46/ MAY 2014 THE RIDER


Equine Conditioning is not a “One Size Fits All” Concept


proper conditioning is a key element toward enhancing your horse’s athletic performance and its ability to endure the activ- ity without succumbing to injury or health problems. Learn the of equine conditioning and what’s best for your equine athlete with Equine Guelph’s online course, Equine Exercise


Photo Caption: By understanding the concepts of exercise physi- ology, you will be in a better position to personalize your horse’s training program in order to keep him healthy and fit. Photo Credit: Barbara Sheridan Photography


Guelph, Ontario – April 16, 2014 – No matter the discipline,


cept does not work for conditioning equine ath- letes,” says course instructor Dr. Amanda Waller, who has a Ph.D. in Equine Exercise Physiology from the University of Guelph. “Each horse is an individual and must be treated that way. We then add all the differences in the demands of each discipline, age, breed and con- formation of the horse, as well as the environ- mental factors and terrain. You can see how training must be optimized to each unique sce- nario.” A lifelong horse owner and competitor,


Physiology. “Unfortunately, the ‘one size fits all’ con-


Waller believes if we ask our horses to do physi- cally demanding tasks, then it is our responsibil- ity to make sure we knowledgeably train and prepare them for this task based on the latest information. “The field of equine exercise physi- ology is constantly evolving,” she says. “There- fore, one of the clear benefits of taking this course is the opportunity to learn the most up-to- date information from instructors and guest speakers who are experts in their field, such as gold medalist and Olympic eventer Jessica Phoenix and award-winning racehorse trainer Joe Stutzman, as well as renowned specialists in the nutrition and physiology of the equine ath- lete.”


course topics makes it a great educational expe- rience for those with a passion for any equestri- an discipline,” says Waller, who currently works in the Center for Clinical & Translational Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, where she is researching human and animal physiology as it relates to biomedical health and disease. “By understand- ing the concepts of exercise physiology, students will be in a better position to make knowledge- able decisions about the progress and alterna- tives for their horses.” Registration for Equine Guelph’s Summer


the 12-week online Equine Exercise Physiology course will provide students with an in-depth study of the physiological systems and metabol- ic pathways that are important to equine perfor- mance and conditioning. It also offers interac- tion with fellow horse enthusiasts from around the globe to discuss cutting-edge, evidence- based research. By the end of the course, stu- dents will be able to safely carry out a daily con- ditioning workout to prevent over-work, design and monitor a year-round training program for a horse, assess the advantages and disadvantages of new technology and alternate training venues or programs for the athletic horse, and explain the scientific rationale for suggested practices based on an understanding of horse exercise physiology. “I believe the quality and diversity of the


Offered through the University of Guelph,


care givers’ Centre at the University of Guelph. It is a unique partnership dedicated to the health and well-being of horses, supported and over- seen by equine industry groups. Equine Guelph is the epicenter for academia, industry and gov- ernment – for the good of the equine industry as a whole. For further information, visit www.equineguelph.ca.


provides expertise and leadership to the Univer- sity of Guelph community and our partners in the following: the scholarship and practice of teaching, technology-enhanced education, open learning and professional development. We pro- vide support for teaching and learning that is evidence-based, responsive, developmental and based on best practices.


Open Learning and Educational Support


2014 semester is now open with courses begin- ning on May 12, 2014. Other Summer course offerings include Advanced Equine Functional Anatomy, Equine Behaviour, Equine Business Finance & Risk Management, Equine Nutrition, Advanced Equine Functional Anatomy, and Management of the Equine Environment. The early bird registration deadline is April 12, 2014. More information can be found at www.EquineStudiesOnline.ca or by contacting Open Learning and Educational Support at info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca or 519-767-5000. Equine Guelph is the horse owners’ and


About Open Learning and Education Sup- port


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