Exercise in horses encompasses the physical activities that horses engage in, either through natural behaviors or structured training programs. These activities impact a horse's musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, influencing overall health and performance. Exercise can vary in intensity, duration, and frequency, and its effects are studied to understand conditioning, endurance, and recovery processes in equines. Research in this field often focuses on the physiological adaptations to different types of exercise, the prevention of exercise-related injuries, and the optimization of training regimens for various equestrian disciplines. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the physiological, biomechanical, and health-related aspects of exercise in horses.
David JS, McCullagh KG.A large anastomosis of the spermatic artery and vein is described. This was found while surgically removing an abdominal testis. Before surgery the animal wanted to rear after exercise and could not stand on 3 legs for any length of time while being shod. This unusual behaviour disappeared after removal of the mass. The performance and conformation of the horse has also greatly improved.
Schryver HF, Hintz HF, Lowe JE.The effect of exercise on the pathways of metabolism of 40Ca and 47Ca was studied in 4 yearling Standardbred horses in 4 consecutive treatment periods: (1) no exercise, (2) trotting 16 km/day, (3) trotting 10 km/day, and (4) no exercise. Metabolic balance studies and studies of 47Ca kinetics were conducted during the final week of each month-long treatment period. The urinary excretion of 40Ca and 47Ca decreased 50% to 75% during the exercise periods. Retention of 47Ca increased during the exercise periods, but the retention of dietary Ca (40Ca) did not change. The efficiency of Ca absorption ...
Robinson NE, Sorenson PR.Obstruction of the upper and lower airways is common in horses. In the upper airway, paresis of abductor muscles of the nares and larynx allows inspiratory collapse of soft tissues, which is accentuated by factors increasing upper airway resistance and by high inspiratory flow rates. Intrapulmonary airway obstruction occurs due to accumulation of secretions, release of chemical mediators in response to a variety of stimuli, and parasympathetic stimulation of airways. Obstruction of large airways increases the work of breathing, whereas obstruction of small airways may cause no measurable incre...
Schryver HF.Bending properties of samples of cortical bone taken from the cranial, caudal, medial, and lateral quadrants of the midshaft of the radius, femur, and metacarpus of 12 ponies, 18 months old, were determined by 4-point loading at a rate of 10 mm/minute. The elastic modulus for all samples was between 16.2 and 20.2 GN/m2, and the ultimate breaking strength, between 204 and 255 MN/m2. There was greater variation in these properties between bone quadrants than between bones. Samples from the cranial and medial quadrants of both femur and radius were stiffer and had greater ultimate breaking streng...
Hörnicke H, von Engelhardt W, Ehrlein HJ.Carotid loops were prepared in 3 horses several months prior to the experiments. Systemic blood pressure was recorded at rest and during exercise by insertion of a plastic cannula into the carotid artery. The pressure transducer was fixed at the neck of the animal. The blood pressure signal was transmitted by telemetry. When the horses were standing under the rider, the following results were obtained: heart rate 38 +/- 5 beats-min-1, systolic pressure 115 +/- 15, disstolic pressure 83 +/- 10, mean pressure 97 +/- 12, and pulse pressure 32 +/- 9 mm Hg. During steady gallop at a mean speed of 5...
Snow DH, Mackenzie G.The effects of prolonged cantering before and after a 10 week training programme were studied in 6 horses. Determinations were carried on on venous blood for packed cell volume, glucose, glycerol, free fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, 11-hydroxycorticosteroids, pH and pCO2. Exercise caused a slight increase in glucose, lactate and pH, a moderate rise in PCV, glycerol and free fatty acids, and a marked rise in 11-hydroxycorticosteroids. A decrease in venous pCO2 occurred and a slight but not significant decrease in beta-hydroxybutyrate. Training was found to cause no significant difference in...
