Young Horse Health, Conformation Impacts Career Longevity

Good health and soundness in 4- to 5-year-olds goes a long way in keeping horses performing long-term, researchers said.

Posted by Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA | Apr 3, 2015 | Article, Conditioning Young Horses, Monitoring Exercise Performance, Musculoskeletal System, Other Conformation Topics

Researchers confirmed that good health and soundness in a 4- to 5-year-old goes a long way in keeping a horse performing over the long term.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could see into young horses’ futures to know which ones will have long and healthy careers? Results from a recently released Swedish study suggest we might be able to do just that.

In a unique, pioneering effort spanning more than 20 years, researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala have followed horses throughout their competitive careers. They’ve found that good health and soundness in a 4- to 5-year-old goes a long way in keeping a horse performing ove

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About The Author

Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA

Passionate about horses and science from the time she was riding her first Shetland Pony in Texas, Christa Lesté-Lasserre writes about scientific research that contributes to a better understanding of all equids. After undergrad studies in science, journalism, and literature, she received a master's degree in creative writing. Now based in France, she aims to present the most fascinating aspect of equine science: the story it creates. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas.

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