Locomotor, cardiocirculatory and metabolic adaptations to training in Andalusian and Anglo-Arabian horses.

The research article explores the impact of two different training programs on Andalusian and Anglo-Arabian horses, focusing on locomotor, cardiocirculatory, and metabolic adaptations. The study results reveal significant improvements in cardiovascular, hematological, and metabolic responses, as well as alterations in stride dynamics, for the Andalusian horses, while changes in Anglo-Arabian horses were not as pronounced.

Study Design

• The research involved 20 Andalusian and 12 Anglo-Arabian horses and analyzed the effects of two different training programs on them.
• Each horse was subject to an increasing intensity work test, moving at speeds of 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 meters per second. Heart rates were recorded, and blood samples were collected both at rest and after exercising at each speed.
• The blood samples were examined to measure packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, and plasma lactate and potassium levels. These metrics shed light on each animal’s cardiocirculatory and metabolic responses to physical exertion.
• The researchers also video-taped the horses to closely scrutinize their locomotor mechanics, especially focusing on stride length, duration and frequency, stance, swing phase durations, and stride’s vertical component.

Findings on Andalusian Horses

• A significant decrease was observed in the Andalusian horses’ cardiovascular, hematological, and metabolic responses to exercise following the training program. This suggests an improvement in the horses’ physical conditioning and ability to handle physical stress.
• As far as locomotor adaptation to training was concerned, the stride frequency of the Andalusian horses increased while the stride length and the vertical component of stride reduced.
• Interestingly, the vertical component of the stride was a limiting factor in stride length in Andalusian horses both before and after the training program.

Findings on Anglo-Arabian Horses

• In contrast to the Andalusian horses, the protocols for training Anglo-Arabian horses for show-jumping competitions resulted in no substantial variation in the studied parameters during the increasing intensity work test.
• An increase in stride length was noted in these horses at velocities exceeding 6 meters per second.
• The studies also revealed that the stride’s vertical component did not impact the physiological response to exercise, regardless of whether it was before or after the training regime.

Overall, these findings indicate that different breeds of horses respond differently to training regimens. This understanding could be instrumental in devising breed-specific training modalities and protocols in the future to enhance performance.