Snow DH, Mackenzie G.The effects of intermittent maximal exercise (galloping) before and after a 10 week training programme were studied in 6 horses. Determinations were carried out on venous blood for packed cell volume, total plasma protein, glucose, glycerol, free fatty acids, lactate, 11-hydroxycorticosteroids, blood gases and pH. There were marked changes associated with galloping and some of these could be modified with training. The major findings included (i) an elevated blood glucose, (ii) a large increase in glycerol, which was greatest at 30 min post-exercise and was higher following training, (iii) sma...
Colles CM, Hickman J.Macroscopic, microscopic and radiological examinations of the navicular bones of 83 horses and ponies showed that the navicular bone in the adult horse has 2 principal routes of blood supply. One supply is present at birth, the other develops within the first 2 to 3 years of life, in response to increasing activity. The size of the nutrient foramina, as seen on radiographs, is related to the type, frequency and regularity of work done by the horse. These foramina are normally conical in shape, alteration to a circular, or mushroom-shape being evidence of occlusive vascular disease in the navic...
Guy PS, Snow DH.1. Percutaneous needle biopsies were obtained from six limb muscles in six horses before and during a training programme of 10 or 15 weeks designed to involve both aerobic and anaerobic work. In a subsequent detraining period, biopsies were also taken after 5 and 10 weeks. 2. Samples were analysed biochemically for enzyme activity of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aldolase (ALD), citrate synthase (CS), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and for glycogen content. Fibre typing was carried out histochemically before and 10 weeks after c...
Rose RJ, Purdue RA, Hensley W.The effects of prolonged strenous exercise on the plasma concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, bicarbonate, phosphate, albumin, cholesterol, glucose, creatinine, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, creatine phosphokinase, lactic dehydrogenase and asparate amino transferase were studied in a group of 26 horses competing in an endurance ride. There were significant changes in most parameters, when control values were compared with those taken immediately after the ride. There was also a significant correlation between several biochemical parameters and heart rate taken 30 minutes ...
Lykkeboe G, Schugaard H, Johansen K.Effects of training and exercise on blood respiratory properties were investigated in standard-bred race horses. Training caused an increase in the circulating O2 capacity at rest from 18.4 to 21.0 vol%, and in the O2 capacity during exercise from 24.9 to 30.3 vol%. An increase in the in vitro oxygen affinity [P50(PH 7.4, 37.9 degrees C)] of about 2 mm Hg correlated with a decrease in the red cell concentration of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) from 6.35 mM-1-1(E), erythrocytes. Trained horses also showed an acute lowering of the red cell DPG concentration after maximal exercise. The physiologic...
Mason DK, Kwok HW.Haematological and biochemical values were determined in 2 groups of flat-race horses, which were trained on the same track in Hong Kong. The first group comprised 217 horses (435 blood samples) from various training strings. The second group, 66 horses (309 blood samples) were from one string kept under similar managemental conditions, but given salts by stomach tube 8 hours before blood sampling. Both groups were sub-divided to show the efs, thus confirming work by other authors. The lower haematological values in the group of horses given salts were discussed and the effect of water retenti...
Hill G, Atkins R, Littlejohn A, Kruger JM, Bowles F.A robust low cost portable radiotelemetry system is described for the horse and its method of operation and advantages briefly discussed. The equipment consisted of 2 electrodes forming a bipolar lead, a transmitter, a receiver and a writing device. The sitting, application and immobilising of the electrodes was a most important factor in obtaining good quality recordings. ECGs were recorded at all paces and also while jumping and the results proved satisfactory.
Littlejohn A, Kruger JM, Bowles F.The relationship of velocity (v) to heart rate (HR)and of kinetic energy (KE) to heart rate, were investigated in 6 normal horses and in 6 horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary, disease (COPD). Radiotelemetry was used to determine the heart rate while subjects were ridden on a 400m track. Velocity was measured by stop-watch between 2 markers 50 m apart at the end of the track. Kinetic energy was calculated from the formula KE =1/2 Mv2, where M = mass of horse, rider, saddle and bridle (KG) and V = velocity (metres per second). In all subjects, the relationship of velocity to heart rate was...
