Released March 13, 2009
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Even horses have a "training table," when it comes to getting back in shape for competition season, says Steve Jones, extension equine specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"The horse will be a more willing partner mentally, if you get him in shape physically," he said.
Exercise is important to conditioning, but so is the right combination of feed, he said.
"The first step is to evaluate a horse's current condition and gradually increase or decrease their calorie intake, depending on whether the horse is over- or underweight," Jones said. "You don't want to see their ribs, but they should be easily felt."
Owners can determine body weight in one of several ways.
"The most accurate way is to get your horse on a scale," Jones said. "The least accurate method is to eyeball the horse's weight."
One study reported that 88 percent of horsemen underestimated the weight of horses by an average of 180 pounds.
In addition to feeding the correct amount of food - judged by weight, not by volume - is getting the right mix.
"Most horse feed fulfills a horse's protein requirement, but is often lacking enough fiber," he said. "A horse should eat at least 1 percent of its body weight in fiber every day. Horses grazing on good quality pasture should get enough roughage."
One upside from this type of food is "horses appear more satisfied and stall behaviors are normal," Jones said.
As exercise routines become more strenuous, owners should increase their horse's calorie intake.
It only takes about a month to develop a significant amount of cardiovascular fitness, Jones said, although it often takes much longer to strengthen bones and tendons. Increasing bone density (known as bone remodeling among equine experts) happens gradually through consistent exercise.
Good bone density can help prevent many injuries, 80 percent of which happen from the knee down, Jones said.
Once a horse is physically fit, owners can begin training them for a specific performance.
"Put simply, this concept says that if you want to be a fast runner, you must train by running fast, or if you want to be a good long distance swimmer, you must train by swimming long distances," Jones said. "Cutters must be able to run, stop and turn for two-and-half-minutes minutes. Barrel horses must be able to maintain their speed and turn for the entire duration of the pattern. A trail horse must be able to cover the distance desired, plus climb, trot or canter as needed.
"It boils down to getting the horse physically fit first and then training him or her specifically for the performance event."
For more information on proper equine nutrition, contact your county extension agent, view http://www.aragriculture.org/News/horse_enews/2009/february2009.htm, or search http://www.uaex.edu.
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http://www.uaex.edu/news/march2009/0313horse_performance_feeding.htm
Contact: Lamar James, (501) 671-2187, ljames@uaex.edu
