A prospective study on fitness, workload and reasons for premature training ends and temporary training breaks in two groups of riding horses.

The study sought to understand how fitness and workload may impact the longevity of riding horses, examining the factors that can lead to premature training ends (PTEs) and temporary training breaks (TTBs). The researchers found an association between the fitness levels of horses and when injuries occur during the training period, but the workload itself wasn’t directly linked to premature training ends. Furthermore, it was observed that horses were more prone to injuries when breaks weren’t taken following minor injuries.

Methodology

• The researchers conducted a prospective 9-week training study involving two groups of horses. Group A consisted of 58 horses used for student equitation, amongst which 32 had prior training and 26 were untrained. Group B constituted 26 horses owned by two riding schools.
• Each horse completed a standardized exercise test (SET) at the beginning and end of the period to measure heart rate and speed, which would determine fitness levels.
• The health and workload of all the horses were monitored daily during the training period.

Findings

• In Group A, horses who had prior training exhibited lower heart rates on the first SET than untrained horses, indicating better fitness levels. This difference was less pronounced, albeit still present, by the end of the training period. Standardized workload across all horses did not yield any significant differences.
• However, 19% of the horses in Group A ended their training prematurely due to veterinary reasons. Interestingly, untrained horses exhibited this trend earlier in their training compared to trained ones.
• Premature training ends due to veterinary reasons were also more common in Group B, particularly in the horse group from one of the riding schools (school-II). In fact, despite these issues, over 60% of horses in school-II continued to be used in riding lessons. Fitness levels and workload did not significantly differ between school-I and school-II horses.
• Minor injuries without an immediate training break significantly preceded premature training ends in both group A and B.

Conclusion

• The research concludes that the level of fitness appears to play a key role in determining at what point in the training period injuries occur, rather than the workload itself.
• It was also found that injuries were more likely to occur if a temporary training break was not taken after minor injuries, stressing the importance of rest periods.
• Despite veterinary advice, many horses from Group B continued to be used in riding lessons after premature ends, which might indicate a discrepancy in welfare perceptions among riding school owners, potentially leading to serious welfare problems for the horses.