Opinions on Dr Nunamker's theorys

[brooke]

Dr. Nunamaker up at The New Bolton Center in PA has developed a training program based on the breaking down and rebuilding process of a young horses bones. Has anyone heard of this theory? if so what are the pro's and cons to this method?

[zinn21]

I've used a modified version of his training regimen for years. I still have horses who shin buck but in general find the regimen very positive leading to sounder racehorses. I believe stress and rest commencing right after their final major growth spurt makes for a sounder horse going forward.

[Laurierace]

I have been following the MD shin study for over a decade. I almost never have shin problems.

[griff]

Google "Shin Buck" and pull up a 10 year old article from the California Thoroughbred

griff

[Patuxet]

Here's the link:

http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/aaep/20 ... 000076.PDF

[RandomThoughts]

My experience dates back some fifty years, and I've been using the approach for the last six or so years, since I got back in the sport. My homebreds have typically competed at the higher end of the racing scene including up to the Grade I level.

It requires a little agility to apply during bad stretches of weather, but I also think that with concurrent attention to the possible stress on joints during the program (I use Corta-flex and periodic IM Adequan), I believe that it is essential to ensure soundness in a horse throughout its career.

[xfactor fan]

While I'm totaly unqualified to comment on this particular method in horses, (Not that that usually stops anyone form posting), the basic science has been around since Xenophon, 2000 years ago.

The basic idea is that developing bone needs to be stressed in training the way it will be stressed in racing. Bones apparently develop "micro fractures" which stimulate bone creation. Newly created bone is stronger that older bone. The process "remodels" the bone so that it is stronger and more able to handle racing stress. Human athletes use windsprints, for this same purpose.

Xenophon suggested short bursts of speed in the longer works as a method of training his warhorses.