Acclimation and acclimatisation of the equine athlete.

This article focuses on exploring the reaction of horses – referred to as ‘equine athletes’ – to various weather conditions like hot, humid, and dry, and their acclimation or acclimatisation to these situations. It also looks at how this has been a neglected field in previous research, with more recent interest being sparked due to concerns regarding horse welfare in major sporting events like the Olympics.

Understanding the Research Scenario

• The article begins by establishing the importance of acclimation and acclimatisation for humans and horses when it comes to performing standardised exercises in different weather conditions. Acclimation and acclimatisation refer to the process by which an organism adjusts to changes in its environment.
• Studies have shown that exercising in hot, humid conditions affects performance more negatively than hot, dry or cool scenarios. The article mentions two previous papers on the subject, implying the studying of it is not a new phenomenon, and that it’s well-known that this acclimation period is beneficial for humans to perform at their best.

Gap in the Literature

• However, the authors found that there were no studies about the acclimation or acclimatisation of horses to these different weather conditions prior to 1995. This presents a significant gap in the literature, one that the current research aims to address.

Prompt for Current Research

• The lack of information on horse acclimation and the welfare of horses at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games spurred an increase in studies on equine thermoregulation.
• Thermoregulation is the process that allows the body to maintain its core internal temperature, balancing heat production with heat loss. It’s crucial for enabling horses to effectively perform in different environmental conditions.
• The paper underlines the importance of considering this acclimation process while preparing horses for major sporting events like the Olympics, to ensure optimal performance and welfare.
• The authors review four papers written on the topic since 1995, indicating it is a growing field of interest.