AQHA MAGAZINE May / June 2021 | Page 52

CALMITIVES for www . jenquine . com
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HORSE HEALTH

CALMITIVES for www . jenquine . com

VISION : Some horses never shy at anything when it is overcast or cloudy , yet on bright sunny days it ’ s a totally different story ! Apprehension and anxiety can occur because of a vision problem and this needs a veterinary examination . If you have a horse that shies more on bright days , one thing you can look for yourself is the size of the pigment ‘ blobs ’ that are attached to the pupil . In some horses these can be quite large and when the pupil contracts quickly – as occurs when going into areas with brighter light - they can partially obscure vision , so the horse is temporarily “ blinded ” until the eyes adjust to the light .
TIREDNESS : Sleep deprivation due to travelling and competition can be a cause of bad behaviour if horses are unable to lie down . Behavioural problems can also occur when an exercise must be repeated many times . The muscles used for that exercise get tired and the horse simply cannot perform the exercise correctly . When asked again for that movement , the horse has two choices : start protesting or avoid maximal effort . Varying the work routine , ensuring adequate time is allowed for muscle adaptation , using a graded exercise program and strategic feeding of essential amino acids and antioxidants hasten muscle recovery and support the development of fitness . Muscle must be repaired rapidly to alleviate muscular stiffness and delayed muscle soreness , support rapid recovery , allow training to continue and to prepare for the next work session - in fact , preparation for the next training session or competition begins as soon as the last one is finished .
It is before and after work that we have the best window of opportunity to support the muscles . Muscles consume vast amounts of antioxidants and essential amino acids during work . At the microscopic level , small strains , rips and tears occur . Correct composition and timing of feeding can take advantage of the window of opportunity created by the raised hormone levels and increased blood supply that accompany exercise . To be effective and hasten muscle recovery , the concentrate must provide antioxidants , amino acids and be consumed within 2 hours before and again 1 hour after work .
SUGAR AND STARCH OR OILS FOR FUEL ?
The effect of sugar / starch-based diets compared to high oil and fibre diets have been studied in all breeds and disciplines . Dietary source of energy has a significant effect on the behaviour of young horses detectable during specific temperament tests or during periods of stress . Temperament and tractability in horses of all ages showed that they were calmer and more inquisitive on an oilenriched , fibre-based , low starch-sugar . They also showed less ‘ flightiness ’ ( tendency to run away
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - WWW . AQHA . COM . AU