Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
using a treadmill is accomplished in about half the time required for most other forms of
exercise. If a young horse is asked to perform on the treadmill for even a few minutes bey-
ond his physical capabilities, he might become injured or sour toward work. Treadmills
are used successfully for muscle development, particularly of the forearm, chest, stifle, and
gaskin.
A free-run exerciser has pens that rotate around the perimeter of a circle.
Swimming
allows horses to receive a good deal of exercise without traumatizing the
joints. Horses are naturally good swimmers. An oval pool with a walkway along the edge
allows a handler to walk along the perimeter while holding the lead rope of the swimming
horse.
Fresh Air
To safeguard a horse's respiratory health, the air he breathes needs to be clean, with no
mold or dust particulates in suspension. When working in arenas, manage the footing to re-
duce dust. In barns, use dust-free bedding and feed and minimize the amount of hay hand-
ling that takes place there. The healthiest place for a horse to live and be ridden is usually
outdoors.