Beech J, Dubielzig R, Bester R.Periodic episodes of diffuse central nervous system disease occurred in a yearling Thoroughbred gelding that had a history of frequent respiratory tract disease and stunted growth. Hepatic encephalopathy was diagnosed on the basis of history, clinical signs, prolonged bromsulphalein clearance, and increased blood ammonia content. Because of the poor prognosis and recurrent clinical signs the horse was euthanatized. Necropsy revealed an arteriovenous anomaly and thrombosis of the portal vein. Histologically, there was diffuse primary astrocytosis of the brain.
Skarda RT, Muir WW, Milne DW, Gabel AA.Five healthy, mature, previously trained Standardbred horses were given no exercise (left in a stall) for 4 months, then jogged (slow exercise) for 3 weeks, and placed in a 6-week training period. Cardiac variables were measured at the beginning of training and after 14, 20, 35, and 42 days of training before and at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after a 1.8-km (in 3:12 +/- 2 seconds) standard, submaximal exercise test on a deep 0.53-km track. There was no significant change during the 6-week conditioning period in the following variables at rest or at any of the times observed during recovery...
Pratt GW, O'Connor JT.The force plate can measure a wide range of effects in the horse. The same instrument can record forces from more than a ton in the galloping animal to 25 g associated with the action of the heart. In all probability, the force plate will develop into a valuable clinical instrument.
Pfaff G.In South Africa 2,41% of horses bleed in a race. If all raced until they were 7 years old probably another 2,12% would bleed. Many others bleed after the race or during exercise or at rest. The incidence of epistaxis is significantly greater in geldings than in females and uncastrated males (P less than 0,001). There is an age distribution of bleeding which is highest at 4 years and lowest at 2 years of age (P less than 0,001).
Milne DW, Skarda RT, Gabel AA, Smith LG, Ault K.Effects of training at a regular, fixed, standard exercise load on venous lactic acid, mixed venous and arterial blood gases and pH, and serum muscle enzymes were determined on previously unconditioned, healthy, adult, Standardbred horses. Arterial and mixed venous blood gases, pH, and serum muscle enzymes did not change in a consistent manner during training. Venous lactic acid concentrations did increase significantly with training and may be of value for the biochemical evaluation of fitness in horses.
Anderson MG.The distribution of lactic dehydrogenase, aldolase and creatine kinase in various horse tissues was determined. Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis the lactic dehydrogenase and creatine kinase isoenzyme composition of horse serum, taken before and after exercise, was studied. Horse tissue isoenzyme patterns were also obtained. By comparing tissue and serum patterns, skeletal muscle was found to be the tissue of origin of the increase in serum lactic dehydrogenase and creatine kinase observed after exercise.
Miglio A, Falcinelli E, Mezzasoma AM, Busechian S, Rueca F, Gresele P, Antognoni MT.Physical exercise has an activating effect on platelet function that differs between trained and untrained subjects, depending on the type of exercise and training status. In humans, soluble P-selectin (sP-sel) and platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs) are considered reliable markers of platelet activation during exercise. In untrained humans, they increase after transient physical exercise, whereas long-term training induces a decrease in their resting levels due to an improved ability to adapt to hemodynamic changes. The aim of this study was to assess whether circulating levels of...
Scholler D, Wittenberg J, Zablotski Y, May A.The public perception relating to the welfare of horses involved with equestrian sports is associated with training methods used and the presentation of horses at events. In this context, very tight nosebands, which are intended to prevent the horse from opening its mouth, also attract a lot of attention. Various studies have evaluated the impact of tight nosebands on stress parameters, whereas the effect of tight nosebands on upper airway function is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the study was to use overground endoscopy to evaluate changes in pharyngeal and laryngeal function when a tight n...
Amiri Roudbar M, Rosengren MK, Mousavi SF, Fegraeus K, Naboulsi R, Meadows JRS, Lindgren G.Elite performing exercise requires an intricate modulation of the blood pressure to support the working muscles with oxygen. We have previously identified a genomic regulatory module that associates with differences in blood pressures of importance for elite performance in racehorses. This study aimed to determine the effect of the regulatory module on the protein repertoire. We sampled plasma from 12 Coldblooded trotters divided into two endothelial regulatory module haplotype groups, a sub-elite performing haplotype (SPH) and an elite performing haplotype (EPH), each at rest and exercise. Th...
