Achieve Equine, LLC, maker of FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips, is highlighting the importance of recovery on horses’ health and performance. Effectively managing a horse’s cool down and recovery can help the horse mentally cope with training and competition, as well as shortening the time until he is ready to compete again. FLAIR Strips make breathing easier during post-exercise recovery, enabling horses to move air more easily to cool down and recover quicker.
After intensive exercise, such as a long training session or competition, horses recover in three phases. First is a “cool-down” period that occurs immediately after exercise when it is important to bring a horse’s body temperature, breathing and heart rate back to normal. Next is a “rest” period, where over the next 24 hours the horse’s body rests and heals after heavy exertion. The final “recovery” period occurs over a period of days or weeks until the horse is fully back to where he was before competing.
FLAIR Strips provide benefits particularly during the horse’s cool down, the initial phase of recovery. In 1999, a study by Drs. Scollay and Hernandez showed a 15% decrease in the interval to the next race compared with the race-to-race interval before wearing a nasal Strip and was presented by Dr. Howard H. Erickson, DVM, PhD at the 53rd annual convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners meeting in 20071. “This information was first published over 15 years ago and is even more important today as we continue to learn about the significance of recovery in the overall care and management of our equine athletes”, shares Dr. Jim Chiapetta, co-inventor of FLAIR Strips.
The spring-like action provided by FLAIR Strips supports the nasal passages so the soft tissues do not collapse inward, reducing airflow resistance and making breathing easier. FLAIR Strips reduce the effort needed to move air in and out of the lungs, resulting in less stress on a horse’s body during exercise and a faster recovery after exercise. Leaving a FLAIR Strip applied until a horse completely cools down allows him to breathe easier, conserve energy and cool down quicker.
Riders and trainers from all disciplines have experienced first-hand the benefits of FLAIR Strips in quickening recovery. WPRA barrel racer Rachael Cox-Arnold shares a story similar to others: “I first learned about FLAIR Strips during my freshman year in college rodeo. I had an older mare and wanted her to be able to perform her best. When I used FLAIR Strips, I noticed a huge difference in her. She was able to airflow more effectively, conserve her energy, and performed better. After a run, she cooled out so much easier and quicker. I was sold on FLAIR Strips after that first experience and use them on all my horses.”
To read more about the three phases of post-exercise recovery and the science behind FLAIR Strips, visit https://flairstrips.com/recover-faster.
1 Howard H. Erickson, DVM, PhD, et al. “Review of Alternative Therapies for EIPH”, Proceedings of the 53rd Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Volume 53, 68-71, 2007.
About Achieve Equine, LLC: Achieve Equine is a worldwide distributor of innovative, evidence-based products. We partner with carefully selected equine brands to deliver safe, functional and validated technologies that improve the health and safety of horse and rider. Achieve Equine is the maker of FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strips and the exclusive North American distributor of VIP Equestrian Half Pads and Iconic Equestrian Saddle Pads. For more information, please visit https://www.achieveequine.com.
About FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strips: Developed by veterinarians, FLAIR Strips are drug-free, self-adhesive nasal strips that support horses’ nasal passages and promote optimum respiratory health of equine athletes at every level of competition. Eight clinical studies have been conducted on FLAIR Strips at leading equine research centers. The Strips are clinically proven to make breathing easier, reduce fatigue, conserve energy, quicken recovery, and reduce lung bleeding. Visit http://www.flairstrips.com to learn more and shop today.
Contact: Hanna Hartman
hanna@achieveequine.com
Images available upon request.