Ride 'n' Shine
While you probably don't work your horse with skin health in mind, there are positive effects on the skin and coat. Exercise improves the delivery of blood, and therefore oxygen and nutrients, to the skin. In time, the number of blood vessels and density of the capillaries supplying the skin actually increase so that nutrient flow is improved even when the horse isn't exercising. The muscles and connective tissue of the skin become toned and stronger, resistance to infections increases, and injuries can be healed more quickly. Skin cell turnover increases.
Exercise is also beneficial by stimulating the flow of sweat and sebum. Sebum is the oily material secreted from the hair follicles that helps give the hair its shine and forms a protective layer over the skin, preventing excess moisture loss and drying. The flow of sweat and sebum keeps pores open and makes the skin a less hospitable place for bacteria and fungi to thrive.
