Conditioning

Question 1

Training effect

Answer 1

Physical development - most affect are cardiovascular system and musculoskeletal system

Question 2

Demand

Answer 2

Work creates a demand for more oxygen and fuel in the cells of the body. The body adapts by increasing the number of red blood cells and improving its efficiency in delivering oxygen and fuel to the cells, removing waste products and producing energy.

Question 3

The purpose of conditioning exercise

Answer 3

Increase demand enough to stimulate a training effect.

Question 4

Progressive loading

Answer 4

Small, measured increases in exercise. Too little exercise does not create a demand and stimulate conditioning, while too much leads to overloading, injuries and breakdown

Question 5

Overloading

Answer 5

This occurs when a body or some part of the body is subjected to work or stress beyond its limits.

Question 6

6 signs of overtraining

Answer 6

1. Dull coat
2. Poor appetite
3. Weight loss
4. Lack of energy
5. Disinterest in work or sourness.
6. Heat and/or filling in the legs

Question 7

Rest

Answer 7

The horse requires periods of rest as part of the conditioning schedule.

Rest allows the replenishment of depleted oxygen and aids in mental stability and attitude.

Regular turn out and short training sessions help to keep a horse fresh

Question 8

Nutrition

Answer 8

Proper nutrition gives a horse fuel for energy and enough liquids to be properly hydrated. A horse doing a larger amount of work requires more food and water.

Question 9

Peaking

Answer 9

When a horse reaches peak condition, ability or performance cannot be improved.

A horse cannot remain in peak condition indefinitely.

After peaking, a horse’s performance will inevitably decline a bit.

Question 10

Aerobic conditioning

Answer 10

Long, slow to moderate, consistent activity that elevates the horse’s heart rate to a pre-determined target for a period of time while maintaining adequate oxygenation of muscle tissues

Question 11

Long slow distance work (LSD)

Answer 11

usually consists of trotting and slow cantering with
periods of walking
Lays foundation

Question 12

Strength training

Answer 12

hill climbs, trotting gymnastic grids or cavalletti and cautious work in deeper than normal footing (2-3x a week)

Question 13

Anaerobic training

Answer 13

Anaerobic metabolism produces energy faster but less efficiently than aerobic metabolism.
Anaerobic exercise is brief and intense

Question 14

Aerobic metabolism

Answer 14

Produces energy at a fairly low rate, which is sustainable for a long period of time
Fueled by carbs and fat

Question 15

Anaerobic alactic metabolism

Answer 15

Produces energy in short but intense bursts that last for only 10 to 20 seconds (jumping or breaking from gate )

using creatinine phosphokinase and glycogen

Question 16

Anaerobic lactic metabolism

Answer 16

Produces energy for strenuous exertion that lasts more than 20 seconds (show jumping, racing)

using glycogen, such as carbohydrates, as fuel. No oxygen is used. It also produces lactate (lactic acid), which is a toxic waste product.

Question 17

Slow twitch muscle fibers

Answer 17

best suited for aerobic metabolism

Question 18

Fast twitch muscle fibers

Answer 18

suited for anaerobic metabolism

Question 19

Intentional systemic conditioning

Answer 19

allowing the muscles to gain both size
and strength (skeletal muscle)

Question 20

Muscular conditioning

Answer 20

Results in improved reflexes, leading to improved muscle coordination and more efficient
movement

Question 21

A horse’s consumption of oxygen during exercise is ____ times greater than when at rest.

Answer 21

30x

Question 22

The mechanics of the canter and gallop cause the horse to breathe____ for each stride

Answer 22

once

Question 23

Horses breathe once every ____ trot strides

Answer 23

2

Question 24

Sweating is sufficient to disperse approximately

_____ of a horse’s excess heat

Answer 24

70%