Performance horses have access to the state-of-the-art facility prior to and after a competition. This allows your horse to relax and recover after a competition and to be in prime condition going into the next event.

Enrollment into the program starts with an evaluation to assess the soundness, current level of fitness (using maximal heart rate testing), and a consultation with both the Fit Horse Manager (an experienced trainer) and the Veterinarian.

At Steele Equine, quality fitness and conditioning services are a priority. There is a limited capacity for fit horses at Steele Equine at any one time, which allows your horse to receive responsive, individualized attention.

In addition, the Veterinarian and the Fit Horse Manager will observe your horse daily, which allows for your horse’s response to the program to be continually monitored and modified as appropriate. This may include dietary/supplement adjustments, prescribed therapies, and exercises.

Exercise changes will be made based on the subjective assessment by the Steele Equine team, as well as:

1. Weighing daily and assessing how quickly your horse returns to baseline weight post exercise.

2. Conducting a lactate assessment to measure muscle enzyme release. Lactate is a muscle enzyme released during muscle exercise and strain. The lactate assessment allows us to determine when a horse should have a lighter exercise day or a day of rest.

3. Measuring maximal heart rate and using it as an intensity baseline of the daily workout. A heart rate monitor will be placed on your horse during intense workouts in order to optimize fitness and conditioning.

To optimize your horse’s stay at Steele Equine, other Steele Equine services such as farrier, chiropractic, dentistry, massage therapy, or general medicine may be recommended for continuity in the health and maintenance of your athlete during their stay. If you already have a relationship established with another chiropractor, massage therapist, general practitioner, performance Veterinarian, and/or farrier, we welcome their continued services during your horse’s stay.