Regardless of whether your horse is used for high-level competition or weekend trail riding, it’s important that he be fit for the task. “Fitness” is a rather vague expression, but in general terms it can be defined as the ability to complete th
In many cases, you can completely cure the horse of the underlying ailment that causes his stiffness. And even in cases where the horse suffers from a chronic condition such as arthritis, your careful, consistent efforts to battle stiffness can improve his performance and, more important, his quality of life and his pleasure of performing with you.
Last month, this column covered some of the basics in developing a physical conditioning program (see “Getting Your Horse in Shape” in the February 2002 issue of The Horse, article Quick Find #3263 at www.TheHorse.com). The
As spring approaches, visions of green grass, budding trees, and active wildlife might seem just around the corner for some. But for many of us, spring is but a dream, for we must endure a few more weeks of cold, snow, and ice-covered terrain.
Perhaps the most widely recognized of all disorders affecting racehorses is bleeding, or exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). We now know that most racehorses bleed at some time during their careers. In fact, many horses might bleed”P>Perhaps the most widely recognized of all disorders affecting racehorses is bleeding, or exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). We now know that most raceh”>Perhaps the most widely recognized of all disorders affecting racehorses is bleeding,”Perhaps t
If you have an older horse in your care, do not assume that he will be fine functioning as a pasture ornament.
Every time you saddle a horse, you tighten a girth. But how tight should you make that girth? Just enough to keep the saddle on? With space to slip a hand under the girth? As tight as it will go? Furthermore, how well does a horse breathe with this
Administration of hematinics (also known as blood builders) to horses, either in the form of dietary supplements or as injectable compounds, is commonly practiced by owners, trainers, and veterinarians.
For a horse to perform well as an athlete, all body systems must be in good working order. When one or more system breaks down, the horse is no longer able to perform to its potential, and the owner, rider, and trainer will notice a decline in”P>For a horse to perform well as an athlete, all body systems must be in good working order. When one or more system breaks down”>For a hors
Thoroughbred yearlings sold at public auction here and abroad often are subject to endoscopic examination of their upper respiratory tracts. Veterinarians and potential buyers are looking for evidence of deformities that could affect the ability
A huge amount of time, effort, and money often are invested in the preparation of horses for various athletic events, including Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing, three-day eventing, steeplechasing, dressage, hunter-jumper events, reining,
In the last issue we considered some of the adaptations that occur in horses during training. To recap, we know that improvements in cardiovascular and muscle function occur quite quickly after the onset of training
Ever since the 1880s, when Edweard Muybridge set up a series of cameras to capture the character of footfalls of a racehorse, we’ve been fascinated by how horses move. No doubt you’ve seen that early sequence of photos, which demonstrated that
Training programs often are affected by cold, rainy weather or deep snow during the winter, but the primary concern when planning a wintertime workout is the footing that your horse will encounter. Although winter weather brings
Among the animals we call livestock, horses are unique because they are the only ones we regard as athletes. Unlike other animals that are bred for better milk production or tastier flesh, horses are bred for athletic performance, each type”P>Among the animals we call livestock, horses are unique because they are the only ones we regard as athletes. Unlike other animals that are bred for better milk production or tastier flesh, horses are bred for at”>Among the animals we call livestock, horses are unique because they are the only ones we regard as athletes. Unlike other animals that are bred for better milk production or tastier f”Among the animals we call livestock, horses are unique because they are the only ones we regard as athletes. Unlike other animals that are bred for better m”mong the animals we call livestock, horses are unique because they are the only ones we regard as athletes. Unlike other animals “ong the animals we call livestock, horses are unique because they are the only ones we regard as athlet”ng the animals we call livestock, horses are unique because they are the only “g the animals we call livestock, horses are unique bec” the animals we call livestock,”the animals
I am concerned about exercising my horse in hot weather. What can I do to make sure my horse is properly cooled out?
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