Event horses were studied to explore the relationship between increasing workload and injuries. They studied horses from 2-5* level over three years to see the trends associated with their workload schedule.
They found that when workload was increased quickly, there was a higher chance of the horses obtaining a work-related injury.
The figures showed that an increase of work by 1.5 times, doubled the injury risk the following week. An increase over 1.5, meant the chances of injury went up to 3-6 times more likely.
The takeaways from the article to reduce injury risk are:
Consistent and regular training
Preventing fast changes in workload
Gradual reintroduction to work after breaks
These messages can also be translated into the dog world. For example, increasing the lengths of walks and adding in small gradients before taking them to climb a mountain. OR introducing more fast paced walks before taking them on a run.
If you’d like any help with your animal’s fitness, then please get in touch to discuss:
07776 689 754
Here is the article link if you'd like to have a browse:
Carolien C.B.M. Munstersa,b,*, Boris R.M. Kingmac,d, Jan van den Broeke, Marianne M. Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaana
Comments