What is the purpose of warming up a horse before a race?

Warming up a horse before a race serves primarily to prepare the horse both physically and mentally for the demands of competition. This preparation process involves gradually increasing the horse's heart rate and blood flow, helping to loosen muscles and improve flexibility. Such warming up helps reduce the likelihood of injury by ensuring that the horse is fully conditioned for the exertion it will experience during the race.

Additionally, a warm-up can help the horse to mentally acclimate to the racing environment, allowing it to focus and become accustomed to the atmosphere of the racecourse. Incorporating conditioning exercises during the warm-up can enhance the horse's performance by optimizing its readiness to respond effectively to the rider's commands once the race begins. Therefore, this multifaceted approach to warming up supports both the physical and psychological aspects essential for peak performance on race day.