Interval training is a great way to improve fitness

A great interval training resource is in the appendix of one of Jimmy Wofford’s books, Training the Three Day Event Horse and Rider.  It has an explanation of how/why interval training is used, along with sample routines of some upper-level horses.

Another good resource is Dr. Hilary Clayton’s Conditioning Sport Horses.  It is an excellent, excellent book with information on equine physiology and how it applies to conditioning (and has sport-specific chapters).

As an example, a simple interval notation would be written as the following:

2″ 220 x 3w/ 2″ i

——

2″ = length of time is 2 minutes

220 = meters per minute (220 = trotting speed)

3 w/2″ i = walk the horse for 2 minutes and then repeat the set two more times (for a total of 3 trot/walk sets)

——–

This interval notation reads: Trot the horse for 2 minutes, followed by 2 minutes of walking. Complete 3 sets.

A more intense workout could read:

5″ 450 x 3w / 2″ i

———

5″ = length of time is 5 minutes

450 = meters per minute (450 = Training-level canter)

3 w/2″ i = walk the horse three times for 2 minutes each set

——–

This interval notation reads: Canter the horse for 5 minutes, followed by 2 minutes of walking. Complete 3 sets.

Riders can build their way up to more time and faster speeds. Once your horse’s fitness increases, you can build up to combination sets such:

2″ 220 x 3w/ 2″ i +

5″ 450 x 3w / 2″ i +

4″ 500 –>600 (1)

This interval notation reads: Trot the horse for 2 minutes, followed by 2 minutes of walking. Complete 3 sets. Canter the horse for 5 minutes, followed by 2 minutes of walking. Complete 3 sets. Canter for 4 minutes, starting at 500 mpm (meters per minute) and increasing to 600 mpm, holding that speed for the final minute.

Many riders incorporate heart rate monitors into their interval training to supervise their horse’s fitness progress. A horse’s heart rate can spike dangerously if too much work is asked for too soon, and subject the horse to potential injury if he is overworked. It is ideal to create an interval training plan with a coach or professional who has experience in interval training, to ensure the correct amount of work is asked of the horse.

Always be aware of the footing and conditions in which interval training is performed. Soft, slippery footing or hard, hilly ground can cause injury to your horse. Keep in mind that the fitter the horse, the more of a handful in the ring he may become! Many horses come to enjoy interval training and working at faster speeds, so prepare a conditioning plan and training schedule that will balance schooling as well as fitness. It is important to warm your horse up before beginning interval training, as well as providing a proper cool down.

A great online resource about condition is found in this PowerPoint presentation, A Conditioning Plan. Another interesting read is from a 1993 US Eventing article by Olympic rider Torrance Watkins called Teaching Your Horse to Gallop.

Now that we’re back to riding again, I feel like I have bit more insight on working with a one-eyed horse. Here are just some general observations/comments that I feel could help other owners.

This may seem like stating the obvious, but always be medically cognizant of your horse’s healthy eye. Be sure to include an ocular check by a veterinarian at least once a year, and call your vet IMMEDIATELY if you notice anything unusual or different about the remaining eye. Many eye conditions can be averted if treated right after symptoms present themselves, so be sure to check the eye yourself EVERY time you see your horse. If you are going to be on vacation for an extended period of time, ask someone knowledgable at your barn to keep tabs on your horse while you are gone.

Having a one-eyed horse felt like the impossible after Spiker’s diagnosis in the fall of 2008. I had never knowingly ridden a horse with impaired vision; how the hell could I guide my horse through this uncharted territory in equine care? Thanks to knowledge from my vets, other owners of blind horses online and taking things slowly, Spiker is a model example of how a horse can recover after enculeation surgery or vision impairment and continue to be a happy, healthy and (hopefully!) competitive horse.

Excessive white frothy sweat

Riders should know that there are two different types of sweat that horses produce: clear, runny sweat (like humans produce) or the thick, foamy white sweat. The clear type is healthy, it indicates the horse’s body is effectively cooling itself. This sweat contains naturally-occurring salts that regulate a variety of body processes such as those found in the heart and kidneys. When a horse has clear sweat means the horse is being worked correctly.

The white, foamy sweat that is also seen is a by-product of over-strenuous work or being exercised in excessive heat. White sweat contains proteins, which takes too long to dissipate to make an effective method of thermoregulation. While a small amount of white sweat can be present between the hind legs, on the neck by the reins or any other place where friction may occur, excessive white foam is a sign the horse is being over-worked.

