recovery | Horse Racing Free Tips

Horses May Need Up To Three Weeks Of Recovery After A Virus

It's not just humans that should take it easy if they're ill: experts say horses that have had the flu or other respiratory issues should rest for at least three weeks to allow their bodies to heal. Though lower-level exercise isn't necessarily harmful, high-intensity exercise can suppress immune system response and increase the horse's susceptibility to disease.

Intensely exercising a recovering horse can also cause him to lose weight and tire more quickly, as well as have a harder time recovering. Exercising does not affect virus duration or the duration of virus shedding.

It takes a minimum of three weeks for the respiratory epithelium and the mucociliary apparatus to heal, so allowing horses to rest or complete only low-level exercise is imperative. If exercise is begun and the horse seems distressed, it should be stopped immediately. Open communication with the treating veterinarian is key to creating a return-to-work plan tailored to the horse and his specific health issue.

Study: Horses Living In Herds Recover From Exercise More Rapidly

Horses tend to bounce back faster after hard work when they're turned out with buddies rather than kept in stalls.

Drs. Malin Connysson, Marie Rhodin and Anna Jansson, all with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, used eight Standardbred horses to determine the effects of housing on post-exercise recovery.

The horses were kept in small herds or isolated in box stalls for 21 days, then they were switched to the other housing method. On days seven and 14, they underwent an exercise test. The researchers collected blood before, during and multiple times after the exercise test.

The results showed that after exercise, horses that were stalled and alone ate less than horses living in a herd outdoors. In addition, the horse's plasma non-esterified fatty acids decreased more quickly in the horses living in a herd. These acids indicate the horse's post-exercise recovery rate.

The scientists concluded that horses living outside in groups recovered from exercise more rapidly; outdoor living also positively impacted the horse's appetite and energy levels.

Read the study here.

New Product Helps Performance Horses Recover Rapidly

Buckeye Nutrition, part of Mars Horsecare US, Inc., launches Ultimate Recovery, an extruded recovery supplement for performance horses. Targeted to support faster muscle and tissue recovery, this new top-dress is formulated for horses in all intensities of work.

Focusing on branched-chain amino acids, this supplement guarantees concentrations of isoleucine, valine, leucine and glutamine to support optimum muscle repair. In addition, live probiotics support a balanced hindgut under stress from training, competition and travel, while electrolytes aid in rehydration and encourage thirst.

“Our research shows that there is a need for a supplement specifically focused on recovery,” said Nettie Liburt, PhD, PAS, Senior Equine Nutrition Manager, Mars Horsecare US, Inc. “Knowing the recovery needs of performance horses and also the manufacturing capabilities of our mill, we were able to create a supplement that helps restore muscle and tissue after exercise.”

Fed at a minimum recommended feeding rate of 1.0 lb per day for a 1,100-lb horse, one 30-lb bag of Ultimate Recovery will last approximately 30 days. In addition to the branched-chain amino acids, live probiotics and electrolytes, this supplement also contains the antioxidant vitamins E and C to support muscle health and recovery, biotin to support healthy hoof structure, omega-3 fatty acids to promote an anti-inflammatory diet and added calcium to support bone and muscle recovery.

“Ultimate Recovery has already proven itself in our feeding trials,” Dr. Liburt said. “The results we're hearing and seeing are incredible. We're so excited to bring this product to market.”

Buckeye Nutrition, a 100 percent equine-focused company, with products made from 100 percent pure, traceable ingredients from a 100 percent med-free mill, is proud to introduce Ultimate Recovery, available in stores starting mid-July. To find your local Buckeye Nutrition dealer or online retailer, please click here.

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