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SUPPLING EXERCISES Suppling exercises enhance the horse ' s athletic ability because a large range of joint motion permits the horse to apply forces against the ground over greater distances and longer periods of time, producing increased velocities and accelerations. A greater range of joint motion also facilitates shock absorption when the leg is on the ground, resulting in a reduced incidence of injuries.
They are used to increase the range of joint motion by reducing tension and resistance in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules, and should also be a part of the daily routine. Passive suppling involves a slow, controlled movement of a joint to the limit of its range of motion. When the limit of movement in a particular direction is reached, the stretched position is held for 20 seconds to enhance permanent elongation of the ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules. Passive suppling is used as an adjunct to dynamic suppling to bring about long-term increases in the range of motion in the neck, shoulders, and hips; to promote relaxation; and to reduce postexercise muscular soreness. As with all types of suppling exercises, the tissues should be warmed up before passive suppling is performed. This warming up is best accomplished by a period of exercise under saddle or on the lunge- which means that it is more appropriate to perform passive suppling during or after, rather than before, a workout.
Dynamic suppling involves rotating a joint rapidly through its range of motion as a result of muscular contraction or weight bearing, as occurs during locomotion. Examples of dynamic suppling exercises that are a part of the normal schooling routine include turns, circles, voltes, and lateral movements( leg yielding, shoulder in and out, haunches in and out, half pass). These movements promote the sliding motion of the scapulae across the chest wall; flexion, bending, and rotation of the vertebral column; and swinging of the hind legs through a wide arc of motion. Other exercises that have a dynamic suppling effect include walking and trotting over raised rails, gymnastic jumping, working on steep gradients, and riding through shallow water. Both passive and dynamic suppling exercises are performed daily to promote the full range of joint motion during the workout and to prevent muscular stiffness after exercise.
Passive suppling is used during or after exercise each day when the tissues are warm to bring about longterm increases in the range of motion.
FEED IN MUSCLES: Although body condition scoring is used to guide nutritional advice, muscle development scoring is useful for training, nutrition and lameness detection. Higher muscle scores are associated with increased elevation of the forehand relative to the withers and increased spinal stability.
In response to correct training and conditioning exercise, many things happen inside the muscles- including increases in muscle fibre size, the number www of power. jenquine generators. com( the mitochondria) and the enzymes that activate energy production. To
support the responses to training, the diet must provide the essential amino acids that form the raw materials for muscle building. In addition, as the waste products of muscle fuel consumption and oxygen delivery increase, anti-oxidant requirements increase. The diet must look after these adaptations with correct amino acids, minerals and antioxidants to mopup waste products and prevention of deficiencies in magnesium – the need for which increases with exercise, ie the feed must support the work.
The five main objectives of training are to: improve or maintain maximum performance; prepare for competition; delay onset of fatigue; improve skills or work capacity; minimize the incidence of injuries or metabolic disorders; and maintain willingness and enthusiasm for exercise. Core strengthening exercises should be recommended as routine for core strengthening, helping in injury prevention, as well as part of rehabilitation protocols. These principles and exercises are applicable to riders too so remember your own core!
Muscle fitness is intricately linked to muscle strength. Strength training not only improves fitness in terms of muscular force and power, it also protects against injury and reduces the impact of osteoarthritis. Strengthening the muscles that support the arthritic joint improves shock absorption, enhances neuromuscular activation, and may reduce repetitive impact on damaged cartilage surfaces. Core training should be performed throughout a horse’ s career to maintain a healthy back and also as part of the treatment when back pain is identified.
Studies such as that done by veterinarians at the Tamworth Equine Veterinary Centre and the School of Veterinary Science in Wagga Wagga are important because knowledge of common musculoskeletal injuries is central to performance management, early detection, timely treatment, preventing disease progression and increasing the chances of a full return to function.
DISCLAIMER: © Jenquine MAY 2026 All content provided in this editorial is for general use and information only and does not constitute advice or a veterinary opinion. It is not intended as specific medical advice or opinion and should not be relied on in place of consultation with your equine veterinarian.
2026 AQHA YEARBOOK ~ MAY / JUNE ISSUE