Coach Of The Condition Almost as important as good nutrition is ongoing exercise throughout the winter if we are to keep the tune-up period at a minimum. For many horses, this isn't a problem as they are roaming in a spacious pasture or paddock. For others, it can be a serious problem. I am referring to the horse which spends most of its time in a box stall. A horse needs exercise for a number of reasons.
Lack of exercise reduces circulation to all muscles, including the smooth muscles of the intestines.
This means that food might remain in the intestines longer than normal, and the result could be impaction colic. Regular exercise also helps the horse overcome boredom. A bored horse can pick up bad habits, such as stall weaving or cribbing, that will remain with it for life. Again, the amount of exercise it receives during the winter will have a definite bearing on how long the spring tune-up period lasts. The horse which has been exercised regularly will be one whose muscles quickly will acclimate to an accelerated rate of activity.