Horses are made for speed and endurance; horses are a natural force of nature. There’s a reason we measure engine output in ‘horsepower’. As horses are so powerful, very few other animals on earth are put to the test like racehorses. The best in their class can run at a top pace of 55 miles per hour.
Still pushing a horse to its limits without adequate conditioning is a ticking bomb for trouble. Horses experience leg injuries during races, and an un-functioning leg directly inclines to end any racehorse career. Racehorse speed is not only a matter of nature, but also care and how well the horse is cared for. Here’s how to keep your racehorse in top form:
Plan their Diet
Hay, grass, and oats are good for building horse muscle strength. The key is finding the right nutrient balance. Unnecessary feeding could increase the weight of the horse and directly affect his performance. Excessive starch can lead to issues like colic. Consult with a professional to undermine the best-balanced diet for your horse, as per the size, weight, and energy levels. Diet plays a major role in promoting the fitness of the horse. Natural foods are best for boosting horse energy levels, still, it also relies on the training of the horse and the diet needs to be modified from time to time.
Come up with the right exercise plan
Similar to any other athlete racehorse also requires training. Horses require a regular training routine to stay disciplined and perform their best on the race track. Look for an established trainer who has plenty of experience to deal with different types of racehorses. A good trainer can help you make a suitable training routine and build up the best daily workouts for speed, strength, and endurance gradually with proper warm-ups and cool-downs to reduce injury.
Daily grooming sessions
Daily grooming sessions will provide a better look at your horse’s body condition and allow you to analyze any cuts, hoof issues, and skin problems. At times daily grooming helps in acknowledging inflammations, infections, and swelling and also helps establish a close bond with your horse. It can increase trust and motivates the horse to perform better.
Consult vet
Many trainers consult a vet when they see an issue in the horse’s health, but that’s not how it works. If you are looking to train a race-winning horse then it’s better to consult the vet on regular bases. Schedule regular vet checkups with a reputed veterinarian who has a working knowledge of racehorse health that can help maintain the good fitness of your racehorse.
Proper rest
Horses are meant to run but they also gain fatigue. After intensive training sessions and races, let the horse have proper rest. Make sure the horse has a clean, dry stable with soft, absorbent shelter. A good resting session allows the horse to gain energy and repair damaged cells. Allow at least four to five days of a recovery period between different races.
These simple tips can make a tremendous difference in the performance of the horse and improve health. It is important to keep a close check on your horse on daily basis. It is important to have a synergy between your trainer, vet, and managing staff for optimal results. Do visit www.nicheracing.com to know more tips and tricks for maintaining good health for racing horses.