Maintaining the equine skeleton in optimal condition is vital in order to ensure proper development of the young, growing horse, minimise risk of injury in the performance horse, and promote longevity and soundness throughout the horse's life.

Horses that do not receive free-choice exercise, such as those on box rest or those managed in a stabled environment (show horses and racehorses), can be prone to demineralisation of bone. This is especially common in young horses undergoing the transition from significant turnout to minimal or no turnout upon entering training.