To avoid over-working your horse in excessive heat, try to ride before or after the hottest parts of the day. Examine your local weather report to plan any lessons or strenuous riders during the coolest part of the week. Be prepared to spend more time after the ride to cool your horse off, which may include bathing or sponging with water, handwalking/grazing and monitoring your horse until his or her heart rate is back to normal. Talk to your vet and trainer about supplements such as electrolytes or a modified training routine to prevent excessive dehydration.

Normally, Spiker is a pretty easy-going guy, and truthfully I had never seen him be fussed over a buddy leaving, especially with other horses in paddocks right next to him. The barn staff called to notify me what happened, and naturally I went right up to look that evening.

After a few weeks of stall rest and wrapping, his sore RH leg was not cooling down or becoming less painful, so in came the vet (again).  After some digital radiographs (x-rays) and an ultrasound, it was revealed he had torn his suspensory ligament in his RH.  He would require 12 weeks of stall rest and wrapping, and then another 3 months of rehabilitation.

Having been through a suspensory rehab before, I knew that patience was a virtue. Rushing the recovery process will result in less than stellar results, and could result in future re-injury. Ideally, when rehabilitation is done correctly the scar tissue can actually make the ligament stronger in some cases.  However, a lot has changed with equine medical technology since I last rehabbed a ligament.

A popular option for torn/injured ligaments is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT).  The theory behind shockwave therapy is that it creates “microtrauma” to the area, which quickly and painlessly stimulates neo-vascularization (new blood flow) into the area. The current recommended treatment for ESWT is three treatments that are two weeks apart. The time in between treatments allows for healing to take place before the next treatment. Many vets have mobile ESWT capabilities, meaning they will come to your barn and treat your horse as necessary. Check out this local clinic in the Toronto area for more information, which offers ESWT to local clients.

Sadly, Spiker had to do without this treatment option as my veterinary clinic probably treats themselves to yearly cruises based on the amount of money they have accrued from Spiker’s various injuries, including his eye troubles and joint maintenance. This time, we were going to have to stick it out with good old-fashioned stall rest.

Another new approach to ligament repair is including handwalking (light exercise) into the horse’s recovery much earlier on in the healing process. Horses were formerly confined to their stalls for months at a time, and then eventually allowed light handwalking to start the rehabilitation process. Now, many vets recommend introducing handwalking after a few weeks of rest, to help the horse recover faster with improved tissue quality at the site of the injury.

Currently, Spiker is in his fourth month of injury, and we are up to 15 minutes of handwalking per day. It hasn’t been easy, to get through snowy drives or late night visits to the barn just for handwalking, but it is a critical part of the recovery process.

While I have been following my vet’s advice to get the best results, I also found a great book that has stories of injury and rehabilitation by horse owners, which includes various injuries, different methods of treatment as well as a rehabilitation guideline. (Always consult your veterinarian before trying anything you’ve read in a book or online!)

Back to Work: How to Rehabilitate or Recondition your Horse was a good read that had lots of helpful suggestions on what worked for owners (or what to avoid). The book not only examines the horse, but what it was like for the owners to hear their equine partner was seriously injured, and would miss major competitions.

At this point, I am very tired of the wrapping and handwalking, but hopefully in about 3 weeks we should be up to 25-30 minutes of handwalking, at which point I can get on him at the walk for 10 minutes.

Rehabbing a horse takes time, patience, and if your horse is like my horse, a lot of money. The goal is to get them happy and healthy so the return to work has minimal set-backs. Invest in the time and your horse will be back to competition and ready to go.

(Or you can invest in lottery tickets, which is next on my list….)

The No-bows have been great for Spiker's legs

My products get a lot of use (right now, I have the No-bows to help speed healing of a torn suspensory ligament in Spiker’s leg) so I need to ensure that when I wash them, I do so in a way that products the ceramic fibers. Too much heat can damage the fibers, so also follow the directions to keep your Back on Track products clean and working effectively.

Naturally, keeping them clean is a part of any equine item, and if your horse is at all like mine, most of his stuff ends up pretty dirty pretty quickly.

The only problem with this product is once you try it, you will want more! I’m glad Santa is coming soon, Spiker is crossing his hooves for a pair of Back on Track polo wraps for when he comes back into work in the spring. Happy washing!

WASHING BACK ON TRACK HORSE PRODUCTS

[Excerpted from BackonTrack.com]

Back on Track products are machine washable up to 90°F or 30°C, using normal detergents that do not contain bleach. They should be air dried only. Please note: Do not use bleach or fabric softeners, and do not tumble dry. If you wish to iron these products, do so at a maximum of 50°C. As the ceramic powder is actually melded into the polyester/polypropylene threads, it will not separate when washed. The textile will however deteriorate with prolonged use.

