The sight of two racehorses trotting together is a familiar one for horse lovers. But why do racehorses need companions when exercising? Read on to find out why walking with another horse is beneficial for racehorses.
The Benefits of Walking with Another Horse
There are many benefits to having a companion when walking a racehorse. Here are some of the key reasons why racehorses are often seen in pairs.
Greater Concentration
Walking with another horse can help to increase a racehorse’s concentration. When horses are walking together, they are in close proximity and so they need to pay more attention to their surroundings. This can help to keep them alert and focused on the task at hand.
Healthier Muscles
Walking with another horse can help to keep racehorses’ muscles healthy. When two horses are walking together, they can help to keep each other’s muscles warm and supple. This can help to prevent stiffness and keep their muscles in peak condition, ready for the race.
Better Pace Management
Walking with another horse can also help to keep racehorses at a steady pace. When walking in a pair, the horses will naturally synchronize their strides and keep a consistent pace. This can help to prevent them from going too fast, which can lead to fatigue and reduce their performance in the race.
Safety
Finally, walking with another horse can help to ensure the safety of both horses. When two horses are walking together, they can help to keep each other safe and alert to any potential dangers. This can help to reduce the risk of any accidents or injuries occurring during exercise.
Tips for Walking with Another Horse
To ensure the safety of both horses, there are a few tips to consider when walking a racehorse with another horse.
Choose the Right Companion
It is important to choose the right companion for a racehorse when walking them together. The companion should be of similar size and ability to the racehorse, and should be well-trained and able to keep up with the pace.
Start Out Slowly
When starting out, it is important to take things slowly and build up the pace gradually. This will give both horses time to adjust to each other’s pace and help to prevent any potential accidents.
Supervise
Finally, it is important to supervise the horses while they are walking together. This will help to ensure that both horses remain safe and that there are no problems.
Conclusion
Walking with another horse can be beneficial for racehorses in many ways. It can help to keep their muscles healthy, increase their concentration, and help them to maintain a steady pace. Additionally, walking with another horse can also help to ensure their safety. When walking with another horse, it is important to choose the right companion, start out slowly, and supervise the horses at all times.