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.
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...
How Inflamed Is the Horse in Training? Insights into Exercise-Induced Acute Phase Response in Endurance Horses. The article aimed to review the current literature analysing the complexity of an exercise-induced acute phase response in athletic horses undergoing intense training and endurance competitions. Since the endurance discipline demands physical fitness, exceptional health and excellent adaptation to an increasing workload, diagnostic methods of assessing the factors mentioned above are highly required. Athletic horses in endurance training undergo numerous metabolic but also immune adaptations, including changes in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels. The inflammatory reaction...
Alterations in blood metabolites as biomarkers of fatigue and recovery in thoroughbred horses performing repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise. High-intensity exercise in horses resulting in fatigue requires a better understanding of biomarkers defining the condition such that protocols detailing the return to work can be established. This study examined blood metabolite profiles after multiple sessions of high-intensity exercise to define physiological exhaustion. Adult Thoroughbred geldings (n = 10) underwent a standardized exercise test (SET) on a high-speed treadmill, with BHB, BCAAs, alanine, lactate, and CK measurements at regular intervals up to 6 h post-SET. Before and 24 h post-SET gluteus medius muscle samples were t...
The effects of furosemide on pulmonary transmural pressure and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in supramaximally exercising thoroughbred racehorses. Maximal intensity exercise in equine athletes induces pulmonary capillary stress failure and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) secondary to excessive transmural pressure (Ptm). Furosemide decreases EIPH severity and pulmonary arterial (PAP) and pulmonary wedge (PAW) pressures. Objective: Assess the effects of furosemide on Ptm and EIPH during supramaximal exercise. Methods: Six fit retired Thoroughbreds with consistent EIPH Grade ≥ 2. Methods: Horses performed a controlled crossover design protocol, completing standardized treadmill tests (120%V̇O2max) before and 4 h after int...
miRNAS and target genes are regulated post-training in quarter horse athletes. In the context of Brazilian equestrian sports, the Quarter Horse (QH) breed has the third largest population of registered horses and stands out for its numerous abilities in various disciplines. Studies on equine health and athletic performance parameters are scarce, especially involving molecular markers. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the differential expression of microRNAs and target genes involved in metabolic pathways of exercise and to assess hematological and clinical changes in 10 horses (Equus caballus Linnaeus) of the QH breed under different physiological conditions. H...
Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Analysis of Performance Variation in the 5000-m Speed Race of Yili Horses. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) was employed in this article to map blood DNA methylation profiles at single-base resolution in Yili horses before a 5000 m speed race, with comparative analysis of epigenetic differences between the 'elite group' and 'ordinary group' across six four-year-old stallions. The overall methylation level in the elite group was generally higher than that in the ordinary groups, with a minority of regions showing hypomethylation. For instance, the promoter regions of key metabolic and neuro-related genes exhibited significant hypomethylation. The article ident...
Endurance exercise induces distinct skeletal and cardiac mitochondrial adaptations in racehorses. Mitochondrial respiration sustains the high energy demands of endurance exercise, yet the extent to which atrial, ventricular, and skeletal muscle mitochondria adapt remains uncertain. At the same time, endurance athletes face an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), but the role of cardiac metabolism in arrhythmia susceptibility is poorly understood. Here, we compared mitochondrial respiration in skeletal muscle and across all four cardiac chambers between trained and untrained racehorses ( = 34) to investigate adaptations associated with long-term endurance exercise. We further examine...
Exosome and miRNA Content Engagement in the Physical Exercise Response: What Is Known to Date in Atheltic Horses? To date, there is extensive scientific evidence affirming that physical exercise plays a fundamental role in both the prevention and treatment of various pathological conditions in humans as well as in animals. It is understood that the advantages of movement and exercise have a multifactorial origin and they depend on a category of bioactive molecules vehicolated by extracellular microvesicles known as exosomes. The exosomes act as potential delivery systems for messages within the organism. These findings have drawn significant attention, leading researchers to further investigate the role o...
Exercise-specific plasma proteomic signatures in racehorses: Candidates for training adaptation and peak load monitoring. Racehorses undergo profound physiological changes with training and competition, but current biomarkers inadequately capture the complex molecular dynamics of exercise. This study aimed to identify novel plasma biomarkers of training adaptation and peak load using high-throughput proteomics. Objective: We hypothesised that systematic training and racing induce distinct plasma proteomic signatures, enabling the discovery of candidate biomarkers linked to training status, oxidative stress, inflammation and metabolic remodelling. Methods: In vivo longitudinal study. Methods: Forty-nine Arabian an...
