What improves a horse's breathing efficiency during exercise?

Breathing efficiency in horses during exercise is significantly enhanced by maintaining a regular stride rate in rhythm with their breaths. This coordination allows the horse to better manage its oxygen intake while exerting energy, as each breath aligns with the natural movement of the horse's body. This rhythmic breathing not only optimizes the horse's oxygen supply but also helps to minimize fatigue, as the horse can maintain a steady and efficient pace that supports its overall stamina.

In contrast, other factors like consistent stride length and relaxed neck position, while beneficial for overall performance and comfort, do not directly impact the mechanics of breathing as effectively as the rhythm between stride rate and breath. High-speed galloping tends to require more effort and can lead to shallow or erratic breathing patterns, further illustrating why a measured and rhythmic approach is essential for improving breathing efficiency.