Exercícios funcionais: uma prática para melhoria no desempenho dos equinos

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the functional exercises described by Oliveira (2018) and its benefits to the animals, highlighting its positive aspects and linking the animals' differences to the kind of exercise chosen. Three half-bred mares were chosen, the duration of the experiment was of 40 days, in which it was quantitatively evaluated measures such as: height of the withers, height of the croup, width of the croup, width of the chest and weight. Photos were used to compare the level of restriction of movement and elasticity of the animals. The results were significant for all groups of exercises addressed, with a numerical sequence on two sides evaluated: chest width and croup width. In addition to a significant improvement in elasticity in relation to the execution of the exercises. Concluding therefore that the adoption of the exercises could help the horses in several aspects, thus improving their muscular capacity and their well being.