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Topic:Athletic Horses
The topic of athletic horses encompasses the study and analysis of horses that are trained and conditioned for performance in various disciplines such as racing, show jumping, dressage, and eventing. These horses are subject to specialized training regimens and nutritional plans to optimize their physical capabilities and performance outcomes. Research in this area often focuses on aspects such as biomechanics, cardiovascular fitness, muscle physiology, and injury prevention. This topic includes a collection of peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the physiological adaptations, training methodologies, and health management practices associated with maintaining and enhancing the performance of athletic horses.
Left Ventricular Volume Indexing in Athletic Brazilian Sport Horses Using Body Weight. Left ventricular (LV) volume assessment evaluates cardiac size and remodelling in horses. Single-plane Simpson method of discs (SMOD) provides volumetric measurements requiring body size normalization. Objective: We described LV volumes using SMOD in healthy Brazilian Sport Horses (BH) and evaluated thoracic-girth-estimated body weight (BWe) versus scale-measured weight (BWs) for indexing. Methods: Thirty BH horses (15 males, 15 females; 4-16 years) underwent echocardiography. LV end-diastolic (LVEDV), end-systolic volumes (LVESV), and ejection fraction (EF%) were obtained using SMOD. Body wei...
Influence of chiropractic care on sleep-related behavior of athletic Mangalarga Marchador horses. Sleep is a fundamental biological process for homeostasis in mammals. Chiropractic is a manual therapeutic approach that aims to restore joint mobility, correct biomechanical dysfunctions, and optimize welfare. Objective: The present study examined the influence of chiropractic sessions on resting behavior patterns of Mangalarga Marchador horses raised in an intensive system. Methods: Nine Mangalarga Marchador horses, with an average age of 4.2 ± 1.2 years, were evaluated for their sleep-related behavior over 72 hours, followed by a chiropractic session, and reassessed over the next 72 hours ...
Outcome following lag screw fixation of non-C3 carpal slab fractures in horses. To describe clinical features and short- and long-term outcomes of horses treated with lag screw fixation of slab fractures of the radial carpal (Cr), intermediate carpal (Ci), ulnar carpal (Cu), second (C2) or fourth (C4) carpal bones. Methods: Retrospective case study. Methods: Horses (n = 19) treated with lag screw fixation for slab fractures of Cr, Ci, Cu, C2 or C4. Methods: Medical records of patients with carpal slab fractures were reviewed, and those undergoing internal fixation of slab fractures involving Cr, Ci, Cu, C2, or C4 carpal bones from January 2008 to January 2026 were inc...
Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Axial Proximal Sesamoid Osteomyelitis and Intersesamoidean Ligament Rupture in a Horse. A 7-year-old Warmblood mare used for show jumping was evaluated for progressive left hindlimb lameness of 5 weeks' duration, localized clinically to the metatarsophalangeal region. Radiography revealed ill-defined osteolysis of the axial apical regions of both proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs). Due to rapid clinical deterioration, low-field magnetic resonance imaging was performed and demonstrated aggressive axial osteomyelitis of both PSBs, partial rupture of the intersesamoidean ligament and proximal scutum with herniation of synovium of the plantar joint recess, and an occult penetrating tract...
Five Domains, Multiple Realities: A Multidimensional Analysis of Equine Welfare in Equestrian Events in Brazil. Welfare assessments at traditional equestrian events in Brazil are scarce. This study aimed to systematize and stratify assessments based on the Five Domains (5DMs) model into subdomains (sDMs) for vaquejada and gait events and to adapt them to reflect local conditions and resource availability. Subsequently, the sDMs were classified and scored on a 5-level scale (1 to 5, where 1 = very poor and 5 = excellent), and assessments were conducted at three vaquejada and five gaited horse competitions. Assessments took place during morning, afternoon, and evening periods over two or more days and wer...
Training- and competition-related changes on circulating adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol response in Thoroughbred Racehorses. Exercise is a physiological challenge inducing intensity-dependent hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses. The hypothesis was that training and racing sessions induce different HPA axis activation. Objective: To assess whether different exercise sessions affect equine adrenal responsiveness according to age and sex. Methods: Ten clinically healthy Thoroughbred racehorses (6 females and 4 males) were recruited. Four were 2 years old and six were 3 years old. Horses were subjected to two exercise conditions: training and competitive racing sessions. Blood samples were collected at r...
