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 August 2026
GOODFORM - Craig's Tips for Cranbourne Sunday
Race 1: OVERVIEW: A LOT LIKE JEANNIE (4) is resuming since a big victory at Shepparton in May, where she sprinted fast down the back straight to hit the front at the 400m and sustained the run to score by over twenty metres. She won a trial in handy time at Shepparton recently so she must be respected....
1 August 2026
Mixed reaction from Aussies to big NZ prize money shake up
HARNESS Racing New Zealand's release of some major changes to NZ features and prize money has sparked varied reactions from key Aussie players. Keayang Zahara’s co-trainer Paddy Lee was thrilled to learn the time-honoured Group 1 Dominion Trot would stay at $NZ400,000. “She’ll go...
31 July 2026
Carlson is excited by Beautide chance
Trainer Paul Carlson is looking forward to Saturday night’s $100,000 LAFM Beautide (2200m) at Launceston’s Ladbrokes Racing Centre, Mowbray. Carlson prepares Always Bettor, one of two three-year-olds, taking on the four-year-olds in the Listed feature. “We’ve had horses that have...
31 July 2026
Bonus Points System to supercharge Carnival of Cups
Harness Racing New South Wales has unveiled an exciting new $100,000 bonus points system that will add another layer of competition to the 2026–27 Carnival of Cups, rewarding consistency across the five feature races that headline the popular regional series. The new initiative will see horses...
31 July 2026
Rattray chases second Beautide success
Trainer Todd Rattray has a two-pronged attack for Launceston’s richest race of the season, The LAFM Beautide (2200m) on Saturday night at the Ladbrokes Racing Centre, Mowbray. Rattray will drive the recent Raider Stakes placegetter Preparation, with Ethan Arnott continuing his association with...
Click for more