Warmup & Cool Down
Article
Endophyte-Infected Fescue Seeds' Effects on Equine Exercise Recovery
Researchers say endophyte-infected tall fescue seed consumption could negatively affect exercise recovery.
Photo by The Horse Staff
Article
Efficacy of High-Intensity Training for Racehorses
One common training method might not be as effective at conditioning racehorses as once thought.
Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt
Article
Endophyte-Infected Fescue Seeds' Effects on Equine Exercise Recovery
February 28, 2013
Researchers say endophyte-infected tall fescue seed consumption could negatively affect exercise recovery.... Read More
Article
Managing Dehydration, Exhaustion in Horses (AAEP 2012)
February 25, 2013
With proper management, most horses recover well from dehydration and exhaustion.... Read More
Article
Clipping, Blankets Helpful in Cold-Weather Exercise Recovery
August 24, 2012
Clipped horses achieved faster post-exercise recovery than unclipped horses when working in cold temperatures.... Read More
Article
Sport Horse/Jumpers Practice Table Topic (AAEP 2011)
December 26, 2011
Attendees discussed the horse's overall work program, assessment, conditioning strategies, and more.... Read More
Article
Efficacy of High-Intensity Training for Racehorses
December 11, 2011
One common training method might not be as effective at conditioning racehorses as once thought.... Read More
Article
Are High-Speed Treadmills Safe for Horses?
August 23, 2011
Researchers determined that few injuries occur to horses during treadmill exercise. ... Read More
Article
Ask the Vet Live Q&A: Conditioning Horses Now Available
May 31, 2011
TheHorse.com's Ask the Vet LIVE event on conditioning horses was held on May 26, and the recording is now ... Read More
Article
Dynamic Mobilization Exercises Activate the Sport Horse's Core
September 28, 2010
Anyone who has pilates classes knows how it strengthens your 'core' muscles, but did you know similar stretches and exercises can also strengthen and condition your horse? Hilary Clayton, BVMS, PhD, MRCVS, Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine ... Read More
Article
40 Tips for the Trail Rider
June 22, 2010
This year marks the 40th anniversary for Lynn Palm as a horse trainer and clinician. Palm offers 40 tips to trail riders as they hit the lush green trails or sandy beaches with their horses. Trail riding is an excellent wa... Read More
Article
Horse Stretching Benefits, Approaches Detailed
March 31, 2010
Horses are athletes, too, and according to research, they need that stretching as much as humans do.... Read More
Article
Rider Position, Horse Back Movement Evaluated
December 22, 2009
A rising trot is less loading to a horse's back than a sitting trot, producing less vertical force as measured through new biomechanical techniques, according to Dutch researchers. From the kinematic data of 13 riders on two horses, scientists were ... Read More
Article
Controversial Dressage Training Method Under FEI Investigation
November 03, 2009
Responding to public outcry following the Internet posting of a video showing an international-level dressage competitor warming up a horse using a method some call inhumane, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has... Read More
Article
Training Alters Stride in Racehorses
September 19, 2009
Training mature racehorses produces a decrease in the protraction (extension) time of the forelimb and might reduce the risk of training-induced injuries, said Marta Ferrari, DrMedVet, PhD, MRCVS, of Park Veterinary Centre in Watford, U.K, and... Read More
Article
Tevis Veterinarians Add New Post-Ride Check
July 30, 2009
Head Tevis Cup veterinarian Greg Fellers, DVM, will implement a new post-ride vet check this year. His check will be conducted within two hours after horses complete the 100-mile ride from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, Calif. "What I am looking for... Read More
Article
Researchers Examine Effects of Rider Stability
May 22, 2009
Austrian researchers have reported that the stability of a rider’s seat affects the forces acting on a horse’s back. Using an electronic pressure mat placed under a dressage saddle, scientists with the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna’s... Read More
Article
Patience and Long, Slow Distance Important for Conditioning Competition Horses
March 21, 2009
Horses on vacation since October or November, when the owner stopped riding, can't be expected to perform the way they did in the fall. It's important to get their cardiovascular systems as well as their bones, muscles and tendons back in shape... Read More
Article
Winter Workouts
December 01, 2008
Winter doesn't have to be--and shouldn't be--a time of hibernation for your horse. Come May, Trisha Dowling of Saskatchewan, Canada, is ready to take on the challenges of competitive endurance--and, equally important, so... Read More
Article
Shipping and Showing
October 01, 2008
Monitor and optimize your horse's training, diet, general health, and shipping experience in order to help him perform his best. For some, nothing compares to the excitement of a horse show. The anticipation of months of... Read More
Article
Summer Heat Too Hot to Handle? (Book Excerpt)
April 01, 2008
With the exception of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, which began in September to allow for the southern hemisphere's "reversed" order of seasons--winter in Australia is summer in North America--the summer Olympic Games generally are held in just... Read More
Article
Coping With the Heat
August 01, 2007
During hot weather, heat dissipation is primarily dependent on evaporation of sweat on the skin surface. Horses are capable of producing large quantities of sweat--sweating rates of 10-15 liters/hour1,2 have been reported during exercise... Read More
Article
Warming Up to the Idea
February 01, 2007
Riders understand the importance of warming up as a way to ready the horse's mind and body for the challenges ahead, but there is more to a warm-up than simple preparation. Correctly done, prior exercise substantially benefits physical performance... Read More
Article
Eventing's Short and Long Formats Compared
June 01, 2005
Three-Day event horses performing the short format endurance portion of an event and horses completing the conventional long format experience a similar amount of stress, according to a recent study. The public has speculated on whether or not... Read More
Article
Winter Riding
November 03, 2004
Give your horse longer warm-up and cooling-out time in cold weather to prevent tendon injury. Frozen ground, cold temperatures, and stiff tendons (not warmed up) can result in damage or even a bowed tendon. ... Read More
Article
It's Not Greek to Them
July 01, 2004
When the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad begin with characteristic fanfare Aug. 13 in Athens--the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games--approximately 10,500 of the world's greatest athletes will convene to match skills and wits in 28 sports.... Read More
Article
Heat Stress in Horses
July 01, 2003
Beneath your helmet, your head feels hot and sweat drips off your face as you ride. Your horse's neck is soaked, and your reins are slippery and lathered. The more you call for an effort from your horse, the more sluggish he seems. Despite movin... Read More
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Farm Call: Your Questions Answered
Cooling Overheated Horses
Q. Q: With summer upon us, I am concerned about exercising my horse in hot weather. What can I do to make sure my horse is properly cooled out? Are there steps I can take before, during, and after exercise? A: There are many variables involved in this question. The answer depends on how much exercise your horse will undertake and how strenuous the exercise is. Also, it is necessary...
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