Heart rate in horses is a physiological parameter that reflects the number of heartbeats per minute. It is an important indicator of cardiovascular function and can be influenced by factors such as exercise, stress, excitement, and health status. Monitoring heart rate provides valuable insights into the horse's physical condition and can aid in assessing fitness levels or detecting potential health issues. In equine practice, heart rate is often measured using stethoscopes, heart rate monitors, or electrocardiograms. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the determinants, measurement techniques, and implications of heart rate variations in equine health and performance.
Smetzer DL, Senta T, Hensel JD.Each of nine horses was treated with amphetamine alone, with atropine alone, and with amphetamine and atropine in combination. Cardiac effects of these drugs were studied by electrocardiography during resting and exercising states and immediately after exercise. Although each treatment increased heart rate significantly during the resting state, only the amphetamine plus atropine treatment increased heart rate significantly during exercise. Decrease in heart rate immediately after exercise differed significantly for each treatment; the most rapid decrease in heart rate was found after the amph...
Witherington DH.The post-race heart rates have been recorded in 1,000 Thoroughbreds following Flat, Hurdle and Steeplechase races in varying climatic conditions and on 54 different British racecourses. The post-race deceleration of the heart rate, under racecourse conditions, was marked by an apparent three-phase recovery period. Reference is made to the normal heart sounds and to the relationship between the heart and respiratory rates.
Lees P, Tavernor WD.1. Ventricular ectopic beats were recorded in eight of thirteen conscious horses following the intravenous administration of adrenaline in doses of 3 mug/kg. Following pre-treatment with either atropine sulphate (0.1 mg/kg) or propranolol hydrochloride (0.1 mg/kg), the same dose level of adrenaline failed to produce ventricular ectopic beats.2. Halothane anaesthesia sensitized the equine heart to the arrhythmogenic actions of adrenaline; the incidence and duration of ventricular arrhythmias being greater than in conscious animals. In comparison with the findings in conscious horses, ether anae...
Lees P, Tavernor WD.1. In horses anaesthetized with halothane the intravenous administration of suxamethonium chloride, at a dose level of 0.2 mg/kg, produced a short-lived period of hypoventilation, which was associated with increases in arterial blood PCO(2) levels and in plasma concentrations of bicarbonate, sodium and potassium ions, and reductions in arterial blood pH and PO(2) values.2. The respiratory depressant action of suxamethonium chloride 0.2 mg/kg was accompanied by increases in blood pressure and heart rate. Doses of suxamethonium chloride 0.4 mg/kg produced similar but quantitatively greater chang...
Holmes JR, Alps BJ.The paper describes observations on the distributions of the P, QRS and T cardiac vectors in the horizontal plane in 377 apparently healthy horses. The possible usefulness of vectorcardiography in the clinical evaluation of cardiac function is briefly discussed.
Holmes JR, Alps BJ.Theoretical consideration has been given in two horses to the properties of the electric field created by the equine heart acting as a simple electric generator. The principles of the vectorial theory have been applied to test the validity of application of the dipole concept. The cardiac electric forces, althrough complex in the immediate region of the heart, appear at the body surface in a similar form to those arising from a relatively immobile, single equivalent dipole. The potential value of the technique of vectorcardiography in cardiological investigations is briefly discussed.
Sales NAA, Carvalho JRG, Littiere TO, Costa GB, Silva ACY, Rodriguez IDM, Castro CM, Anjos LS, Ottati ACM, Alcaide JA, Ramos GV, Ferraudo AS....Whole-body vibration (WBV) has the potential to enhance post-exercise recovery in humans. Heart rate variability (HRV), a well-established biomarker of cardiac autonomic regulation (CAR), provides insight into autonomic reactivity during recovery from exercise. Objective: To investigate CAR in healthy horses during post-exercise recovery following an acute intensive exercise bout (AIEB) with WBV intervention. Methods: A single AIEB was prescribed at velocities corresponding to lactate threshold (VLT), and the eight horses performed on treadmill with 5 % slope, 2 min at 110 % VLT followed by 3 ...
