Conditioning and fitness improve overall cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal efficiency. With the proper conditioning, a horse should be able to perform the work for which its conformation best suited. Conformational flaws are limiting factors which predispose a horse to lameness or unsoundness.
Some conformational points enhance a horse's performance in a particular discipline.
There are many types of conditioning exercises that target a specific area to compensate for a specific conformation point. For example, lengthening and stretching exercises of the back and neck compensate for the reduced muscular efficiency in elevating the back of a horse with a short croup. Conversely, minimal corrections can be made for a sway back since the ligaments are lax and unable to tighten. Exercises should be focused on abdominal and haunch muscular development. No material may be reproduced or republished without written permission of The Russell Meerdink Co., Ltd. 1555 S. Park Ave.