Tippen SP, Metzger CE, Sacks SA, Allen MR, Mitchell CF, McNulty MA.Bisphosphonates are widely used in equine athletes to reduce lameness associated with skeletal disorders. Widespread off-label use has led to concern regarding potential negative effects on bone healing, but little evidence exists to support or refute this. Objective: To investigate the influence of clinically relevant doses of tiludronate on bone remodelling and bone healing. Methods: Randomised, controlled in vivo experiments. Methods: Each horse had a single tuber coxae biopsied (Day 0), then were divided into a treatment (IV tiludronate) or control (IV saline) group. Treatments were admini...
Schumacher A, Gehlen H.This literature review analyzes the historical development of polo, its organizational structure, the course of the game, as well as the breeding, rearing, and training practices of polo horses. Frequently occurring ailments, such as musculoskeletal injuries, respiratory diseases, and internal illnesses, are highlighted. Lameness is a major problem, with injuries to the superficial digital flexor tendon being the most common cause. Other notable diseases include exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), myositis, rhabdomyolysis, and equine infectious anemia (EIA). To ensure the welfare of ...
Shawaf T.Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in racehorses. Many EIPH risk factors such as breed, age, high or low environmental temperature, and distance of the race have been studied in racehorses. Unassigned: The aim of this study was to study the relationship between EIPH and the presence of jugular vein thrombose in racehorses. Unassigned: Forty-eight thoroughbred racehorses randomly selected from animals with exercise intolerance due to respiratory disorders were enrolled in the present study. Clinical and tracheobronchoscopy examinations w...
Stellmack JM, Logan AA, Higgins AH, Hoffman RM.Periods of limited activity during semester break may reduce performance during return to ridden work. This study evaluated fitness and muscling of horses when returning to work, following a 12-week period during which horses either continued (conditioned) or discontinued (non-conditioned) ridden work. It was hypothesized that non-conditioned horses would have a lower level of fitness, resulting in higher resting and peak heart rates and lower levels of muscling. Twelve mature, stock type horses aged 16 ± 5 years were assigned to either a conditioned group that maintained light-to-moderate ri...
Graham-Thiers P, Bowen K.Eight geldings weighing 544 ± 16 kg were used to evaluate feeding a postexercise protein meal on plasma amino acids during recovery. Horses were fed sweet feed, corn, grass hay and equal amounts of a protein pellet (32% CP) with meals (MP group) or postexercise (EP group). Horses exercised 1-2 h/day, 5 days/week, for 12 weeks. A pre and poststudy 4 days total urine and feces collection was conducted. Urine and fecal samples were analyzed for nitrogen (N) to calculate N balance. Blood samples were drawn immediately after and at 1 and 3 h postexercise at the start and end of the stud...
Kapusniak A, Nath L, Hebart M, Franklin S.Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an important cause of exercise-associated fatalities in Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine deaths share similarities with fatalities in human athletes that result from inherited cardiac disease. Whilst genetic causes have been postulated in horses, these have not been confirmed and heritability of SCD has not previously been estimated in Thoroughbred racehorses. Objective: To determine the heritability of SCD in a sample population of Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Retrospective case-control study. Methods: Steward and post-mortem reports of Thoroughbred racehorse...
Jobst ID, Zsoldos RR, Licka TF.Equine physiotherapy commonly includes basic exercises such as walking backward (BW) and voluntary lifting of single limbs (SLL), but trunk movements during these have not been studied. In order to compare the trunk kinematics during BW and SLL with forward walking (FW), nine horses were measured in FW, BW and during SLL triggered by tactile cue. Kinematics were obtained from skin markers captured by ten high-speed video cameras. Trunk angles were calculated in sagittal and horizontal planes from withers, dorsal to spinous processes of the 16th thoracic vertebra (T16), 2nd and 4th sacral verte...
