The athletic horse: respiratory system

21 September 2021
Logo

In the past two articles, we have looked at the extraordinary size and function of the horse’s cardiovascular system.

It is one of the most efficient oxygen delivery systems in the animal world and is the prime reason why horses are such gifted athletes.

But a delivery system is only as good as the supply chain. It is the respiratory system that supplies oxygen to the muscles to produce the energy that allows the muscles to move the body.

In this article we will explore the horse's respiratory system and learn why it is the limiting factor in even the highest performing horse athlete.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY IN 'INTEGRITY MATTERS' AT THETROTS.COM.AU

 

Related News

1 November 2026
GOODFORM - Craig's Charlton selections for Monday
Race 1: OVERVIEW: COLLEAGUES (7) has gait issues but he appears to be hard to beat against this class if he delivers a fool proof display. He was going to finish in second at Maryborough last week but broke stride at the 100m mark and ended up being placed in fifth. OLIVER SMUDGE (5) hasn’t raced...
1 November 2026
Dandy Patch triumph highlights Langley's big night
Brighton trainer Tammy Langley dominated Saturday night’s feature race meeting at Hobart’s Ladbrokes Park Elwick, preparing four winners, including the $75,000 Woodlands Stud Dandy Patch Final (2090m) with Bettor Than Ready ($4.00), one of two Group 2 features on the card. Drawing inside...
1 November 2026
Here come the Aussies ...
WONDER mare Captains Mistress kick-starts a stellar Aussie raid on New Zealand’s richest races when she tackles Monday's Kaikoura Cup. Despite trying standing-start racing for the first time and drawing the outside barrier, Captains Mistress is $1.30 favourite for the $NZ60,000 race at one...
1 November 2026
TAB Eureka big guns shine
THIS is going to be some sort of $1.5 million TAB Eureka. Loucasso and Double Lou showed why they were the first two runners locked in for the Menangle feature on November 21 with sparkling Menangle wins last night. The pair were dominant in their Group 1 NSW Breeders Challenge finals. Read more
1 November 2026
Im Stealthy's stunning win give Hall Sr his seventh WA Derby
GARY Hall Sr is in the twilight of his stellar career, but he keeps unearthing stars. Untapped Kiwi-bred gelding Im Stealthy gave the champion trainer his seventh Group 1 WA Derby win at Gloucester Park last night. It was a stunning display after sitting parked throughout and humbling a strong field....
Click for more