Exercise testing in Warmblood sport horses under field conditions
Carolien C.B.M. Munsters, Alexandra van Iwaarden, René van Weeren, Marianne M. Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan (2014). The Veterinary Journal, 202(1), pp. 11-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.07.019
Background
Standard exercise tests (SETs) in Warmblood sport horses, similar to practices in racing, can help assess the fitness of Warmblood sport horses and determine when they are ready for competition. This review looks at how exercise testing is peformed in eventing, show jumping, and dressage. Various parameters, such as heart rate (HR), lactate concentration (LA), and velocity (V) measurements, are used to evaluate the horse’s fitness and potential risk of injury. Different disciplines have varying demands. Including technical skills is also important in these Olympic disciplines.
Results
Regular exercise testing and monitoring in Warmblood sport horses could improve fitness assessment and help predict injury risks, but standardization across disciplines is needed.
In eventing, simple four-step incremental exercise tests measuring HR, LA, and V are frequently used to predict performance and injury risk. In dressage, several types of tests, including incremental exercise tests, indoor riding tests and lunging tests have been developed. In showjumping, a 5-step incremental exercise test and a test evaluating technical skills are used. VLA4 (velocity at plasma lactate of 4 mmol/L) and HR recovery during submaximal exercise are key indicators of performance and potential injuries in riding horses. Regular exercise testing may be essential for monitoring fitness and preventing injuries in all Warmblood sport horses.
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