Exercise testing in Warmblood sport horses under field conditions.

The research paper provides an overview of regular exercise testing practices for Warmblood sport horses participating in eventing, show jumping, and dressage disciplines. The potential benefits of exercise testing include characterising fitness levels and aiding in determining when a horse is fit to compete. The paper identifies where improvements can be made in exercise testing procedures and calls for standardisation of methodologies and outcome parameters.

Methodology and Current State

• The paper begins by discussing the current state of exercise testing in the major equestrian disciplines: eventing, show jumping and dressage.
• In eventing horses, a four-step incremental exercise test is commonly used, where heart rate, lactate concentration and velocity are measured.
• The researchers point out that dressage and riding horses are subject to a variety of exercise tests. These range from incremental exercise tests, indoor riding tests to lunging tests.
• In show jumping, the research spotlights the use of a five-step incremental exercise test. In some cases, additional tests evaluating technical skills and fatigue of the horse have also been employed.

Determining Fitness and Predicting Performance

• The study articulates that the velocity at a plasma lactate concentration (LA) of 4 mmol/L (usually referred to as VLA4) and heart rate recovery during submaximal exercise intensity are the best parameters in event horses for predicting their performance and impending injuries.
• In dressage and riding horses, the level of fitness is a crucial factor in determining potential injuries. The paper suggests that regular exercise testing and the consequent monitoring of training sessions can significantly aid in understanding the horse’s performance ability and the likelihood of any future injuries.

The Need for Standardisation

• The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for standardisation in exercise testing practices for Warmblood sport horses. This includes the methodologies used in testing and the parameters used to measure outcomes.
• Without standardisation, results from different tests may not be comparable, making it difficult to accurately assess a horse’s fitness levels and their readiness for competition.