Blanketing your horse can be help keep them dry and warm

• Indoors or out? Blanketing can inhibit the speed at which your horse’s coat grows. If you blanket during mild temperatures too early in the season, your horse may not grow enough coat in time for the winter months. Use a light waterproof sheet, which will keep your horse dry and comfortable, but also allow the cold to help grow the coat. Horses that are stabled tend to experience more frequent blanketing changes to accommodate indoor and outdoor temperature changes.
• Workload? Most serious competition horses are completely clipped to make for faster cool-downs, and tend to look sharper in the ring than a furry beast. A clipped horse also requires more effort to keep warm. Consider a partial clip if you are going to be riding regularly during the winter. Here is a list of clipping illustrations if you’re not sure which one is right for your horse.
• Breed? Some horses tend to grow more or less hair than other breeds. While very hairy Thoroughbreds and fine-coated ponies do exist, knowing your horse’s type is most important. Watch your horse’s coat pattern throughout the year to gauge whether their coat type.
• Access to shelter? If living outdoors, the winter can be a cold and cruel place for an unblanketed horse without any shelter. Horses should always have access to shelter against wind, rain and sun. On the most severe days, you may want to consider bringing your horse indoors if there is no adequate shelter outdoors.

If you are a casual rider who stables your horse outdoors, depending in his or her coat type you may want to consider allowing your horse to go “au natural”. Most horses can adequately grow their own protection if they have proper shelter, food and water even in the coldest of temperatures. The only caution is that when cooling your horse down, take extra care that your horse is clean, cool and dry before turning him out again on a cold day.

Blanketing horses for the winter isn’t rocket science, but with a bit of planning your horse can stay warm and comfortable this upcoming winter season.

To learn more about this webinar or to register, visit The Horse.com’s registration page for timing and computer requirements.

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about colic and how you can keep your horse safe from this potentially deadly condition.

Here are some tips to help your horse stay cool this summer:

Access to Water

Horses need to have access to cool water at all times. To avoid heat exaustion, horses need to stay hydrated at all times. Be sure the water is as fresh and clean as possible, as many horses will avoid warm, contaminated water even when they are thirsty. Ponies and foals may not be able to reach into deep water tubs unless they are topped up, so be sure to monitor water levels every day. While indoors, if you are finding you have a horse that is not drinking as much as they should, add a cup or two to their bucket to encourage them to drink.
Shade from the Sun

Standing outside on a sweltering hot day will cause your horse to sweat excessively, and this will cause important nutrients your body need to function. Shade can come from a run-in shelter, trees or other large structures. Horses may fight over protection from the elements (in any season) so try to maximize shelter space to avoid skirmishes in the field which could lead to injury.

Change your Barn Routine

Many owners elect to leave horse in during the heat of the day and turn them out at nighttime. This can be done gradually, such as turning your horses out later in the day and bringing them in later, until they have completely adjusted to evening turnout. Before turning horses out at night, check with your local wildlife office to ensure there are no predators in your area that may attempt to hunt your horses. Many farm owners find a donkey is enough to keep the odd coyote away. During certain times of year, be aware that bugs can be heavy during twilight hours, so use flyspray or turn out accordingly.

Avoiding Riding in the Heat

When your horse sweats, he loses valuable electrolytes through sweat. Many riders add electrolytes to water buckets after riding or a horse show. This will replenish your horse of the sodium chloride he or she has lost. When training, do not ride during the hottest hours of the day (most weather websites provide hour-by-hour breakdowns of the daily temperatures). Opt to ride during early morning or late evening, when temperatures tend to be low.

A bath is a great way to cool your horse down.

Keep White Marks from Turning Pink

For horses with lots of white, consider applying sunscreen to delicate areas such as around the nose and eyes. Some horses may even get burnt along their withers and back if they are clipped closely.  Use a sunscreen formulated for babies, as that tends to be gentler on their skin.

Protect Against Flies

Certain times of year can bring droves of flies and other biting insects to your barn. Excessive bugs will irrate your horses, leave welts on their skin and in general will make them miserable. Use the appropriate protection such as fly masks, fly sheets and fly spray to protect your horses. Good stable management will also reduce bugs, so keep your barn clean and tidy and open windows and doors to get as much airflow circulating as possible. Some owners feel garlic or other supplements to reduce your horse’s attractiveness to biting bugs.

Improve Barn Circulation

By opening windows and doors, even the hottest barn can offer some relief from the heat. Many barns use fans with sealed motors to prevents dust and debris from causing malfunctioning in the motor (which has been linked to barn fires). Avoid overheating circuits or plugging in fans overnight, as they could be a safety hazard. Do your research on suitable fans before purchasing one for your barn.

