Exercise and Rehabilitation of Older Horses.

The article explores the effects of aging on horses’ abilities to exercise and how to adapt fitness regimens for older equine athletes. The authors used data from human aging studies and limited information on horses to guide their examination.

Overview of Aging and Exercise in Horses

• The authors begin by highlighting the increase in the equine population that is over 15 years old. This age increase also shows a corresponding surge in horses performing various athletic activities well into their 20s.
• This scenario draws parallels to how aged humans continue to engage in fitness activities, prompting researchers to pay attention to exercise prescription to both promote health and prevent destructive effects of over-exercise.
• However, there’s a glaring gap in data concerning the exercise capacity of aged horses, which the article acknowledges.

Study of Decreasing Physiological Function in Older Horses

• The authors survey published studies that delve into age-induced reductions in physiological function and exercise capability in horses.
• These studies show that, like humans, horses also experience an aging-associated decline in their physical functions that affects their ability to exercise and perform athletic tasks.

Guide to Exercise Prescription in Older Horses

• Building on the insights from both the human and limited horse data, the researchers present a guide on how to structure exercise programs for older horses.
• The point of these adaptations is to enable the increasing population of aged, active horse athletes to continue participating in physical activities in a manner that is beneficial and not detrimental to their health.
• The guide covers key considerations to keep in mind for fitness instructors responsible for the aged equine population, such as the intensity, duration, and type of exercise suitable for mature horses.