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Step 1
Warming up a horse prior to exercise allows for better use of fatty acids in the early work so less lactic acid is produced after the work is done. Research has shown that lower lactic acid levels in humans or horses lead to less fatigue and less injury in horses. Warming up the muscles help prevent muscle, ligament and tendon injuries. It could also help prevent tears, sprains and strains.
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Step 2
A warmup should start with the horse walking on a loose rein. Afterwards, the intensity of the exercise should be increased to a trot or a canter.
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Step 3
Not all horses can be warmed up the same or even benefit from the same kind of warm up. Some horses that have stiff muscles, prior injuries, or scar tissue benefit better with warm ups that include a fast canter or gallop. This helps stretch out the areas in them that are tight. Other horses will suffice with just a long, low walk, trot and then canter.
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Step 4
Just as it's important for a horse to warm up, the rider should do the same before mounting. Move around and stretch your legs. Loosen up a bit. If you are stiff when you get on your horse, not only can your horse sense this but it will inhibit his movement too.
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Step 5
Cooling down is just as important as the warmup. This helps the body temperature of the horses muscles to go down slowly without allowing the horse to catch a chill. This is especially important for a horse who is sweaty after he's been worked.