Exercise-Induced Acid-Base, Electrolyte, and Metabolic Responses in Colombian Creole Horses Across Different Gait Modalities. Exercise physiology in Colombian Creole Horses remains poorly characterized despite the breed's extensive use in athletic activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate exercise-induced changes in blood biochemical and gas parameters and to determine whether these responses differed according to sex, geographic origin, or gait modality. An analytical observational study with repeated measures was conducted in 76 athletic CCHs. Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein at rest and immediately after exercise to measure acid-base indicators (pH, carbon dioxide pressure, bicarbona...
Electrocardiographic recording in horses at rest: a concordance analysis of two methods. Cardiac arrhythmias are frequently detected during routine auscultation in athletic horses. Assessment of their clinical significance requires electrocardiography (ECG) to analyze waveforms and intervals. In recent years, portable ECG devices have been introduced to simplify electrocardiographic examination, offering advantages such as ease of use and the ability to review results via a smartphone. This study evaluated the utility and accuracy of a portable ECG device compared with a standard electrocardiograph. Simultaneous ECG recordings were obtained from 28 healthy adult horses at rest usi...
An exploratory comparative analysis of kinematic characteristics in two elite Chinese show jumping riders. Three-dimensional rider kinematics across jumping phases and obstacle heights remain sparsely documented in elite Chinese show jumping. This exploratory case study examined angle-related kinematic characteristics in two elite Chinese riders under field-based jumping conditions. Unassigned: Three-dimensional video-based kinematic analysis was performed using the Simi Motion 3D system with direct linear transformation (DLT)-based camera calibration and three-dimensional reconstruction of selected anatomical landmarks. Two elite male riders rode the same experienced horse over the second vertical...
Evaluation of Microvascular Flow Imaging and Power Doppler Ultrasonography in an Equine Model of Induced Superficial Digital Flexor Tendonitis. Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries are common in athletic horses and are associated with prolonged healing and high reinjury rates. Conventional ultrasonography provides structural information but limited physiologic assessment. This study compared microvascular imaging (MVI) and Power Doppler (PD) for evaluating vascular changes in a collagenase-induced equine SDFT injury model and assessed the effect of scanning technique on vascular signal detection. Eight adult Thoroughbred horses underwent bilateral collagenase-induced SDFT injury, with one forelimb randomly assigned to int...
Discipline-associated locomotor coordination and asymmetry patterns in trained Quarter Horses: a cross-sectional study. Locomotor asymmetry in horses is traditionally interpreted as a potential indicator of pain-related lameness. However, objective gait analysis has shown that measurable asymmetries may also occur in horses without overt clinical lameness. Whether trained horses from different athletic disciplines show discipline-associated asymmetry patterns under standardized straight-line conditions remains unclear. This study examined locomotor asymmetry and vertical displacement asymmetry in Quarter Horses competing in three Western disciplines: barrel racing, reining, and ranch sorting. Methods: Ninety ad...
Clinical and microbiota alterations in performance horses undergoing long-distance transport. Transport-associated pneumonia contributes substantially to morbidity, impaired welfare, and economic loss in high-performance horses and may be associated with alterations in the respiratory microbiota. Objective: Examine the effect of long-distance transport on the respiratory microbiota and correlate changes in microbiota diversity and composition with systemic and airway inflammation. Methods: Seventeen client-owned performance horses transported from New England to Florida under optimized trailering conditions, and 12 non-traveling horses. Methods: Physical examination, blood testing, nas...
Activity type, sex, season, and number of prior starts are associated with proximal sesamoid bone fractures in Thoroughbred racehorses in South Korea. To identify risk factors associated with proximal sesamoid bone fractures in Thoroughbreds in South Korea. Unassigned: A retrospective case-control design with multivariable logistic regression was used. This study included 138 Thoroughbreds diagnosed with proximal sesamoid bone fractures following racetrack activity between 2020 and 2025. Additionally, 580 healthy Thoroughbreds (635 observations) with at least 1 racetrack activity during the same period were included as controls. Unassigned: A total of 7 risk factors were identified. Races or trials had markedly higher fracture risk than race...
Thoroughbred horses susceptible to Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis have elevated skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacities. Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER) is a skeletal muscle disease that can intermittently impede careers of equine athletes. Manifesting as episodes of muscular stiffness and degeneration, RER causes lost training and competition days. RER is associated with abnormal intracellular calcium (Ca) regulation. Calcium released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to initiate contraction may also be transported into mitochondria, which impacts energy production. RER-susceptible horses exhibit down-regulated mitochondrial proteins but upregulated mitochondrial genes. Thus, mitochondrial function may ...
