liver Qi (avoid abrupt changes, ensure relaxation)
2. Protecting digestive Spleen function (consistent feeding, avoid cold water)
3. Shielding against wind (turnout blankets during windy/cold days)
4. Gradual conditioning to align with the season’s rising energy
Understanding the horse’s internal response to the changing environment is the essence of true preventative care. Let’s work with nature, not against it.
If you have any difficult and complicated horse disease which you cannot handle with western medicine, feel free to contact us, and let's find out what TCVM can do? We are supported by a strong team of equine TCVM veterinarians from Henan Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine for Equids.