Janczarek I, Gazda I, Barłowska J, Kurnik J, Łuszczyński J.It is assumed that horses have a strong herd instinct that cannot be suppressed by any form of social support from humans. The aim of this study was to assess the behaviour and heart rate parameters of horses that received various forms of human support during short-term social isolation. The research material consisted of 12 clinically healthy recreational warmblood mares and geldings. The test was carried out four times. The research test consisted of two parts, which began in the presence of accompanying horses and under conditions of social isolation, with and without support provided by a...
Simões J, Santos AM, Santos C, Silva AS, Vintém C, Fonseca J, Coelho C.Show jumping is a popular and complex equestrian modality practiced by a athletes of different levels. However, most studies focus on elite athletes. Objective: The aim of this work was to assess the effect of a show jumping test (SJT), designed for novice athletes, on the physiological biomarkers and energy indexes of a group of horses, bred and trained in Portugal. Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, thirteen horses and their riders performed a SJT with obstacles set at 80 cm height using a heart rate monitor (M430 with H10 sensor). Physical examination and blood samples, for...
Sanigavatee K, Wonghanchao T, Poochipakorn C, Pongnarudech P, Suchairat T, Jitsopin S, Wanichayanon B, Sripiboon S, Chanda M.Long-distance road transport is known to be stressful for horses, with most research conducted in temperate climates. This study investigated horses' stress responses during long-distance transport before and after a jumping competition in a tropical environment. Ten healthy horses (aged 7.9 ± 1.9 years) were studied. Blood cortisol concentrations, haematology, and heart rate variability (HRV) were monitored during outbound (OTJ) and inbound journeys (INJ). Cortisol concentrations increased five minutes after unloading and remained elevated for up to 180 minutes in the OTJ (P < 0.05-0.001)...
Kroschel L, Pilger F, Aurich J, Nagel C, Aurich C.Horses in training are often stabled individually, but this is increasingly questioned. We have investigated the effects of different stabling systems in Warmblood stallions during a 12-week pretraining programme. Stallions were 24 months old and housed either in a group stable (Group 24, n = 9) or in individual boxes (Box 24, n = 10), or they were 30 months of age and housed in individual boxes (Box 30, n = 10). Cortisol, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), body development, injuries and selected behaviour patterns were analysed (1) at transfer from pasture to stable and (2) the...
Schneider MJ, Piotrowski IL, Junge HK, van Steenkiste G, Vernemmen I, van Loon G, Schwarzwald CC.Left atrial mechanical dysfunction is common in horses following the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to evaluate the use of an acoustic cardiography monitor (Audicor) in quantifying cardiac mechanical and hemodynamic function in horses with AF before and after treatment and to correlate these findings with echocardiographic measures. Twenty-eight horses with AF and successful transvenous electrical cardioversion were included. Audicor recordings with concomitant echocardiographic examinations were performed one day before, one day after, and two to seven days after card...
Wermer K, Korbacska-Kutasi O, Berkecz R, Csupor D, Ágh N, Sztojkov-Ivanov A, Cserhalmi D.Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown potential therapeutic benefits in veterinary medicine, but further investigations are needed to establish its pharmacokinetics and therapeutic dosing in horses and ponies. The present study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic properties of CBD in Connemara ponies following oral administration of CBD oil. Unassigned: Ten healthy ponies received a single oral dose of CBD oil at 2 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected before dosing and up to 16 days post-administration, with physical examinations conducted at baseline and at 8, 12, and 24 h post-dose. Addition...