Prevalence of insulin dysregulation in a sport horse population as determined by traditional and stall-side testing. The prevalence of insulin dysregulation (ID) has not been investigated in sport horses. Stall-side insulin assays offer convenience but need further validation. Objective: To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for ID in a sport horse population using an oral sugar test (OST) and assess agreement between stall-side and validated laboratory assays for insulin quantification. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study. Methods: One hundred eighty sport horses presenting for orthopaedic evaluation at a university hospital (N = 140) or local farms (N = 40) were tested for ID using...
Validation of a smart textile electrocardiographic monitoring device in racehorses during high-speed exercise. Exercise-associated cardiac arrhythmias may contribute to poor performance and sudden cardiac death in horses. Widespread monitoring is limited by device availability and suitability for field use. Objective: To (1) compare electrocardiographic (ECG) quality from a smart textile system (Myant Skiin Equine) with a reference device (Televet II) during exercise, and (2) evaluate whether arrhythmia detection with Myant Skiin Equine is comparable to the Televet II. Methods: Prospective blinded clinical study. Methods: Fifty racehorses (25 Thoroughbreds, 25 Standardbreds) underwent up to three high-...
Mitochondrial Adaptations to Exercise Training in Equine Skeletal Muscle: A Narrative Review. The horse represents one of the most physiologically specialized athletic mammals, capable of sustaining both high-intensity and prolonged exercise. Central to this remarkable performance capacity is the metabolic adaptability of skeletal muscle and its mitochondrial network. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence from equine, human, and rodent studies on exercise-induced mitochondrial remodeling in equine skeletal muscle. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using terms related to equine exercise physiology, mitochondrial biolog...
Syndrome of High Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase in Racehorses. Horses in racing and race training can develop high gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) syndrome (HGS), or increased GGT without overt evidence of primary liver disease. Current evidence points toward overtraining and a response to oxidative stress, but the etiology is incompletely understood. Evidence for an association of HGS with poor performance is mixed. Without a clear understanding of the etiology, the only evidence-based treatment option is rest or reduced training intensity. More research is needed to determine whether HGS is a physiologic adaptation, perhaps indicative of overtraining b...
Research Trends and Emerging Frontiers in Racehorse Genetics: A Bibliometric Analysis. The global horse racing industry relies heavily on elite breeding. Therefore, a molecular understanding of athletic traits is crucial for the industry's advancement. This study utilized Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 869 publications in the Web of Science Core Collection (2011-2025), decoding the academic landscape and evolutionary trajectory of equine genetics. The results indicate a significant upward trend in academic output since 2019, with the United States, South Korea, and the United Kingdom emerging as the primary contributors...
Association Between Vaquejada Practice and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Muscle Damage in Quarter Horses. Vaquejada (VQ) is a traditional Brazilian sport demanding high performance from Quarter Horse (QH) athletes. This study aimed to identify modifications in hematological, biochemical, inflammatory, and oxidative stress biomarkers associated with VQ training, comparing conditioned and non-conditioned horses. Blood samples were collected at rest from 70 healthy QH horses: 60 athletes (VQ-conditioned athlete group-AG) and 10 sedentary controls (breeding horses-CG). Using Linear Mixed Models alongside comprehensive hematological and biochemical analyses, the study found that AG horses exhibited an ...
Measuring Chuckwagon Racehorse Movement Asymmetry Before and After Racing Using Wearable GNSS-IMUs: A Preliminary Study. In Chuckwagon racing, teams of four Thoroughbred horses pull wagons at high speeds. Movement symmetry is a key locomotion metric linked to force production, racing direction, and lameness. Racehorse symmetry in trot during on-track warmups and cooldowns was assessed. Over 10 days, 60 horses (average 8 per day) were fitted with Global Navigation Satellite Systems combined with Inertial Measurement Unit (GNSS-IMU) sensors. Weight-bearing asymmetry was quantified using the minimum difference (MnD) in vertical trunk displacement between diagonal limb pairs, and push-off asymmetry was quantified us...
Review of articular cartilage repair techniques and their application in the horse. Articular cartilage lesions represent a significant career-limiting problem in athletic horses. A healthy articular cartilage surface is vital for optimal joint function, and defects can result in irreversible degenerative changes. Successful treatment of cartilage lesions remains a long-standing challenge for orthopaedic surgeons, prompting ongoing research into new surgical techniques for their management. This narrative review describes surgical procedures for the treatment of cartilage/osteochondral lesions, as well as the use of the horse as a highly translational preclinical model to hum...