Comparison of body temperatures and pulse rate between athletic and non-athletic horses during the hot-humid condition. Clinical assessment of parameters that give indications of the health status and fitness of horses are very important in equine practice. The study aimed to compare the resting body temperatures at different anatomical sites and resting pulse rates of athletic and non-athletic horses. Eighteen horses were used for the study, comprising ten athletic and eight non-athletic horses. Measurements of environmental parameters, rectal temperature (RT), body surface temperature (BST) and pulse rate were recorded between 9 and 11 am twice with one week interval at the Ibadan Polo Club, Eleyele, Ibadan, ...
Metabolomic analysis of synovial fluid from healthy and pathological equine joints and tendon sheaths using high-resolution 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Joint and tendon sheath diseases are a major cause of lameness and reduced performance in horses. Synovial fluid composition changes in response to pathological processes and metabolomic profiling offers a promising approach to detect these alterations. While equine joint metabolomics has been explored, little is known about the metabolomic profile of tendon sheaths. This study aimed to characterize and compare the synovial fluid metabolomic profiles of healthy and pathological joints and tendon sheaths in horses using high-resolution H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, and to identify ...
Age-induced gene expression in Thoroughbred horse skeletal muscle highlights genes that enhance muscle architecture and function. Early skeletal muscle development is critical for young racehorses, yet research on the transcriptional changes during this period is limited. Additionally, the impact of age on the transcriptional response to exercise training in equine athletes is not well understood. A transcriptome-wide analysis of differential gene expression in skeletal muscle was performed for five untrained Thoroughbred horses sampled at rest at two years old (UR2) and three years old (UR3). A total of 136 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with 95 increased and 41 decreased in expression. GO enrich...
A Simplified 3D-Plasma Culture Method for Generating Minimally Manipulated Autologous Equine Muscle-Derived Progenitor Cells. Musculoskeletal pathologies present challenges in athletic horses, often leading to functional impairment. The slow or limited regenerative capacity of bone, joint, and tendon/ligament injuries, coupled with the limitations of conventional treatments, highlights the need for innovative therapies such as ortho-biologics and mesenchymal stem/stroma cells. Traditional 2D cell culture systems with fetal bovine serum (FBS) fail to replicate the complexity of the in vivo environment, whereas 3D cultures more accurately mimic native tissue architecture and cell-cell interactions. This study describes...
Gut microbial signatures and cardiac-microbiota axis in Yili horses with divergent exercise-induced cardiac remodeling. This study aimed to investigate how different training outcomes affect the gut microbiota composition in racehorses. Twenty-six Yili horses underwent a 9-month conditioning training regimen under uniform husbandry and management conditions. Post-training, the horses were divided into an excellence group (D. Y group) and a general group (D. P group) based on their athletic performance, with the top 10 performers constituting the D. Y group and the bottom 10 the D. P group. Cardiac morphology and function were quantitatively assessed via echocardiography, and metagenomic sequencing was performed...
Ultrasonographic measurement of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint in the Argentine Polo Horse. The collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint (CL-DIPJ) are important structures for athletic horses. Ligament injuries can cause lameness, but ultrasound imaging can detect such lesions, which usually present with changes in echogenicity and an increase in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ligament. Measurements of these structures vary among authors, which complicates the diagnosis. Thus, this study aimed to describe the ultrasound measurements (dorsopalmar diameter [DPD], lateromedial diameter [LMD], and CSA) of the CL-DIPJ in Argentine Polo horses. We measured the CL-DIP...
Multi-Omics Deciphers Divergent Mechanisms in Differentially Cardiac-Remodeled Yili Horses Under Conditions of Equivalent Power Output. Exercise performance is a critical trait for evaluating the economic and breeding value of working and athletic horses, with cardiac structure and function serving as essential physiological determinants of athletic capacity. This study aimed to investigate the multi-omics response mechanisms associated with varying degrees of cardiac remodeling under identical exercise intensity. Twenty 2-year-old Yili horses were selected and categorized based on echocardiographic parameters into a high cardiac remodeling group (BH; EDV > 500 mL, SV > 350 mL, EF > 66%) and a low cardiac remodeling group (BL;...
Integrating miRNA, mRNA, and Targeted Metabolomics Analyses to Explore the Regulatory Mechanism of Cardiac Remodeling in Yili Horses. Training not only enhances the athletic performance of horses but also improves cardiac structure and function, strengthens cardiovascular adaptability, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the consequences of training on equine cardiac structure and function remain unclear. This study investigated the morphological, functional, genetic, and metabolic changes in the hearts of Yili horses divided into three groups: high athletic performance (agility group, AG), low athletic performance (ordinary group, OG), and untrained (untrained group, UN). The results showed remodeling ...
Efficacy of acupuncture in racehorses: A review. Racehorses endure high physical demands, which often result in musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and reduced performance. Although conventional therapies are effective, competition-related drug regulations restrict their use. Acupuncture, rooted in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, has gained interest as a non-pharmacological alternative for managing pain, enhancing recovery, and promoting overall welfare in equine athletes. This review aims to critically evaluate the current evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture in racehorses, focusing on musculoskeletal pain management, post-exercise r...
