Comparison of girth materials, girth tensions and their effects on performance in racehorses.

The research investigated the effects of different girth materials and tensions on the athletic performance of racehorses. The findings suggest that lower girth tensions and the use of elastic materials in the girth tend to optimize performance.

Research Objectives and Methodology

• The study aimed to understand the impact of different girth materials and commonly used tensions on the performance of racehorses. It also intended to analyze the length-tension properties of available girth variations in the market.
• Seven horses were exercised under various conditions over 15 sessions using a randomized block design. These horses were girthed with five different kinds of girths at three levels of tensions: 6, 12, or 18 kg.
• The types of girths used were a standard elastic race girth, an American elastic race girth, an elastic race girth with double the normal width, a standard canvas race girth, and a canvas race girth with double the regular width.
• The tension in the girth throughout the exercise was continuously recorded using an in-line load cell connected to a physiograph.
• Performance was analyzed by allowing the horses to run until fatigue on a 10% slope-inclined treadmill. Tensions were measured at peak inhalation and exhalation stages, recorded both at rest and during exercise.
• An analysis of variance was conducted to examine the differences in run to fatigue times (RTFT) between different girth types and tensions. If significant differences were found, Tukey’s test was employed for multiple pair-wise comparisons.
• The length-tension relationships of five commercially available girths were analyzed by applying standardized weights to multiple samples of each type of girth. Measurements were taken in a controlled environment, and an analysis of variance was used to compare each girth type.

Research Findings

• The results suggested that elastic and American elastic girths significantly increased the RTFT compared to the standard canvas girth. Girths tensioned at 6 kg and 12 kg also resulted in longer RTFT than when girthed at 18 kg.
• Significant differences were observed between commercially available girth types at each tension level. However, there weren’t any significant differences found between girths of the same kind.
• Girths with an elastic component reached their peak for maximum extension at a tension of 14.5 kg, after which their extension declined.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that the girth type and the tension at which it is applied influence the athletic performance of the horse.
• Lower girth tensions, along with the use of elastic materials in the girth, might optimize performance.
• However, none of the commercially available girths studied seemed to offer adequate protection against the potentially harmful effects of over-tightening on athletic performance.