Alva Review-Courier -

STILLWATER, Okla. – In movies it is not unusual to see a cowboy ride his horse forever, through all types of weather and terrain. In reality, horses are equine athletes that must be properly conditioned to perform as needed.

“The general design of an equine conditioning program, especially for horses that have been relatively idle for months heading into warmer weather, is similar to those designed for people: Start slowly and work toward more intense and more skill-specific activities,” said Kris Hiney, Oklahoma State University Extension equine specialist.

Before beginning an exercise progra...