Young horses, for example, don t need the same type of exercise as an older jumper. A medical expert advises a horse s daily exercise should consist of enough work to make the horse s pulse, respiration and perspiration output increase to the point where at least one of the three is noticeable. That s not good enough either. If we follow that guide, all we know for sure is that exertion has taken place. I think the answer lies in the dictionary.
Exercise is defined as active use to give practice and training, or to cause improvement.
A young horse in a round pen, or on a longe line is going to show improvement in gait, pace, stopping ability or just in paying attention about the same time he s had enough exercise to rid himself of all his excess energies. It won t be coincidental that his pulse and respiration are elevated, and that he s about to break a sweat on his neck. This is the place to stop. More exercise for this horse is going to be detrimental. An older horse in training is going to need a few minutes just to warm up.