09/05/2026
How do you prepare every system of the equine athlete for peak performance?
We condition for strength. Train for endurance. Manage nutrition, soundness, and recovery.
But the respiratory system—the system working behind every stride—is often given far less attention.
During intense exercise, a horse’s respiratory demand increases dramatically. Because horses are obligate nasal breathers, every breath must pass through the nasal passages. At peak effort, a horse can move more than 1,500 liters of air per minute, placing significant demands on the respiratory system.
That’s respiratory load: the work required to move enough air in and out to meet the body’s rising oxygen demands.
And because oxygen supports energy production, muscle function, and recovery, respiratory load doesn’t affect breathing alone. It can influence the entire performance effort. Preparing the equine athlete should include managing the demands placed on the respiratory system.
Performance starts at the nose.
