There have been various studies on equine conditioning at many universities.  Most studies have found that it is important to condition your horse for exercise and performance, just as you would condition yourself if you were going to begin running in marathons.  Equine conditioning has been a subject of research for many years as people are always looking for ways to better train their horse and to become more competitive in the show ring or racetrack.

The University of California-Davis is always on top of different types of equine research.  They also provide numerous services in DNA typing that horse owners and associations have put into use for many years.  In their study on equine conditioning, they found that horses are at an increased risk for injury after extended periods of lay-up.  When brining a horse back to work, they suggest that you do so gradually and allow the horse to regain the conditioning in his bones and sinews.  Your transition back to work should be slow as to allow the horse ample time to gain back strength in muscle and bone strength.

Ohio State University has also done extended research in equine conditioning and they have found similar findings to the ones by the University of California-Davis.  They have found that horses benefit from warm-ups that consist of equal bouts of both high and low intensity.  Both types of warm-ups should involve slow paces such as trotting.  Riders should incorporate brief intervals of 45 seconds or less of fast and slow work.  Faster paced work helps the horse’s muscles prepare for exertion and will help to enable him to reach peak oxygen-consumption levels sooner.  You will want to warm-up your horse at various speeds that work best for him.  Listen to your horse’s body and breathing and adjust your warm-ups accordingly.

Louisiana State University has found that out of shape horses that are suddenly returned to competitive training schedules are also at a higher risk for illness, even if they are up to date on their vaccinations.  This is due to the fact that the horse’s body is not in condition for intense work and is immune system is suppressed by the sudden increase in activity.  If you are bringing your horse back to regular work after he has been laid-up, you will want to slow increase the length of workouts as well as keep them gradual.  Start out with short rides that consist of a warm-up and cool-down.  Increase the intensity of workouts as he becomes better able to keep up with the pace of work.

Don’t be fooled by a horse that is turned out and takes off running and bucking.  These short bursts of energy do not give you an adequate reading of his condition.  You will notice that these outbursts do not last long and he will be breathing very hard.  Horses may also do this when they are being worked in the round-pen and lunged.  Start by slow warm-ups on the lunge line and be sure to give him time to cool down before being put up for the day.  This will give his muscles time to relax and stretch so that he won’t tie-up or get stiff overnight.