By Kim Dyson

Horses' heart rates increase with different levels of exercise

The results of a recent trial of The Herbal Horse Endurance Mix were astounding. Six horses of relatively equal performance and ability were used. They were prepared for an 80km endurance ride at a very competitive level. Three - call them group A - were given the endurance mix and the rest -group B - were given only their normal rations. Group A not only showed less fatigue than group B, but recovered from the tiring race more quickly. After a month, both groups took part in another endurance ride. This time, group B were given the mix. Group B improved their times by 0.8 KM per hour from the previous ride, while group A went down by 0.3 km per hour. This mix definitely helps with the glycogen process.

Warm up

It's essential to have a proper warm-up period of a minimum of five minutes walking and five minutes trotting at the start of any exercise, especially if you want to minimize the risks of fatigue.

Ask an expert

When you ride competitively, it's essential to talk to people who have tried various supplements and know which really work. All too often synthetic supplements can put your horse's system under pressure instead of doing what they claim. Don't even think of using supplements which can be injected unless you have discussed them thoroughly with your veterinarian.

Check the heart rate

Heart rate increases for different levels of exercise. It's a good idea to become familiar with this chart especially if you ride with a heart rate monitor. In this way a problem can be detected before it becomes too serious.

Some supplements

Both human and equine athletes have been given a substance called carnitine in their diet to delay the onset of fatigue by improving the availability of free fatty acids and acting as a buffer after sprinting exercise. However, we're not certain that supplements like this can actually increase carnitine in the muscles.

Feed properly

When you get to the stage where you want to ride competitively, it is important not to feed against yourself. If your horse's workload is very heavy it's essential that his energy intake be higher than his energy output!