LONGER periods of turnout may mean less risk of soft-tissue injuries, a study has shown.
The six-year research, into non-elite performance horses, found those turned out for 12 or more hours a day had a 25% lower instance of such injuries.
Fitness level is known to correlate with injury risk, and spikes in acute workload have been shown to increase the occurrence of injury. Chronic workloads can help condition the tissues to cope with stress.
Previous studies have focused on the impact of these different types of workload – such as the acute to chronic workload ratio in elite horses – but this new research is thought to be the first to consider the effect of general activity levels.
Lead researcher Jesslyn BrykLucy, resident vet at Centenary University Equestrian Center in New Jersey, US, told H&H she had been inspired to undertake the work by her observations in practice.
This story is from the September 09, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 09, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
I've ever 'He's the best ridden'
Dannie Morgan wins three national titles and the next generation of dressage stars rise to the occasion as one title goes down to the wire
I Am Maximus hailed hero
The Grand National produces a triumph of sporting brilliance, with several fairy-tale endings
Evergreen mare takes top spot
Familiar faces take top honours, as eventers impress and new combinations win championship titles for the first time
A match made in Paradise
The 1,000 supreme titles are netted by a much-admired 138cm show pony and a consistent heavyweight hunter
McLean's dash north pays dividends
The Scottish rider picks up a raft of Highland qualifiers and there's an unusual jumping test in Somerset
Buy Some Time finds the winning factor
A six-yearold makes a welcome return to form and some unexpected fast ground produces an epic clash
A sash, at last!
Sarah Moy fulfils a lifelong ambition, a spooky superstar” retains a title and polocrosse provides a winning formula
A win for Cesar and Claire
The VWHs Claire King battles demanding going to take the Wynnstay hunt ride on honest and clever” Cesar Et Rosalie, reports Catherine Austen
Cognac
This \"Jekyll and Hyde\" ex-racehorse never said no to a fence and had a definite sense of humour
We've got each other's backs
As part of H&H's 140th anniversary this year, we are celebrating Britain's great horsey families with a series of interviews. In our second instalment, we speak to multi-medallist Gareth Hughes, his wife Rebecca and their daughter Ruby
