Performance horses put a lot of strain on their legs as they run, jump, spin, pull carriages, or perform sliding stops from a full gallop. To keep your horse’s joints in the best condition for a long athletic career, follow these tips to preserve health and prevent discomfort or lameness.
Proper nutrition is key to overall health in horses. In young horses, feeding for smooth, gradual growth will help in the development of strong bones and healthy cartilage. Try to keep horses at an optimum weight since obesity increases the stress on joint structures, eventually leading to unsoundness in some horses.
Slow, steady training is important in keeping horses sound. Begin with short, easy exercise periods and increase the length and intensity of workouts over a period of several months. This type of conditioning allows the horse’s muscles, bones, heart, and lungs to adapt to the demands of performance. There is less chance of joint injury if the horse has the fitness level to perform without developing undue fatigue.
Allowing time forreconditioning after a layoff is important as well. If the horse is out of work for more than a few weeks, back off on the level of exercise when riding resumes, especially if the horse is recovering from an injury or illness. For an easy way to objectively measure the intensity and duration of your schooling sessions, check out the KER ClockIt™ Sport mobile app.
Limit work on hard surfaces. Extreme concussion can damage joint cartilage, so riders should try to avoid long periods of galloping or jumping on hard, dry ground. For horses that are frequently ridden on pavement, padded boots can absorb some of the shock that is transmitted up the horse’s legs with each step.