Physiology of equine performance and associated tests of function

Abstract

This review addresses the physiology of performance horses in the context of functional tests aimed at assisting clinicians in the search for explanations of the individual's limitations, actual or perceived as below expectation. The intention is to assist clinicians who are faced frequently by owners or trainers seeking explanations for poor performance; and for research workers as a basis on which to proceed in their search for new methodologies, particularly those that can be applied in the field as for treadmill exercise. The review sets out fundamental physiological pathways, the entailment of which may represent a limiting factor to performance, while taking into account the individual's status, including anamnesis and the possibility of actual disease being present. Tests that assess the possible roles of several body systems, as causes of limited performance, are discussed. These systems include pulmonary, cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems. The evaluation of anaerobic and aerobic energy pathways is also discussed. Emphasis is given to the assessment of pulmonary ventilation by techniques such as spirometry and ergospirometry. These techniques are considered to be of particular potential for further development.

Impact of training load on the heart rate of horses

“…The heart rate of horses in rest is normally within the range of 25-40 beats per min. The sudden excitement, fear and expected training can quickly increase the heart rate to above 100 beats per min (Evans, 2007;Hamlin et al, 1972). As reported by Littlejohn (1987), Marr and Burton (2010) achieving of resting heart rate values is lower in trained horses than untrained horses.…”

Genetic analysis of haematological and plasma biochemical parameters in the Spanish purebred horse exercised on a treadmill

“…The physiology of horse performance in the context of functional tests is aimed at assisting clinicians, trainers and owners in their search for explanations of the individual's limitations, actual or perceived as being below expectations (Evans, 2007).…”

Application of a combined global positioning and heart rate monitoring system in jumper horses during an official competition — A preliminary study

“…The advantage of field testing over the use of treadmill is better rendered in equestrian disciplines than in racing disciplines (Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan and Clayton, 1999). Most researches on field exercise testing investigated the responses of body systems to physical exercise in Standardbred trotters (Couroucé, 1999;Couroucé et al, 2002) and Thoroughbred horses (Piccione et al, 2004;Gramkow and Evans, 2006;Evans, 2007). Therefore, cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic responses and musculoskeletal adaptations to exercise have been well studied, allowing specific exercise testing for racehorses (Hodgson et al, 2014).…”