Puccetti M, Pilati N, Beccati F, Denoix JM.To describe the clinical diagnosis, ultrasound findings, and outcome of 11 endurance horses with injuries to the serratus ventralis thoracis (SVT) or serratus ventralis cervicis (SVC) muscle. Methods: 11 endurance horses competing in medium- to high-level competitions and presenting with lameness caused by injuries to the SVT or SVC muscle, as confirmed by ultrasonography. Methods: Physical examinations revealed swelling caudal to the shoulder region associated with dorsocranial displacement of the scapula and edema of the ventral thorax for horses with SVT injuries. Swelling cranial to the sc...
Takahashi K, Mukai K, Ebisuda Y, Sugiyama F, Yoshida T, Hatta H, Kitaoka Y.Evidence suggests that positive pacing strategy improves exercise performance and fatigue tolerance in athletic events lasting 1-5 min. This study investigated muscle metabolic responses to positive and negative pacing strategies in Thoroughbred horses. Eight Thoroughbred horses performed 2 min treadmill running using positive (1 min at 110% maximal O uptake [V̇Omax], followed by 1 min at 90% V̇Omax) and negative (1 min at 90% V̇Omax, followed by 1 min at 110% V̇Omax) pacing strategies. The arterial-mixed venous O difference did not significantly differ between the two strategies. Pl...
Lashkari S, Beblein C, Christensen JW, Jensen SK.High-starch diets may affect equine hindgut microbiota and increase blood glucose levels, which may cause unwanted physiological changes, but may also elicit behavioural changes such as increased fear reactions. The purpose of the current study was to feed a high starch (300) and low fat (43; HS_LF) or a low starch (60) and high fat (85; LS_HF, g/kg of DM) concentrate within the available commercial range and investigate how muscle endurance and fear reactions of horses respond to different diets. Twenty Danish Warmblood stallions (4 years) were randomly allocated to two treatments: LS_HF (nâ€...
Leishman EM, Sahar M, Cieslar S, Darani P, Ellis JL.To properly formulate diets, the ability to accurately estimate feed intake is critical as the amount of feed consumed will influence the amount of nutrients delivered to the animal. Inaccurate intake estimates may lead to under- or over-feeding of nutrients to the animal. Individual differences in equine forage intake are well-known, but predictive equations based on animal and nutritional factors are not comprehensive. The objective of the present study was to consolidate the current body of knowledge in the published literature on voluntary forage DM intake (VFDMI) in equines and conduct a ...
Bogossian PM, Pereira JS, da Silva NF, Hilgert AR, Seidel SRT, Fülber J, Belli CB, Fernandes WR.Exercise intensity is prone to be self-regulated in horses exercising freely. The main drivers include social, feeding and escape behaviors, as well as the operant conditioning. We hypothesized that self-regulated exercise intensity may increase due to the presence of another horse exercising ahead. Seven horses were assigned to a 2x2 crossover trial following treadmill familiarization. Video images of a trotting horse were displayed on the wall in front of the experimental unit (Visual), which was positioned in the treadmill. Physiological and behavioral markers were further compared with a c...
Graham-Thiers PM, Bowen LK.Twelve horses weighing 570 ± 35 kg were split into two groups (standard protein, STD, and balanced protein, BAL) to evaluate the effect of balanced vs. unbalanced protein on muscle mass. Groups were fed grass hay and a 12% CP feed (one formulated for balanced protein). Horses were out of work for 14 wk prior and participated in 1 to 2 h of light-to-moderate exercise 5 d/wk for 12 wk. A 4-d total urine and feces collection period was conducted at the start and end of the study. Urine and feces samples were analyzed for nitrogen (N) to calculate N balance. Muscle mass status was evalua...