Wonghanchao T, Sanigavatee K, Petchdee S, Chettaratanont K, Thongyen T, Wanichayanon B, Poochipakorn C, Chanda M.The physiological capabilities of horses begin to decline after they reach 15 years of age. However, some exceptionally talented horses can continue their sports careers beyond this age, raising concerns about their welfare. This study investigated animal welfare by observing resting heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) metrics in geriatric horses participating in similar training or physical activities compared to younger adult horses over 30 min periods. Forty-six horses of varying ages and activity levels were divided into four groups, including horses under 15 years practising ...
Faircloth J, Fielding L, Epstein K, Crabtree N, Mochal C, Magdesian G, Major D.To describe the clinical presentation of horses with synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (SDF) and identify clinical and laboratory variables associated with survival. Methods: Retrospective study from January 2004 to September 2022. Methods: Five large animal referral hospitals in the United States. Methods: Thirty-seven horses of various breeds and ages presenting with clinical signs of SDF, excluding animals participating in an endurance competition. All horses were >1 year of age. Methods: None. Results: Variables recorded and analyzed included signalment, clinical and laboratory data, trea...
Kisilevich Q, O'Connor SGP, Bayly WM, Léguillette R.To validate a single-lead ECG fitness tracker device (FT) against the reference multilead ECG recording device (RM) for heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) monitoring of horses during routine swimming. Unassigned: 40 race-fit Thoroughbred racehorses were used for 5 days in May 2024. Surface ECG recordings were obtained simultaneously from the FT and RM devices in horses swimming 63.65 m across a pool. Electrocardiograms were reviewed and artifacts corrected when necessary, and correlations were analyzed between the 2 devices for HR and HRV parameters. Descriptive statistics and Bland-Altm...
Jastrzębska E, Dobbek D, Pawłowska A.Back pain in horses is a frequent musculoskeletal issue that affects performance and welfare. Magnetotherapy has been proposed as a complementary, non-invasive treatment to reduce pain and support soft tissue recovery, but studies in horses remain limited. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of low-frequency pulsed magnetic field therapy on horses with hypersensitivity to palpation along the longissimus dorsi muscle. Four recreational horses participated in a 10-session magnetotherapy program, with changes assessed using palpation, neck flexibility tests, heart rate measurements and...
Mendoza Flores JE, Terrazas A, Lara Sagahon AV, Aleman M.Parasympathetic tone activity (PTA) and its association with behavior in conscious versus anesthesia in horses are unknown. Objective: To study PTA, heart rate (HR), minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) during castration under anesthesia. To study PTA, HR, Horse Grimace Scale (HGS), locomotor activity (LA), and behavior in conscious horses before and after castration. Methods: Pilot study including seven healthy adult horses. After habituation (days 1, 2, and 3), PTAm, HR, HGS, LA, and behavior were investigated during pre-surgery (days 4-, 5-, and one-hour pr...
Busechian S, Di Salvo A, Orvieto S, Rueca F, Villella C, Sollevanti G, Pieramati C, Nisi I, Della Rocca G.Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a worldwide disease described in different categories of animals. A causal relationship between exercise and EGUS has been suggested, attributed to stress as well as physiological changes in the position of abdominal organs, especially during trot and gallop. EGUS can influence athletic fitness, as has been described in various papers on racehorses. The aim of this work was to determine if gastric ulcer healing is associated with changes in selected fitness parameters (i.e., speed, heart rate during exercise and recovery, stride length and frequency) in ...
Nocera I, Cingottini D, Di Franco C, Sala G, Bindi F, Spadari A, Rinnovati R, Vitale V, Jose-Cunilleras E, Sgorbini M.Several studies investigated risk and prognostic parameters for horses with colic; however, the consensus is still debated. The present work aimed to investigate colic outcomes and to identify risk factors in horses referred for colic. In this multicenter retrospective study, 236 clinical records of equids referred for colic at three different equine centers were reviewed. The following data were collected: history, signalment, physical examination at the time of admission, hematological and biochemical analysis, diagnosis, SIRS status and 0-6 point-scale SIRS score, colic type, treatment atte...
