28/ MAY 2024 THE RIDER Benefits of Exercise for Horses


By: Jessica Artman, MSc. For most horse owners,


horseback riding and equestrian sports are more than pastimes: they represent a way of life. The bond that develops between horse and rider during training is invaluable, but have you ever wondered how regular exercise benefits your horse in the long- term?


The benefits of exercise go


beyond physical fitness. Regular activity is also key to keeping your horse calm and happy, re- ducing stereotypic behaviors, providing mental stimulation, and building trust between horse and rider. Want to learn more about


how consistent activity helps keep horses at their best? Read on to review the top six benefits of exercise for your horse.


1) Cardiovascular & Respira- tory Health Regular exercise signifi-


cantly enhances heart and lung health in horses. Fitness training builds cardiovascular strength, improves endurance, and en- hances delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Trained horses exhibit increased stroke volume,


improve with exercise. The more fit the horse, the sooner they re- turn to resting heart rate after in- tense exercise.


2) Muscle Strength Exercise is important for


strengthening your horse’s mus- cles. Consistent exercise pro- motes muscle function and overall health, which has the added benefit of reducing risk of injury.


Gymnastic exercises such


as backing up, tight turns, and pole work, alongside targeted stretches for the neck and pelvis can improve stride quality and in- crease the size of the multifidus muscle, improving topline and overall strength.


3) Bone & Joint Health Exercise is essential for


maintaining bone density and joint health in horses. Physical strain on the skeletal system dur- ing exercise triggers processes involved in bone production and repair. For example, weanlings that sprint regularly show more bone mass than those who don’t. Another benefit of exercise


indicating a


stronger heart muscle, and in- creased oxygen uptake by mus- cles, leading to improved overall performance. Recovery heart rates also


is stronger cartilage, a type of connective tissue that lines all joints. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber and enables smooth movement of the joints. Research shows that horses


develop thicker joint cartilage after exercising. Thicker cartilage is more robust and takes longer to


degrade from repetitive strain. This makes regular exercise an important preventive against de- generative joint disease (also known as arthritis).


4) Weight Management & Metabolic Health Regular exercise helps


maintain metabolic health and supports weight management in horses. Exercise reduces obesity in all horses and is especially beneficial for those with equine metabolic syndrome. Increasing exercise intensity can also lead to significant improvements in body condition. Regular physical activity is


key to combatting insulin resist- ance. Horses that do not exercise are almost eight times more likely to develop insulin resist- ance compared to those engaged in some form of routine exercise.


5) Gut Health & Digestive Function Regular movement also


supports optimal gut health in horses. Physical activity stimu- lates the movement of food through the intestinal tract and improves fiber, protein, and en- ergy digestibility. Exercise is also linked to


lower incidence of colic in horses, particularly when com- pared to those with restricted mo- bility. Provide plenty of turnout in addition to a structured exer- cise program to support digestive


function and reduce the risk of gut issues in your horse.


6) Stress & Behavior Exercise plays a role in re-


ducing stress and preventing stereotypic behaviors in horses. Everyday stressors, such as trans- portation and stall confinement, can increase stress levels in horses. Studies show that horses


regularly engaged in moderate exercise have lower stress levels even in stressful situations. Con- sistent exercise is also linked to a decrease in behaviors like weav- ing and box walking. Ensuring horses have ample


turnout time and opportunities to socialize with other horses is im- portant for reducing stereotypic behaviors and supporting their mental health.


Exercise for Growing and Sen- ior Horses Exercise is crucial for


horses of all ages, and it’s impor- tant to match your horse’s exer- cise program to their ability and stage of life. For younger horses, exer-


cise helps develop their muscu- loskeletal systems. Varying the intensity of exercise is important for promoting healthy bone and joint development. For aging horses, exercise


helps slow the loss of muscle mass associated with normal aging. While older horses may have health issues that limit their activity, strategies like increasing turnout can still provide benefits for a happy retirement.


The Importance of Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs Regardless of your disci-


pline, it’s important to give your horse enough time to warm up before working on discipline- specific skills. A proper warm-up routine enhances blood flow and oxygenation of muscles and re- ducing fatigue during intense ex-


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ercise while preparing your horse mentally for work. Cooling down is equally


important to clear lactic acid from the muscles after strenuous activities, which promotes effec- tive recovery.


The Risk of Overtraining While exercise has many


benefits for horses, riders need to be mindful of possible harmful effects of too much exercise. Overtraining can lead to reduced performance, stress, and weight loss.


Keep in mind that horses


lose fitness at a much slower rate than humans when they stop or interrupt their exercise routine. It may take several weeks of con- finement to reverse the benefits of training in a working horse. Ensuring sufficient recov-


ery time is critical for your horse’s well-being and to con- tinue making fitness gains.


Management for Exercising Horses A personalized training plan


is key to help your horse excel in their athletic endeavors, no mat- ter their discipline or competition


Jessica Artman


Jessica Artman Jessica is an equine nutri-


tionist, bringing a wealth of ex- perience in the equine industry as a rider and researcher. Her pas- sion for horses began at a young age, where she enjoyed compet- ing and showing. This led her to pursue a master’s degree in ani- mal science, focusing on equine exercise physiology and nutri- tion. Jessica’s passion for re- search is only surpassed by her love for educating others about recent advancements in the in- dustry.


goals. To ensure peak health and performance, it’s also important to complement your horse’s exer- cise program with a properly bal- anced diet. Nutrition is paramount to


give your horse the energy and nutrients required to support physiological processes before, during, and after their workout. Have questions about your


feeding program? Consult with a qualified equine nutritionist to get individualized recommenda- tions for feeding and managing your horse.


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