Exercising electrocardiograms from Thoroughbred racehorses with exercise associated sudden death. Exercise associated sudden death (EASD), defined as a fatal collapse in a closely monitored and previously presumed clinically healthy horse that occurs during exercise or within approximately 1 h after exercise, is disproportionately more common in equine than in human athletes. Objective: To describe ECGs from EASD cases in Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: An international call for potential cases was made through direct contact with relevant racing authorities requesting that trainers of horses which had experienced EASD consent to researchers gaining ac...
Cardiac arrhythmias during intense exercise in Thoroughbred racehorses: frequency and association with subsequent race performance. The frequency, characteristics, and relationship with performance of arrhythmias occurring during high-intensity exercise in Thoroughbred racehorses remain poorly understood. Objective: Describe the frequency, characteristics, and association with subsequent race performance of arrhythmias occurring during intense exercise. Methods: Seventy-one racehorses competing in races sanctioned by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Methods: Risk-based case-control study. Single-lead ECGs were recorded during high-intensity trials using wearable devices. Ectopic depolarizations identified during warm-up, maximal...
Objective, Longitudinal Computed Tomographic Evaluation of the Metacarpal Condyles in Non-Lame Thoroughbred Racehorses. There are limited data on sequential computed tomographic (CT) evaluation and objective CT assessment of the metacarpal condyles in Thoroughbred racehorses. This longitudinal study aimed to document changes in attenuation of the metacarpal condyles during the first two years of training and racing. Fan-beam CT examination of the metacarpophalangeal regions was performed on 40 non-lame Thoroughbred yearlings, and repeated four more times, approximately six months apart. Mean Hounsfield Unit (HU) measurements were obtained on sagittal reconstructions of the dorsal and palmar halves of the medial...
Detection of exercising ectopic atrial and ventricular beats using non-linear analysis of clinically normal racehorse electrocardiograms at rest or low-intensity exercise. Cardiac arrhythmias are common in healthy athletic horses and may lead to poor athletic performance or exercise-associated sudden death. Early detection of high-risk horses is an important goal of cardiovascular diagnostics. We hypothesised that non-linear analysis of electrocardiogram disorderliness can be used to identify horses exhibiting intermittent ectopic atrial and ventricular heart rhythm abnormalities at exercise using brief, artifact-free recordings of normal sinus rhythm electrocardiograms collected at submaximal heart rates. In a convenience prospective cross-sectional study, ambu...
Omics integration reveals how the gut microbiota of Warmblood horses responds to equestrian show jumping-a short-duration, high-intensity technical exercise stress. Intestinal microbial homeostasis and metabolic balance play a crucial role in maintaining normal physiological function in horses. Exogenous stress involving abrupt turns and jumps during show jumping significantly impacts intestinal microbial homeostasis and metabolic balance in these animals. Results: By comparing rectal (faecal) samples from 10 Warmblood horses collected before and immediately after a show jumping competition on the same day, we observed substantial alterations in intestinal microbial homeostasis and metabolic balance post-exercise. Microbial evenness significantly increase...
Transcriptomic signatures reveal systemic adaptations and immune modulation in response to training and competitive racing in horses. The molecular mechanisms underlying adaptation to physical exertion and racing stress in horses remain incompletely understood. Peripheral blood transcriptomics offers a minimally invasive method to monitor systemic responses to exercise and identify biomarkers of adaptation or overload. Objective: To evaluate transcriptomic changes in peripheral blood of racehorses during different phases of training and competition and to identify molecular markers of physiological adaptation and race-induced stress. Methods: Prospective transcriptomic profiling of trained racehorses across three exercise co...
QT interval and cardiac restitution dynamics in racehorses: Observations during maximal effort. Sudden cardiac death is a leading cause of athletic death in both humans and horses, making racehorses a potentially valuable model for investigating sudden cardiac death. Cardiac restitution ratio (QT/TQ interval) is used to assess arrhythmia risk in humans, but investigations in athletes are scarce. The objective was to characterize QT interval and cardiac restitution ratio in Thoroughbred racehorses during maximal effort. Automated restitution analysis was performed using 2709 pairs of cardiac cycles from 30 Thoroughbred horses during races. Cardiac cycles were obtained during: pre-race; ac...
