Endurance in horses refers to the ability of these animals to sustain prolonged physical activity, often assessed in the context of endurance racing or long-distance riding. This capability is influenced by a combination of physiological, genetic, and environmental factors. Key aspects of equine endurance include cardiovascular efficiency, muscular stamina, and metabolic adaptations that allow for sustained energy production. Research in this area often focuses on the mechanisms of energy metabolism, the impact of training regimens, and the genetic markers associated with endurance performance. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the physiological, genetic, and environmental determinants of endurance in horses.
Training on deep sand is commonly employed in endurance horses, but its physiological adaptation remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to characterize locomotor adaptations during a 7 km controlled-speed canter on deep sand in eighteen endurance horses, to identify heart rate variability (HRV) components, and to investigate changes in hematological variables before and after exercise. Stride frequency (SF) and stride length (SL), HRV, and hematological profiles were recorded during exercise and recovery with a fitness tracker. Associations between maximum speed and locomotor parameter...
Brito G, Damián JP, Trigo P, Ruprechter G.The Raid Hípico Uruguayo (RHU) is the oldest equestrian endurance sport in Uruguay. A high percentage of horses fail to complete RHU rides. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether weather conditions (comfort index [CI]), horse experience, and ride distance affect horse performance (finishing ride [FR] or nonfinishing ride [NFR]) in the RHU. An additional objective was to determine whether finishing the ride affects the hematological and biochemical parameters of the horses. This study involved 17 RHU rides over distances of 60-90 km and 284 horses. Blood samples were tak...
