A horse\'s physical fitness and condition are central to his ability to perform well and to fulfil the considerable demands that are frequently made of him. But while this is most apparent at the higher levels of competition, the horse\'s fitness is not a subject that should concern only the competition rider or trainer: it is a matter for all horse owners, regardless of wether the animal is a top-level eventer or a child\'s first pony.
This book explains what fitness is, how it affects general health and capability, and how to achieve it for your own horse. Whether you wish to fine-tune the perfomance of your competition horse, to lay the foundations for new or more advanced work, or merely to enhance the pleasure of hacking out, this book will enable you to provide your horse with the means to achieve your aims.
It covers:
- The domesticated horse and his basic requirements
- Feeding and nutrition
- Muscles, movement and stress
- The respiratory system
- Traditional and modern methods of increasing fitness
- Monitoring fitness and preventing problems
- Consolidating progress and maintaining condition
- Illness and injury
- Care and management of the performance horse
- Prohibited substances