A 2.5 year study on health and locomotion symmetry in young Standardbred horses subjected to two levels of high intensity training distance.

This research focuses on understanding the impact of two different high-intensity training regimes on the health of Standardbred horses. The study reveals that reducing high-intensity training distance may lead to less training days lost, and introduction of new training can alter locomotion asymmetry in horses.

Study Design and Participants

• The research was conducted over a duration of 2.5 years involving sixteen Standardbred horses
• The horses were trained from the age of one, with an aim to get them ready for racing by the age of three.
• The training given was of two types: a control training program (C-group) and a reduced high-intensity program which was 30% less intensive than the control program (R-group).

Research Methodology

• Clinical examinations were carried out nine times through the course of the study.
• Locomotion asymmetry, which refers to inconsistencies in the movement patterns of horses, was measured seventeen times using a sensor-based system.

Findings of the Study

• There were no significant differences noted in health scores, locomotion asymmetry, or veterinary treatments between the two groups.
• Subjective lameness scores and front limb locomotion asymmetry increased during spring in both the 2 and 3-year-old horses after introduction of speed and uphill interval training, but decreased during winter.
• Hind limb locomotion asymmetry increased during spring in 2-year-old horses and remained above the initial level in December for 3-year-olds.
• Horses who qualified for races earlier showed less front limb locomotion asymmetry and lower lameness in clinical examinations than those who qualified later.
• Days lost to training, suggesting interruptions due to health issues or injuries, were higher in the C-group compared to the R-group (27% and 17%, respectively).

Conclusion

• The findings of the study suggest that reducing the intensity of training may lead to fewer training days being lost.
• The introduction of new aspects in training can potentially cause changes in locomotion asymmetry, indicating that objective locomotion analysis could be useful in monitoring effects of training changes.