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Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2014; 202(1); 11-19; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.07.019

Exercise testing in Warmblood sport horses under field conditions.

Abstract: Regular exercise testing in Warmblood sport horses may, as in racing, potentially help to characterise fitness indices in different disciplines and at various competition levels and assist in understanding when a horse is 'fit to compete'. In this review an overview is given of the current state of the art of exercise testing in the Olympic disciplines of eventing, show jumping and dressage, and areas for further development are defined. In event horses, a simple four-step incremental exercise test measuring heart rate (HR), lactate concentration (LA) and velocity (V) is most often used. In dressage and riding horses, a wide variety of exercise tests have been developed, including incremental exercise tests, indoor riding tests and lunging tests. In show jumping, the use of a five-step incremental exercise test and exercise tests evaluating technical skills and fatigue of the horse has been reported. The velocity at a plasma LA of 4 mmol/L (VLA4) and HR recovery during submaximal exercise intensity have been shown to be the best parameters in event horses for predicting performance and impending injuries. In riding horses, the fitness level of horses is also an important determinant of injuries. Implementation of regular exercise testing and monitoring of training sessions may have important added value in the assessment of performance ability and potential future injuries in Warmblood sport horses. However, there is an urgent need to standardise methodologies and outcome parameters in order to make results comparable.
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2014-07-31 PubMed ID: 25172838DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.07.019Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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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.

Cite This Article

APA
Munsters CC, van Iwaarden A, van Weeren R, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM. (2014). Exercise testing in Warmblood sport horses under field conditions. Vet J, 202(1), 11-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.07.019

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1532-2971
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 202
Issue: 1
Pages: 11-19

Researcher Affiliations

Munsters, Carolien C B M
  • Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, Utrecht NL 3584 CM, The Netherlands; Moxie Sport Analysis and Coaching, Raam 107, Uden 5403 TH, The Netherlands. Electronic address: carolien@munsters.nl.
van Iwaarden, Alexandra
  • Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, Utrecht NL 3584 CM, The Netherlands.
van Weeren, René
  • Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, Utrecht NL 3584 CM, The Netherlands.
Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan, Marianne M
  • Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, Utrecht NL 3584 CM, The Netherlands.

MeSH Terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological / physiology
  • Animals
  • Heart Rate
  • Horses / physiology
  • Lactic Acid / metabolism
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal / standards

Citations

This article has been cited 25 times.
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