Dundjerovic I, Sneddon LU.Animal welfare concerns both the physical and mental wellbeing of animals so the assessment of animals kept in captivity, for example zoos, is important and necessary both legally and ethically. Good welfare is especially vital when breeding endangered species as stress impairs reproductive investment. As zoos often have high numbers of visitors, it is important to know if humans and the associated noise might influence the animals' welfare. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of visitors and activities offered to the visitors caused a stress response in horses housed...
Avison A, Pyle WG, Sears W, Physick-Sheard PW.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...
Alexeenko V, Tavanaeimanesh H, Stein F, Gold J, Hughes L, McCue M, Marr C, Durward-Akhurst S, Jeevaratnam K.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...
Carroll AT, Reed RA, Berghaus LJ, McNabney D, Knych HK.To investigate the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) on thermal and mechanical thresholds and physiologic variables in horses. Unassigned: 6 horses (3 geldings and 3 mares) were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, masked crossover design from March 18 through May 3, 2025. Horses received 3.48 mg/kg CBD oil or placebo (sesame oil) orally every 24 hours for 3 days. Thermal and mechanical thresholds were determined at baseline and 4 and 12 hours after treatment administration on each day. Physiologic variables, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature, were recorded at the same...
Burns JJ, Stull J, John E, Doyle A.For horses presenting for colic to a referral hospital in Atlantic Canada, we aimed to describe clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome for draft breeds; identify associations between clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome for draft compared to nondraft breeds; and identify the overall impact of draft breed on mortality. Unassigned: A retrospective review of equine colic cases presenting to the Atlantic Veterinary College (2004 to 2023). Logistic regression models were used to assess associations between parameters and draft breed and mortality. Unassigned: A total o...
Hoh RL, Mama KR, Morales CJ, McKemie DS, Kass PH, Knych HK.To assess absorption after transdermal application of buprenorphine to different sites and assess behavioral, antinociceptive and adverse effects. It was hypothesized that the dose and site of transdermal buprenorphine administration would influence absorption, plasma drug concentrations, physiological, antinociceptive and behavioral effects in horses. Methods: Two-part study; prospective randomized balanced three-way crossover (study 1) and single-dose (study 2) experimental study. Methods: Six (study 1) and eight (study 2) horses, aged 3-14 years. Methods: In study 1, horses were administere...
Atayde MF, Vidondo B, Bruckmaier R, Freymond SB, Sieme H, Rey-Kaeser R, Burger D.In-hand breeding involving restraint methods is likely the most common practice in the horse breeding industry worldwide. However, welfare issues that arise from such management have not been investigated in detail. Objective: (1) To investigate whether the mares show increased stress responses during in-hand breeding using (a) a lip twitch and (b) hobbles. (2) To evaluate if the use of restraint methods influences the mare's expression of oestrous behaviour. Methods: Intra-individual cross-over design. Methods: Six Franches-Montagnes stallions and 10 warmblood mares were used in these experim...
Poochipakorn C, Sanigavatee K, Leelehapongsathon K, Wonghanchao T, Chanda M.The impact of climate conditions and stable design on horses housed in individual stalls plays a significant role in their well-being, especially in tropical climates. Limited information exists regarding their conditions during the monsoon season. Objective: This study focused on the stable microclimate and autonomic regulation of horses kept in different stable architectures during the monsoon in a tropical setting. Methods: Twenty-two horses were assigned to one of three stable designs, each offering unique microclimates, including relative humidity, air temperature, and various levels of n...
Čebulj-Kadunc N, Frangež R, Kruljc P.The aim of the study was to determine the fluctuations of selected physiological parameters in young Lipizzan stallions ( = 10) during the initial phase of their training as indicators of adaptation to a graded exercise load and stress exposure. For this purpose, four exercise tests (ExT) with lunging were carried out over a period of one year. Physiological parameters (gait speed, heart and respiratory rate (HR and RR), rectal and body surface temperature (RT and BST), and cortisol and lactate concentration (CORT and LAC)) were measured before and after training. In all ExT, gait speeds incre...
Ergin HK, Bekdik İK, van den Hoven R, Onmaz AC.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...
Söderroos D, Stefánsdóttir GJ, Ragnarsson S, Gunnarsson V, Jansson A.Weight-carrying capacity is important in riding horses both for performance and welfare, yet there is no standardized method to estimate individual horses' weight-carrying capacity. This study investigated the correlation between the physiological response during a (i) standardized incremental exercise test (SET) on a treadmill and a (ii) ridden incremental weight-carrying exercise test (WET). Sixteen horses (15 ± 3 years) performed both tests, including four steps with increased speed or weight load, respectively. Body weight ratio (BWR) in the WET was 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35% in each st...
Dufourni A, Demeyere M, Vernemmen I, Van Steenkiste G, Verhaeghe LM, van Loon G, Decloedt A.Administration of N-butylscopolammonium bromide (NBB) with metamizol sodium (NBBM) causes tachycardia and hypertension, and has been associated with accentuated cardiac murmurs. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a pharmacological challenge using NBBM on valvular regurgitation and cardiac murmurs in horses with aortic (AR) and mitral valve regurgitation (MR). Methods: Twenty Warmblood horses with AR and 20 with MR. Methods: Cardiac auscultation and two-dimensional (2D), M-mode, color flow, pulsed wave Doppler flow, and tissue Doppler echocardiography were performed with simultaneous ECG reco...
Park T, Hong S, Murray L, Lee J, Shah A, Mesa JC, Lee H, Couetil L, Lee CH.Continuous physiological monitoring is well-established in human healthcare for early disease detection and management. However, translation of these technologies to large animals such as equines remains underdeveloped due to anatomical constraints, dense hair coat coverage, and requirements for unimpeded mobility. Equines, particularly racehorses, are prone to asthma and cardiovascular abnormalities, with nearly 80 % affected by mild to moderate asthma, impacting performance and long-term health. Despite the need for continuous monitoring, existing solutions require shaving hairs, often lack...
Brauns M, Ali A, Berger J, McLean A.Small stalls and regulated feedings restrict horses' natural foraging and locomotion, increasing risks to welfare. Environmental enrichment may promote more naturalistic behavioral time budgets, yet little is known about how enrichment type or timing affects physiology and behavior. This study examined nine stabled Quarter Horses provided with hay feeders, activity balls, or mirrors across randomized trials. Each trial included 30 min observations, four times per day, with enrichment removed between sessions and 5-day washouts between trials. Nightwatch Smart Halters™ recorded heart and resp...
Wonghanchao T, Sanigavatee K, Pongnarudech P, Suchairat T, Jitsopin S, Wanichayanon B, Rattanakarn D, Jantakanangkoon P, Jaraswutiwong T, Kalanuson N....Horses competing in eventing competitions encounter significant challenges that increase their risk of severe injuries and metabolic disorders. Numerous studies have focused on the risk of such injuries and disorders during the cross-country segment. While one study has examined autonomic responses during this segment, research on these responses across all three phases of competition, particularly during one-day events, is still limited. The objective of this study was to analyse the autonomic responses of horses by measuring heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) during three exerc...
Aarts RM, Smit IH, Ferraz GC, Rhodin M, Serra Braganca FM, Hernlund E.Assessment of equine metabolic and locomotory responses to quantified levels of physical exercise is needed to support the creation of tailored protocols for optimal training adaptation. The locomotory response to exercise in horses is not fully understood. Objective: To investigate the effect of a standardised exercise test (SET) on upper-body and limb kinematics and stride-to-stride variability in Standardbred Warmblood trotters. Methods: Experimental repeated-measures field study. Methods: Thirteen Standardbred trotters, equipped with nine inertial measurement units (IMUs), performed an inc...
