United States Eventing Association

VIDEO: The Science of Conditioning and Recovery with Max Corcoran

We are bringing you select content from the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention on demand in partnership with RNS Video Media, giving you a chance to relive all the action!

Max Corcoran is a self-professed “geek” when it comes to the science behind conditioning and recovery of athletes. In this seminar, Corcoran spoke about the parallels between the science of human conditioning and recovery and equine conditioning, training, and recovery. As an Olympic groom, her years of the firsthand experience provide her with an interesting viewpoint and a wealth of knowledge.

Quick Quotes from Max Corcoran on Conditioning and Recovery

“Recovery starts before the competition. If the horse is feeling good, loose, happy, and hydrated, they’re going to come off course feeling better – if you go in with an advantage, you come out with an advantage.”

“Human physical therapy is just as important as horse physical therapy.”

“Basic stretching is important for both horse and rider. Do some carrot stick stretching with your horse.”

"A great way to build strength in an OTTB is to walk them up hills. It helps elongate those muscles that they’ve only been running on flat ground with.”

“Trot sets are the most amazing base fitness you can do. Do your flat work during your trot sets (leg yields, etc). It’s so good for the horse’s brain to get them out of the ring.”

“A Training level packer is irreplaceable – we need to learn to take care of them so they last, and are healthy and happy. We need to take care of them because they take care of us.”

“Each horse needs its own plan. Find out what your horse is eating and why. Research the best nutrition and feed for your horse based on their training and activity program.”

“Your team is important. Ask advice from your team and experts: vets, farriers, nutritionists, physical therapists.”

“Tom Brady is 41 years old but every year he wants to be better, so he trains and conditions differently and smarter in able to be better. It’s a whole mindset.”

“Get ice on your horse as soon as you can. Think about if you ice your horse 30 minutes after your course, then the leg has 30 minutes to build up swelling. There are ways to get ice on your horse while he’s mobile. Take off his boots, and get ice on while you walk and cool him down.”

About the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

The USEA Annual Meeting & Convention takes place each December and brings together a large group of dedicated USEA members and supporters to discuss, learn, and enjoy being surrounded by other eventing enthusiasts. The USEA organizes multiple seminars in addition to committee meetings, open forums, and tons of fun! The 2019 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention is taking place at the Sheraton Boston Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, December 11-15, 2019. Click here to learn more about the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention.