The Breath of Champions: Why Respiratory Function Matters for Rodeo Speed Horses - Part 3

The Breath of Champions: Why Respiratory Function Matters for Rodeo Speed Horses - Part 3

The Breath of Champions: Why Respiratory Function Matters for Rodeo Speed Horses – Part 3 Barrel racing, roping, and other rodeo speed events demand explosive power, speed, and rapid recovery from the equine athlete. Riders...
Honoring D. Wayne Lukas: A Legacy That Shaped Modern Racing

Honoring D. Wayne Lukas: A Legacy That Shaped Modern Racing

D. Wayne Lukas, Cat Thief with Pat Day onboard after winning the 1999 Breeders' Cup Classic As the Breeders’ Cup approaches, the thoroughbred racing world reflects on a season without one of its most influential...
The Breath of Champions: Respiratory Conditions That Limit Performance – Part 2

The Breath of Champions: Respiratory Conditions That Limit Performance – Part 2

Respiratory conditions are the second leading cause of poor performance in speed horses, following only musculoskeletal injuries. Conditions such as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), equine asthma (EA), and dynamic upper airway obstructions (UAOs) are common...
The Breath of Champions: Optimizing Respiratory Health in Rodeo Speed Horses – Part 1

The Breath of Champions: Optimizing Respiratory Health in Rodeo Speed Horses – Part 1

Rodeo speed horses—whether barrel racing, pole bending, or timed events—are among the most finely tuned athletes, combining explosive power, agility, and stamina, yet one critical aspect of their performance often goes overlooked: their respiratory system....
The Overlooked Impact of Respiratory Challenges in Jumping & Eventing

The Overlooked Impact of Respiratory Challenges in Jumping & Eventing

In 3-day eventing and jumping, a horse’s performance depends on its ability to take in and process oxygen efficiently. However, respiratory challenges often go unnoticed despite their significant impact on performance. Unlike the heart and...
Spotting the Signs of Horse Respiratory Stress

Spotting the Signs of Horse Respiratory Stress

Breathing is everything for a horse—whether they’re training, competing, or simply enjoying a ride. But when horse respiratory stress sets in, it can impact their performance, recovery, and overall health. Unlike humans, during exercise horses...
Help! My Horse has been Diagnosed with EIPH.

Help! My Horse has been Diagnosed with EIPH.

Receiving an Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) diagnosis for your horse can be daunting.  Perhaps you've noticed a dip in performance or even spotted blood in their nostrils after a workout. While EIPH may seem overwhelming, understanding and...
Horse Leg Injuries Prevention: What You Need to Know

Horse Leg Injuries Prevention: What You Need to Know

Ryley Miller Team and Java at Grand Oaks CDE, photo courtesy of picsofyou. Nothing sidelines a horse faster than a leg injury. Whether you're training for competition or enjoying long rides, keeping their legs healthy...
Equine Insights: Activating the Thoracic Sling Muscles

Equine Insights: Activating the Thoracic Sling Muscles

Based on the information in my last blog, How the Equine Shoulders Affect Performance, it’s obvious that the thoracic sling is an important component in the quest for collection. Lifting the withers by activating the sling is...