First published in 2002, this text book is utilised at Charles Sturt University as a text for part of the Bachelor of Equine Science. Written by David Marlin and Kathryn Nankervis, the book is separated into three parts, totalling 21 chapters over 296 pages. The three sections cover:
- The raw materials – this looks at the energetics of exercise, muscles and connective tissue and the respiratory and cardiovascular systems
- Exercise and training responses – the responses of muscles, the skeletal, respiratory and cardiovascular systems are considered in this section
- Applications of exercise physiology – training principles, facilities, indicators of performance and many more topics are covered in the final section
Set out in columns and utilising simple language, Equine Exercise Physiology is informative and comprehensive. Photos and diagrams are used to further illustrate a point.
Different Types of Muscles can Depict Sporting Potential
Did you know that horses are made up of varying percentages of three muscle types? Depending on the amount of each muscle fibre type, the horse may be better suited to disciplines that require short bursts of speed, such as sprints racing or barrel racing.
If containing more of another muscle type, the horse may be predisposed to perform better in long distance events, such as endurance. The horse’s muscular type make up will play a large role in what it is suited to. This text clearly explains the three muscle types as well as the energy sources they make use of physiologically.
Other topics covered that may be of interest include upper and lower respiratory issues in the equine, interval training and the factors involved, and fluid loss and rehydration of the horse. When it comes to the horse’s well being physically and mentally, this text is a great resource.
A Summary of Important Points
Being an educational text, readers are encouraged to consider the important facts found in each section. At the end of each chapter, dot points are provided with a summary of the important points covered in the previous pages. This provides a great learning and revision tool for students.
For anyone that is keen to know how the systems in the horse’s body response to exercise and how performance can be affected, this text is worth a look. Straight forward and written in a logical order, readers of this book will be better equipped to consider the best methods to utilise to train individual horses.
Source
- Equine Exercise Physiology, David Marlin and Kathryn Nankervis, 2002. Published by Blackwell Publishing. ISBN 0 632 05552 9.
Chris Thomas - C. Thomas has studied and worked with horses since 2001. She teaches horse studies part time and is undertaking an Equine Science ...
Join the Conversation