Is Your Horse Fit? The Physiology of Conditioning

[wes]

Is Your Horse Fit? The Physiology of Conditioning:
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wes

[Brian Flewwelling]

Thanks for the info: this link may work

http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/hrs6942

i found the following interesting...
Unfortunately, even less is known about adaptations of tendon and ligament tissue during exercise training. A recent series of investigations have found that the tendons of mature horses have a limited ability to respond to training. In contrast, the tendons of young horses (less than 2 years) are able to strengthen in response to training. Thus, contrary to the common belief that exercise training of immature horses is detrimental, the results of these recent studies raise the possibility that early training might enhance development of the supporting structures of the limbs and perhaps reduce the incidence of injury during training and competition. While the tendons of mature horses have a limited ability to adapt, their training program should still be increased gradually to allow these tissues to strengthen as much as possible.

I had been under the impression that 2-yo racing was detrimental to the well-being of the horse... this may not be true.


Fleww

[InsideThePylons-MW]

Bone/Joint problems are a much bigger issue compared to tendon and ligament problems in young horses.