Evaluation of a new strategy to modulate skeletal development in racehorses by imposing track-based exercise during growth: the effects on 2- and 3-year-old racing careers.

The research explores the effect of conditioning exercises in Thoroughbred (TB) foals’ racing performance and injury rate in their 2- and 3-year-old racing careers. The study found that such conditioning had no adverse effects on their future racing careers and did not alter the workload to reach an adequate fitness level for racing. Also, there were some indicators suggesting potential benefits of early conditioning.

Research Methodology

• The study involved 20 18-month-old Thoroughbred horses, of which 12 had received conditioning exercise during their foal age (CONDEX), and 8 had only been exercised spontaneously at pasture (PASTEX).
• Both groups were trained and participated in competitive events. The workload required by each group to attain a fitness level sufficient for competition was quantified using a Cumulative Workload Index, which used the product of average velocity and distance at a specific gait.
• The horses were continuously monitored both clinically and radiographically for any signs of musculoskeletal disorders.

Key Findings

• The study found that the workload needed to achieve the apt fitness level was similar for both CONDEX and PASTEX groups.
• It was also found that horses from the CONDEX group performed more pre-race training sessions when they were 2-year-olds.
• The incidence of orthopedic injuries was low in both groups and no significant difference in the occurrence of such injuries were observed.
• PASTEX horses were prone to show signs of musculoskeletal disorders earlier than CONDEX horses, which was evident for ailments such as metacarpophalangeal joint pain on flexion, reduced carpal flexion, and hindlimb lameness.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that conditioning exercises early in the life of TB foals does not produce adverse effects in their 2 and 3 years racing careers.
• Such exercises do not influence the amount of workload needed to attain a performance-ready fitness level.
• While the study found no significant negative effects, there were indications of potential benefits from early conditioning, which prompts for larger-scale comparative studies in the future.