Basic Principles of Conditioning for Horses

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF CONDITIONING AN INFOGRAPHIC BROUGHT TO YOU BY theHORSE WHY DO I NEED TO CONDITION MY HORSE? To build stamina and reduce injury risk. It can vary depending on discipline and level, but here's what your horse's journey to fitness might look like: Have your veterinarian confirm your horse is healthy and sound for work. Have your farrier check his feet. START Your vet and trainer play important parts in your horse's fitness plan. Work with a nutritionist to tailor your horse's diet to match his workload and nutrient needs as VITAMINS they change. Supplement vitamins and minerals MINERALS as needed. WORKLOAD LEVELS YOUR NUTRITIONIST WILL CONSIDER LIGHT MODERATE HEAVY VERY HEAVY 1-3 hours of riding 3-5 hours with some skill work 4-5 hours with substantial skill work Per 6-12 hours Week TPR Normal: TEMPERATURE 98-101°F HEART RATE 32-40 BPM Know your horse's normal temperature, pulse, and Check these before ation. RESPIRATORY RATE 8-20 BREATHS PER MINUTE and after exercise to determine fitness. Max Recommendations: WHOA! TEMPERATURE >103°F HEART RATE >200 BPM DURING MODERATE EXERCISE A RESPIRATORY RATE 80-100 BREATHS PER MINUTE Heart rate after exercise returns to normal faster as your horse becomes fitter. Reasons (besides lack of fitness) for a slower recovery rate: • Lameness • Heat/humidity • Dehydration • Disease TRAIN AT 130-150 BPM TO BUILD AEROBIC CONDITIONING. Start with frequent, short, low-intensity workouts to prevent injuries, and increase duration and intensity gradually, especially if your horse is under- or overweight. EXERCISE ON GOOD FOOTING. Warm your horse up slowly. Cool him down after work with hand-walking, hosing, and fans. WITH FITNESS AND OVER TIME, YOUR HORSE WILL EXPERIENCE PHYSICAL CHANGES: • Oxygen uptake • Heart size/strength • Red cell and plasma volume • Aerobic capacity • Muscle size/strength • Tendon/ligament strength • Bone quality and geometry • Thermoregulation Heart rate decreases C. The result? Your horse can perform moderate work for longer periods. Remember: Every horse is different; work with your vet to determine what's best for yours. SPONSORED BY: the HORSE RED CELL COMPETITION and RECOVERY INCREASE III