Knych HK, Blea J, Scollay M, Kass PH, McKemie DS.Ethanol, a central nervous system depressant and banned substance in horseracing, has reportedly been administered to horses prior to competition to "calm a horse's nerves." In this study, the pharmacokinetics of two metabolites of ethanol were studied to better understand the behavior of this compound in the horse and provide a scientific basis for regulation of its administration. Six horses received a single intravenous (30 mL; 1200 mg) and oral (90 mL; 3600 mg) administration of ethanol (vodka, 40% ABV) in a balanced cross-over design. Blood and urine samples were collected at vari...
Caure S, Dendauw P, Thesee L, Villedey E, Malinvaud A, Cousty M, Prie V, Horan K, Weller R.There is a paucity of scientific data on the effect of shoeing on equine neck and back kinematics during locomotion over commonly used sand training surfaces. A better appreciation of how alterations at hoof-ground interface influence equine upper body movements is relevant for improving horse's health and performance. Our objectives were to determine the effects of different shoeing conditions on equine neck and back kinematics at walk and trot in straight line over sand. Two-dimensional kinematic video analysis was performed under seven shoeing conditions: front feet shod with aluminum shoes...
Van Mol B, Oosterlinck M, Janssens S, Buys N, Pille F.Various environmental and genetic risk factors are linked to the pathogenesis of equine osteochondrosis and osteochondral fragments in the fetlock joint. Therefore, a scoping review was conducted to describe current evidence linking genetic factors and environmental factors of these osteochondral disorders. This article constitutes the first part of this scoping review and focuses on environmental factors, with the second part addressing genetic factors. To identify potentially relevant papers online bibliographical databases PubMed and Web of Science were utilised, supplemented with articles ...
Pereira AT, Pozzobon R, Dos Anjos BL, Chaves LT, Smilgys ÉC, Thoma AJS, Lunkes VL, de Oliveira JS, de Andrade CM, Soares JCM.Criollo breed is quite popular in Brazil, mainly in the Southern Region, and the long loop rodeo is one of the main sports modality adapted to this breed. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in the muscle and oxidative functions caused by exercises practiced in this sports modality. Data such as exercising frequency, covered distance, mean duration time and number of runs, and blood samples at the following times: before the tournament, on the final day of the event, and 18-24 h after the end of the tournament were collected. Were assessed lactate and the enzymes aspartate aminotra...
Biau S, Pycik E, Boichot L, Berg LC, Ruet A.Health and performance of vaulting horses cantering with reins might be affected by rein tensions. The primary aim of this present study was to measure rein and lunge line tensions in international-level vaulting horses with several types of reins adjusted in accordance with the requirements of the FEI Vaulting Rules and study the effect of reins types on it. The secondary aim was to evaluate behavioural signs of discomfort under the same conditions and study the effect of reins types on it. The relationship between tensions and behavioural signs of discomfort was then explored. Thirty-nine in...
Pereira AT, Pozzobon R, Dos Anjos BL, Kunz AR, Chaves LT, Smilgys EC, Andrade BDS, Lunkes VL, de Andrade CM, Costa MM.Long-loop rodeo is a major competition for Criollo horses. We aimed to feature long-loop tournaments and to assess the profiles of competing horses. The animals (n = 49) were registered, and their body mass/scores, information about breeding, feeding, and training management, loaded weight, and tournament track (n = 11) were collected; speeds reached were estimated. Heart and respiratory rates of horses (n = 27) were collected before the tournament, on the final day of the event, and 18-24 h after the end of the tournament. Blood samples were collected from the animals at the same time. Blood ...
Farmer Long J, Duberstein J, Costin K, Callaway T, Abrams A, Wassel B, Toal K, Duberstein K.Pasture tracks are a modern equine housing trend often implemented as a weight control strategy due to the belief that they promote movement, though this is not proven experimentally. To test movement of horses housed in pasture tracks as compared to conventional pasture housing, two experiments were performed using a track (0.2ha, 3.5m in width, 561 m total distance) created around the perimeter of a 2.0 ha pasture. In experiment 1, eight horses were paired and rotated between three treatment locations: track (T), small 2 ha pasture housed within the track (SP), and a larger 20 ha pasture on ...