The metabolomic profile of a high starch versus no starch diet in athletic horses. Feeding a high amount of starch-rich grains is common practice for performance horses even though the horse has evolved to eat a grass based, i.e. low starch diet. To our knowledge, there are no studies using metabolomics to investigate the effects of a high-starch diet in horses. In this study we investigated differences in the plasma metabolic profile of 6 Standardbred horses fed a no-starch, forage-only (F) diet or a high-starch forage-concentrate (FC) diet for 29 days, respectively in a cross-over design. Postprandial plasma samples were collected on the morning of day 25 of each dietary ...
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Differences in Athletic Ability in Racehorses Based on Whole Transcriptome Sequencing. This study aimed to compare blood samples from Yili horses with outstanding and average performance in 5000 m races through transcriptome sequencing, identify key differentially expressed genes, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, as well as related enriched pathways, and elucidate their regulatory networks. This study used six healthy four-year-old Yili stallions as subjects, divided into an excellent group (E group, = 3) and an ordinary group (O group, = 3) based on their 5000-m race performance. Blood RNA-Seq technology was used to analyze differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs. A total...
Plate fixation of small metacarpal and metatarsal bone fractures in 27 horses. To present fracture cases selected for plate fixation (PF), describe surgical techniques and assess their association with postoperative complications and return-to-work outcomes in horses undergoing PF for small metacarpal/metatarsal (SMCT) fractures. Methods: Multicenter retrospective study. Methods: A total of 27 horses. Methods: Horses treated with PF of a SMCT fracture between 2008 and 2023 across three hospitals were included. Medical records and imaging were reviewed. Long-term outcomes were established by readmission to the hospital, telephone interviews, and/or race records. Univariab...
Comparative analysis of miRNA expression in Yili horses pre- and post-5000-m race. Equine athletic performance is modulated by both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. As dynamic regulators of gene expression, MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a central role in the physiological response to exercise-induced stress18. This study focused on the top three elite Yili horses from a 5000-m race, collecting peripheral blood samples pre-race (group B) and post-race (group A). A longitudinal comparative analysis integrating miRNA omics profiling and target gene functional enrichment was performed. Nineteen miRNAs exhibited significant differential expression (10 upregulated, 9 downregulated), w...
Use of Artificial Intelligence to Detect Cardiac Rhythm Disturbances in Athletes: A Scoping Review. Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to enhance electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation in human medicine. In equine athletes, exercise-associated arrhythmias are common and linked to sudden cardiac death at rates higher than in humans. However, ECG interpretation in horses remains time-consuming and subjective, with the clinical relevance of mild rhythm disturbances often unclear. Objective: Evaluate the application of AI to ECG interpretation for arrhythmia detection, with emphasis on current and potential use in athletic species, particularly horses. Methods: About 17 studies we...
Accidents, Injuries, and Complications in Equine Sports Medicine Practice. The physical stresses on equine athletes are unique and differ across various disciplines. Recognizing these differences is essential for early detection of injuries and effective management of the competition horse's health. Equine sports medicine involves specific challenges and risks that can be reduced through proper care, careful attention to technique, and a deep understanding of the demands of each sport. Proper training, regular monitoring, and sport-specific expertise are crucial in preventing injuries and ensuring optimal performance. By focusing on these aspects, veterinarians and t...
Effects of oral and intravenous dimethylglycine treatment on hematobiochemical profiles and total oxidant/antioxidant status in low-intensity exercised horses. Dimethylglycine (DMG) may help delay muscle fatigue and prevent exercise-induced muscle damage in athletic animals. This study investigated the effects of intravenous and oral DMG on physiological, hematological, biochemical, blood gas, and oxidative stress parameters in exercising horses. In this study, 30 Turkish Arab saddle horses were randomly divided into three groups. Group A horses were injected intravenously with 15 mL (1500 mg) of a 10 % DMG twice daily for three days. Group B horses received 1500 mg DMG powder orally twice daily for three days, and group C (control) horses we...
Preliminary insights on the daily rhythm of CRP and IL-6 in athletic horses. Homeostasis and inflammation are two opposing physiological processes that are driven by the circadian clock. Objective: The study aim was to investigate the biological rhythm of the C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in horses. Methods: Eight clinically healthy Italian saddle gelding horses, housed in individual boxes and subjected to a natural 12/12 L/D cycle, were enrolled. Blood samples were performed every 4 hours over a 48-hour period. Results: A positive correlation was found between CRP and IL-6 on both days of monitoring. Both parameters showed a daily rhythm; CRP acrop...