Page 166 - Equine Chronicle August Select 2020

GETTING BACK IN THE GAME
conditioning their horses in much different weather than in typical years, so it’s important to consider the role weather–particularly heat–can play in a training program.
“Climate factors play a big role in performance. The body pro- duces heat while performing a number of biochemical reactions needed to produce energy for muscle contraction (work) and other body functions. But only about 20 to 30 percent of the energy that the body produces is actually used for work; the rest is just energy in the form of heat. That heat has to be released from the body to maintain normal temperature, thus ensuring proper tissue and mus- cle function,” Marqués says.
Sweating and evaporation are the main ways that heat is released. According to Marqués, the process of sweating redirects blood from the muscles to the skin. Blood carries oxygen and, when more of it is headed toward the skin for sweating purposes, less can be directed to the muscles for performance
purposes. Significant sweating, then, can significantly reduce performance. Additionally, sweat is rich in elec- trolytes, which are important for muscle contraction and other body functions. The more a horse sweats, the more elec- trolytes he loses.
Hot, humid conditions pose the biggest threat for heat release and, there- fore, the most danger to the horse’s health. “This mechanism of heat loss through sweat and evaporation becomes ineffective because sweat cannot evap- orate in humid conditions when the air is already heavily saturated with mois- ture. Excessive sweating can cause de- hydration and electrolyte and acid-base derangements which, in turn, not only cause poor performance but in extreme cases could be life-threatening,” Mar- qués says.
Be Diligent About Nutrition
Sweat loss can exceed rates of three
gallons per hour in some cases, so en-
suring horses are well hydrated and have
a readily available water supply
throughout reconditioning programs is
are several other nutritional factors to consider as well.
“Remember good quality, clean hay is the foundation of a horse’s diet. The next most important item is a readily available water sup- ply. Next is a good vitamin-mineral package designed for your area. There are many excellent grain supplements on the market today that offer a range of protein, fat and fiber. Evaluating the condition of your horse when you have reached the upper level of training and conditioning will indicate what additional grain supplement is needed,” Bengfort says.
A final consideration when it comes to nutrition is the risk of gastric ulcers, a common problem in performance horses. “Includ- ing a feed product that helps reduce ulcers or an oral ulcer preven-
tative product is a good idea. Gastric ulcers will quickly ruin any training program,” he says. Bengfort suggests horse owners check with their veterinarians to determine which of the available prod- ucts he or she recommends.
Watch for Signs of Distress
Throughout the reconditioning period, watch for physical and mental signs that the horse may be in distress.
“Behavior changes, lameness, loss of appetite or general dullness are indications it’s time to slow down training and evaluate every- thing you’re doing,” Bengfort says. “Lameness is probably the eas- iest problem to see, whereas maladies like boredom, fatigue, and stomach ulcers are harder to diagnose.”
Cross-training and balancing time in the saddle between a focus on skills and endurance work can help reduce the chance of injuries caused by repetitive drills, Bengfort says, noting that changing up the routine can also keep the horse mentally fresh. He en- courages a day off once a week and al- ternating heavy work days with light
work days.
Over-exertion after time off can result
in other severe consequences such as Exertional Rhabdomyolisis (ER) (known as tying up syndrome). A com- mon form of ER is Sporadic ER, which is very painful for a horse, causing it to stiffen up so much it may refuse to move altogether. Sporadic ER is brought on by high temperature and humidity leading to a loss of body fluids, electrolytes and muscle energy causing damage to mus- cle cells. A veterinarian should be called immediately if a horse stiffens up and re- fuses to move or simply lays down for no obvious reason.
Some horses that have become overly fat during time off may experience Metabolic Syndrome. In those cases, the horse becomes stiff and acts like his feet are sore during the beginning of training. The laminitis-type signs are linked to
high insulin levels. A veterinarian can determine the insulin level and make feeding and training recommendations.
“Most horses like having a job,” Bengfort says. “Just like us, they need to feel good while doing it. Poorly balanced feet, incor- rect nutrition, or poor fitting saddles make them uncomfortable and overtraining leads to sore muscles. Once sore, for whatever reason, expecting a horse to start over the next day makes him miserable and depressed. The mental state of the horse is just as important as your mental state. You have to feel good about what you’re doing in order to excel. That’s why properly preparing your horse and then easing into a training program allows the horse to adjust its body, mind, and attitude gradually. In this way, you and your horse will both be able to fully enjoy each other.”
Fernando Marqués, DVM
essential; however, there
160 - August/September, 2020