Application of V200 values for evaluation of training effects in the young thoroughbred under field conditions.

The research explored the use of an incremental exercise test (V200) to assess training effects in young racehorses in real-world conditions. The study found that V200, which measures running speed at a specific heart rate, is a useful and practical tool for evaluating the progress of horse training.

Objective of the Study

• The primary aim of this investigation was to explore the potential application of an incremental exercise test, known as V200, in evaluating the training progress of young thoroughbred horses in field conditions. V200 denotes the running velocity of a horse when its heart rate reaches 200 beats per minute.

Methodology

• The researchers carried out tests on 112 two-year-old thoroughbred horses over a period of four years.
• The study focused on determining the correlation between the heart rate (HR) and running velocity (V), the impact of the track and the rider’s weight on the V200, the reproducibility of V200, and the changes in V200 as the training progressed.

Findings

• High correlation coefficients were discovered between HR and V, as well as V200 among horses that were smooth during transitions in gait and that could accelerate in a calm, non-exitable state.
• The research found that V200 outcomes were statistically significant and reproducible given consistent conditions.
• Furthermore, the team observed that the regression lines between HR and V declined in parallel as the training advanced.
• The study also found that average V200 in two-year-old thoroughbreds significantly increased from 623 +/- 55 m/min to 691 +/- 64 m/min after five months of training.

Conclusion

• The study validates the practical application of V200 testing under field conditions. It also demonstrates that the measurement of V200 can easily be performed and is useful in assessing the effectiveness of training profiles in young thoroughbreds.