Understanding how your horse moves, breathes, and performs — with clarity and confidence
Horses can underperform for all sorts of reasons — from subtle heart or respiratory limitations to training, muscle or fitness issues. Our Performance Assessments are designed to help you uncover why your horse isn’t performing as expected and to give you a clear path forward.
What we look at
Rather than assuming a single cause, we take a system-based approach. Once lameness has been ruled-out, we undertake a thorough history and physical examination and assess key body systems that contribute to performance, including:
Cardiac function – The heart plays a central role in exercise. Changes in heart rhythm, murmurs, or inefficient cardiac response can all limit performance, even in fit horses. We offer specialist consultations with Dr Guy Lester on property for the diagnostic workup of any cardiac abnormalities.
Cardiac arrhythmias can be a cause of poor performance and we can assess your horse for both murmurs and arrhythmias using our portable cardiac technology.
Respiratory health – Airflow and lung function are critical for stamina and wellbeing. Problems in the upper or lower airway can reduce oxygen delivery during work and may only be detectable with specialised evaluation.
Endoscopy, tracheal washes and bronchoalveolar lavages can be performed on-site, saving the need to transport a horse into a clinic.
Fitness & exercise testing – Using portable equipment, we can assess a number of factors including heart rate, ECG, heart rate variability and blood lactate response to identify fitness level, training gaps or predispositions to injury. These tests are valuable for both horses with performance issues and those in structured training programs.
Gastrointestinal health – Digestive problems can affect performance too — things like gastric ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), sand accumulation or general gut discomfort may lead to behaviour changes, poor appetite, weight loss or reduced willingness to work. As part of a whole-horse assessment, we consider whether gastrointestinal disease could be contributing to your horse’s performance concerns — and guide you on the best next steps if needed.
Behaviour & emotional state
Behaviour tells a story — and it’s often the earliest clue that a horse is uncomfortable, stressed, confused or in pain. We pay close attention to things like
• resistance or tension under saddle
• reluctance to go forward
• girthiness or tacking-up changes
• anxiety, irritability or shutdown behaviour
Rather than labelling a horse as “naughty” or “difficult,” behavioural assessment helps us consider whether pain, breathing restriction, gastric disease, sleep issues, over-training, confusion or emotional distress may be contributing. This ensures the horse’s comfort and welfare stay central to the plan.
We interpret all findings together so you can understand the whole picture — not just isolated results.
When to consider a Performance Assessment
Performance assessments are ideal for horses that:
• Aren’t performing to expectations without obvious lameness
• Show fatigue, poor recovery or exercise intolerance
• Have unexplained breathing noise, coughing or exercise intolerance
• Experience inconsistent fitness or unexpected dips in performance
• Are progressing through a training plan and you want objective feedback
What you can expect
Our Performance Assessments typically include:
• A detailed review of your horse’s history and work program
• Systematic evaluation of heart and lung function
• Exercise testing in the field with real-time data capture
• Clear explanation of findings and practical recommendations
• A tailored plan to help your horse reach and maintain performance goals
Performance is multifactorial — and so is our approach. By uncovering hidden limitations and combining clinical insight with objective data, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s happening and what to do next.