Jenna Obert-Thorn
Compare and Contrast Essay
Engl 1101 TR 8:00
Ms. Bell
September 20, 2016
Impacts on a Horse’s Health
Many people enjoy the sport of horseback riding. Some may only ride horses for fun, as a hobby they enjoy in their free time. However, a large majority of those who ride do so competitively. Two common competitive styles of riding include barrel racing and pleasure. These two disciplines vary in injuries received, but are similar in a variety of other ways, which include common back pain, need for proper nutrition, and lack of contagious illnesses.
Barrel racing is a sport based on speed. The horse’s performance around the barrels is timed, and the fastest to finish is the winner of the event. “Performance Perils” written …show more content…
However, both may suffer from persistent back pain. Pleasure horses are more susceptible to lower back pain. This soreness results from the slower speed that pleasure horses compete with (Black). The back pain that barrel horses suffer from is due to the turns throughout the barrel pattern. When rounding the barrel, the horse must go from a fast paced run to a more controlled speed. This speed makes the turn more manageable. The change between fast speeds and slower speeds throughout the pattern contribute to the horse’s soreness. In “Back to Back”, it is discussed how poor fitting saddles can also cause back soreness in either discipline. This article also explains how back pain can also be related to other injuries the horse may have sustained to another area of the body. Horses may stand in an unusual position in order to keep weight off of an injured or sore body part. This change in posture causes back stiffness or …show more content…
To be entered into either competitive discipline, a horse must be free of transmittable diseases or illnesses. Communicable illnesses can be easily transferred due to the close contact of horses within the barns they are stalled in during the duration of the event. In “Exactly what is Coggins?”, it is stated that “…many states require mandatory Coggins tests before a horse can be brought across state lines and why so many horse professionals, breeders, etc. require a negative Coggins test before a horse is…allowed to enter a horse show or other event...”. This article also explains that this test checks their blood for the virus that is known to cause Equine Infectious Anemia. The test is required yearly and the result must come back negative. Horses from either discipline can contract contagious illnesses or diseases, and these rules are put into place to protect their health.
Barrel racing and pleasure events have varying impacts on a horse’s physical well-being due to the vast difference between the two styles of riding. The internal health of the animals can also be compromised in response to violations to the rules. These regulations are set in place to protect the horses. Barrel racing and pleasure competitions create a rewarding experience for both the horse and the rider. However, the overall health and well-being of the horse is important and must be maintained in order to continue the competitive
Compare and Contrast Essay
Engl 1101 TR 8:00
Ms. Bell
September 20, 2016
Impacts on a Horse’s Health
Many people enjoy the sport of horseback riding. Some may only ride horses for fun, as a hobby they enjoy in their free time. However, a large majority of those who ride do so competitively. Two common competitive styles of riding include barrel racing and pleasure. These two disciplines vary in injuries received, but are similar in a variety of other ways, which include common back pain, need for proper nutrition, and lack of contagious illnesses.
Barrel racing is a sport based on speed. The horse’s performance around the barrels is timed, and the fastest to finish is the winner of the event. “Performance Perils” written …show more content…
However, both may suffer from persistent back pain. Pleasure horses are more susceptible to lower back pain. This soreness results from the slower speed that pleasure horses compete with (Black). The back pain that barrel horses suffer from is due to the turns throughout the barrel pattern. When rounding the barrel, the horse must go from a fast paced run to a more controlled speed. This speed makes the turn more manageable. The change between fast speeds and slower speeds throughout the pattern contribute to the horse’s soreness. In “Back to Back”, it is discussed how poor fitting saddles can also cause back soreness in either discipline. This article also explains how back pain can also be related to other injuries the horse may have sustained to another area of the body. Horses may stand in an unusual position in order to keep weight off of an injured or sore body part. This change in posture causes back stiffness or …show more content…
To be entered into either competitive discipline, a horse must be free of transmittable diseases or illnesses. Communicable illnesses can be easily transferred due to the close contact of horses within the barns they are stalled in during the duration of the event. In “Exactly what is Coggins?”, it is stated that “…many states require mandatory Coggins tests before a horse can be brought across state lines and why so many horse professionals, breeders, etc. require a negative Coggins test before a horse is…allowed to enter a horse show or other event...”. This article also explains that this test checks their blood for the virus that is known to cause Equine Infectious Anemia. The test is required yearly and the result must come back negative. Horses from either discipline can contract contagious illnesses or diseases, and these rules are put into place to protect their health.
Barrel racing and pleasure events have varying impacts on a horse’s physical well-being due to the vast difference between the two styles of riding. The internal health of the animals can also be compromised in response to violations to the rules. These regulations are set in place to protect the horses. Barrel racing and pleasure competitions create a rewarding experience for both the horse and the rider. However, the overall health and well-being of the horse is important and must be maintained in order to continue the competitive