Sponge or Bathe Your Horse

A nice cool (not cold) sponge bath or hosing can make many horses feel better. Be sure to avoid getting water in the eyes, ears or nose. Focus on the legs, neck, barrel and hindquarters.

It’s great to enjoy the summer weather, but in excessive heat you need to ensure your horse is staying as cool and hydrated as possible.

Young Maddison wants to save Diego's life

While Maddison is only 6-years-old, she is trying to raise the money to give Diego an operation that could save his life. Despite other horse owners who have advised Maddison’s parents to put him down, the young girl is fighting to get him the operation so he can live a long and productive life.

Read more about the story at DailyNews.com.

There are various theories surrounding why so many horses seem to be suffering from different forms of DJD. New portable diagnostic techniques also enable more veterinarians to diagnose joint problems with more ease than ever before. While there are a variety of treatments available for horses, many types of joint disease are progressive and will only destroy the joint without attention and management.

Types of joint disease can include: Synovitis, Capsulitis, Articular cartilage and bone fragmentation or fracture, Ligamentous tearing and Osteoarthritis. Your veterinarian may use different diagnostic techniques such as flexion tests, jogging for soundness, nerve blocks, radiographs, ultrasound, arthroscopy or MRI.  There is little benefit at guessing when it comes to joint disease, as the “wait and see” game could go on for years. Have you vet perform a thorough exam from the beginning to avoid heartache and unecessary pain for your horse.

Common oral supplements to treat joint disease may contain any of the following: glucosamine, sodium chondroitin sulfate, MSM, cetyl myristoleate, hydrolyzed collagen/gelatin, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate. Herbs for pain and inflammation can include Devil’s Claw, Yucca, Boswellia, Bromelain and shark cartilage.  Be prepared to try a few supplements before settling on one for your horse. While manufacturers may make impressive claims, studies show that oral supplements in horses is not entirely supported by the scientific community due to lack of conclusive data that proves they work. Many riders, owners and veterinarians may have annectodal stories of certain products that worked for their horses, however be cautioned they may not work on all horses.

A more rigorous approach to joint care may include products such as Adequan or Legend. There are many products that are generic forms of both of these products, and while you may save on cost your horse may not get the full benefit of these drugs. There are also other drugs that are not marketed for joint disease however owners choose to use them off-label. Using drugs off-label can be dangerous to your horse and include horrific side effects, contraindications you may not be aware about with common drugs and other complications. If your veterinarian advises you to use a product that is off-label, a second opinion might be valuable to prevent serious health problems with your horse.

Taking care of your horse's joints will keep him comfortable and competing!

Adequan™ is an intra-muscular (IM) joint treatment/supplement for horses. It can also be administered through intra-articular (IA) injection. It is a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan and is a common option for certain types of joint disease. The recommended treatment schedule is one injection every 4 days for 7 treatments (approximately one month). While this is the optimal treatment schedule, many horses will feel the benefits of this drug if used every week, every other week or once a month depending on the severity of the damage.

Legend™ is hyaluronate sodium that is administered through intra-vascular (IV) or IA injection. The manufacturer recomments 1 treatment per week for 3 weeks.  As with any invasive injection such as IA, extreme caution must be exercised to prevent infection in the joint. After the injection, your vet may advise you to keep your horse in a clean stall for 24-48 hours to prevent infection and allow the joint to recover. Your horse can resume his regular exercise and turnout schedule after that.

Intra-articular corticosteroids and glucocorticoids are a common but controversial method of addressing joint disease in horses. While they have been proven to reduce inflammation and pain, the long-term effects of regularly injecting a horse have also indicated possible increased deterioration of the joint. Injecting with corticosteroids should be done only on the advice of a veterinarian who has experience with joint disease and whether it is the best option for your horse. Common corticosteroids and glucocorticoids include: Depo-Medrol, Celestone and Vetalog.

There are other options for joint treatments that are not pharmacautical-based including shockwave treatments, magnetic therapy, Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP), Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell treatment. New studies are also investigating the uses of select types of collagen and showing positive results. Talk to your veterinarian about what options will work best for your horse.

Many owners choose to use a combination of therapies (such as Adequan, magnetic therapy and then corticosteroids at the beginning of the show season) to get the best results in the least invasive way. Many recreational riders do not need the full effects of corticosteroids however may find that a glucosamine supplement and some MSM keeps their horse happy and working all year around. Armed with your veterinarian’s advice and some common sense, your horse can plan for a long and happy career!