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Tuesday, 25 June 2013

The Factors That Infuence Horse Performance

By Lila Barry


Trainers understand the importance of motivating a horse to perform well. While some horses may be handicapped, there are others that are always in top form when it comes to performing various tasks. No matter which job they do, excellent movement makes it possible for a horse to perform at its best. Bad movement overstretches some muscles while other muscles are under used. The movement degree and range that an animal possesses is mainly determined by its conformation, which in turn affects how it performs. Here is a look at the factors that influence horse performance.

One of the main factors is foot balance. Irrespective of how accurate the conformation of an animal is, probability is that it will not be of much use if it has a weak foot. In order for horses to perform a majority of normal activities, it is essential to have a good foot formation. For it to keep up with a normal gait, its feet should be perfectly aligned with the body and balanced at the instance they are above the ground.

Most problems associated with foot balance are as a result of inadequate leg conformation. This can lead to the hooves being distorted as a result of uneven loading of pressure. The forelimb design is similar to a pillar, in a manner that supports most of the weight of the animal. The perfect conformation of the forelimb should be such that straight line drawn vertically downwards can bisect the knee when passing through the center.

The other factor that affects how an animal performs is the structure in its back. Since the back is usually curved slightly upwards, when extra weight is placed on it, it sort of slightly strain the upward curvature.

A trainer can hence put into consideration that when someone is riding on a horse, all types of strains and stresses are triggered. This can distort the backs anatomy, resulting in muscular spasms that cause so much trouble for both riders and the animals themselves.

Injury and stress is another contributing factor. In the case of all breeds of animals, whether gymkhana ponies or prestigious racehorses, the stamina needed to attain peak competition potential without risking injury is supreme. Conditions that prevent racehorses from achieving performance at their peak can in most cases only be figured out if the horses are stretched to it athletic limits.

For example, an animal participating in horseracing can cause a lot of stress to the system of the animal. The rigors and stresses that come with preparations for a competition and the race can lead to strains, muscle spasms and misalignment. Despite these symptoms not causing any significant immediate impact, overall performance of the horse can be affected, in some cases dramatically. Competitions the likes of show jumping lead to such stresses being present on the horses system, which if not sorted early enough can lead to long term injury.

A tack that is not correctly fitting can cause wide ranges of complications. For example, a saddle that is badly fitting can cause stiffness, shortening of strides, resisting and hollowing. Essentially, a poorly fitting saddle derails horse performance, preventing it from achieving its potential.




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