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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Sci / Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability Are Affected by Age an...
Veterinary sciences2025; 12(7); 624; doi: 10.3390/vetsci12070624

Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability Are Affected by Age and Activity Level in Athletic Horses.

Abstract: The physiological capabilities of horses begin to decline after they reach 15 years of age. However, some exceptionally talented horses can continue their sports careers beyond this age, raising concerns about their welfare. This study investigated animal welfare by observing resting heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) metrics in geriatric horses participating in similar training or physical activities compared to younger adult horses over 30 min periods. Forty-six horses of varying ages and activity levels were divided into four groups, including horses under 15 years practising structured training for dressage (AL-1; N = 13) and school riding (AL-2; N = 13) and horses aged between 15 and 20 years participating in AL-1 (N = 10) and AL-2 (N = 10). In adult horses, the HR decreased in those performing AL-1, which was observed alongside an increased RR interval compared to those participating in AL-2 ( < 0.05 for both). Meanwhile, HRV increased in adult horses (measured by pNN50) but decreased in geriatric horses (measured by SDANN, SDNNI, DC, and SD2) participating in AL-1 when compared to their counterparts in AL-2 ( < 0.05 for all). Adult horses exhibited better autonomic regulation while engaged in structured dressage training than geriatric horses. These findings underscore the necessity for the careful management of physical activities to ensure the well-being of all horses, particularly older ones.
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Publication Date: 2025-06-28 PubMed ID: 40711284PubMed Central: PMC12298298DOI: 10.3390/vetsci12070624Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article investigates the effects of age and activity level on the heart rate and heart rate variability in athletic horses. The findings emphasize the need for careful management of physical activities in horses, particularly older ones.

Study Overview

The central aim of the study was to determine the impact of age and level of physical activity on the heart rate and heart rate variability of athletic horses. The research team analyzed heart rate data from 46 horses of varying ages and activity levels, which were divided into four groups.

  • Group AL-1 included horses below 15 years old who were engaged in structured training for dressage.
  • Group AL-2 was made up of horses under the age of 15 years who were involved in school riding.
  • The researchers identified two more groups of horses between 15 and 20 years old, also divided into Groups AL-1 and AL-2 based on their activities.

Findings on Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability

The research found significant differences in heart rate and heart rate variability between adult and older (geriatric) horses.

  • Reductions in heart rate were observed in adult horses engaged in structured dressage training (Group AL-1), along with increased RR intervals compared to the horses involved in school riding (Group AL-2).
  • Heart rate variability increased in adult horses (pNN50) but reduced in geriatric horses (measured by metrics like SDANN, SDNNI, DC, and SD2) involved in dressage training (Group AL-1) when compared to their counterparts in group AL-2.

Implications of the Findings

The study concludes that adult horses exhibit better autonomic regulation when involved in structured dressage training as compared to older horses. This discrepancy highlights the importance of carefully managing physical activities for horse wellbeing, particular attention must be given to older horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Wonghanchao T, Sanigavatee K, Petchdee S, Chettaratanont K, Thongyen T, Wanichayanon B, Poochipakorn C, Chanda M. (2025). Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability Are Affected by Age and Activity Level in Athletic Horses. Vet Sci, 12(7), 624. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12070624

Publication

Veterinary sciences
ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 7
PII: 624

Researcher Affiliations

Wonghanchao, Thita
  • Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand.
Sanigavatee, Kanokpan
  • Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand.
Petchdee, Soontaree
  • Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand.
Chettaratanont, Kulpreeya
  • Veterinary Science Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand.
Thongyen, Thitakorn
  • Veterinary Science Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand.
Wanichayanon, Boonbaramee
  • Veterinary Science Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand.
Poochipakorn, Chanoknun
  • Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand.
Chanda, Metha
  • Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand.

Grant Funding

  • VET.KU2025 - 02 / the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; the writing of the manuscript; or the decision to publish the results.

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