For a horse to perform well as an athlete, all body systems must be in good working order. When one or more systems “breaks down,” the horse is no longer able to perform up to his potential, and the owner, rider, and trainer will likely notice a
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.
Many equestrian sports are seasonal, with a competition season alternating with an off season. Even in sports that continue year-round, most trainers schedule a break from competition, which gives the horse a chance to recover mentally and
Will restricting a warmblood foal’s turnout slow down his growth?
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.
Dr. E.E. Watson was a veterinarian of some repute for many years in the Midwest during the middle decades of the 20th Century. He not only treated racehorses, but he bred them, owned them, and trained them. One year in the late 1950s, he had a
To add variety to conditioning programs, human athletes often undertake exercise sessions that are not specific to their athletic disciplines. For example, long-distance runners might cycle on a stationary bike once or twice a week, swim, or
Racehorse owners might one day be able to handicap a horse’s risk of injury. A new study in its early stages at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in the United Kingdom is monitoring a group of two-year-olds with the intention of using the data
When horses are working hard, especially in hot weather, they are particularly prone to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Here’s what you need to know about keeping your horse from overheating during exercise in hot weather.
A recent study performed by Ron Riegel, DVM, on 30 racing Standardbreds confirms that the popular nutraceutical supplement MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) can have far-reaching effects on the ability of equine muscle tissue to rebound from exercise
As spring moves into summer, the primary focus of activity on many breeding farms is preparation of yearlings for sale. There isn’t much scientific research on exercising horses at that young age, yet many farms are using forced exercise to make
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