Davis MS, Bayly WM, Hansen CM, Barrett MR, Blake CA.The intracellular environment of skeletal muscle can develop pronounced hyperthermia and acidosis during strenuous exercise, and these alterations in the typical intracellular conditions have been shown to alter mitochondrial respiration. However, the impact of these conditions on ATP synthesis is poorly understood. We used Thoroughbred racehorses to test the hypothesis that both hyperthermia and acidosis decrease the rate of ATP synthesis, but that athletic conditioning mitigates this loss of phosphorylation capacity. Isolated mitochondria were harvested from skeletal muscle before and after ...
Munsterman AS, Rogers-Tirado JM, Kottwitz J.To evaluate the effect of hand walking exercise on myoelectrical activity and contractility in normal, healthy horses. Methods: Prospective experimental design. A convenience sample of 8 horses were randomized to a control or hand walking treatment group; each horse underwent both treatments. After a 30-minute baseline electrointestinography (EIG), horses were stall rested or hand walked for 15 minutes. Electrointestinography was repeated immediately and at 2 hours. Ultrasonography and auscultation monitored cecal and left ventral colon (LVC) contractions during EIG. Electrointestinography spe...
Herbst AC, Puglia AT, Malinowski K, McKeever KH.The objective of this study was to determine if calcium propionate is an alkalizing agent in exercising Standardbreds and if it alters plasma glucose and serum insulin concentrations. This study used a randomized crossover design to test the hypotheses that calcium propionate alters total CO2 (tCO), Ca, pH, strong ion difference (SID), glucose, and insulin in Standardbreds completing a simulated race test (SRT) on a high-speed equine treadmill. Blood was collected from eight horses (mean age ± SD = 16 ± 2.7 years; range = 13 - 21 years) at 10 and 5 min prior to treatment or control administr...
King MR, Colla S.Rehabilitation following muscle injury is critical in restoring the equine athlete to full function. Rehabilitation protocols should be tailored to each patient's global functional assessment, taking into account sports-specific demands, goals for return-to-performance, and overall prognosis. Rehabilitation protocols are often designed to modulate pain, enhance repair, improve proprioception, increase flexibility, restore muscle strength, joint range-of-motion, and neuromotor control. This article will review mechanisms of muscle injury, various physical modalities commonly employed in the reh...
Myćka G, Ropka-Molik K, Cywińska A, Stefaniuk-Szmukier M.Among numerous genes that have been a focus of equine genetic research, the (Klotho) and (Alpha-actinin-3) genes stand out due to their significant roles in muscle function and overall health, as well as performance ability. Previous studies on Arabian horses and other mammalians have shown that both and occur in different isoforms that seem to have different roles in metabolism. The main purpose of this present study was to describe different isoforms (, , , , , ) expression levels affected by the endurance effort in Arabian horses. Methods: Blood samples were taken from a group of = 10 ...
Boozarjomehri Amnieh S, Hassanpour A, Moghaddam S, Sakhaee F, Ropka-Molik K.The gene is vital for fatty acid metabolism and is linked to environmental stress and physical exertion adaptation. The p.Asp237Ser variant (rs782885985) in is associated with increased enzyme activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. This study examined the polymorphism across six horse breeds in Iran: Arabian, Thoroughbred, KWPN, Caspian, Kurdish, and Turkmen. The goal was to identify differences in genotype distribution, potentially serving as genetic markers under selection pressure related to breed-specific traits. In a sample of 324 horses, genomic DNA was analyzed using PCR...
McGowan C.Traumatic muscle injuries are likely to be frequent in athletic horses yet are often overlooked. These injuries usually involve internal (intrinsic) trauma, and particularly occur in athletic horses exercising at higher intensities, at unaccustomed workloads, or performing work requiring sudden acceleration, deceleration, and/or direction changes. These injuries can present with signs ranging from acute pain and lameness in a localized region to unexplained elevations of muscle enzymes on routine blood tests with or without poor performance. They include exercise-induced muscle damage such as ...
