Longitudinal Training and Workload Assessment in Young Friesian Stallions in Relation to Fitness: Part 1.
Abstract: Friesian stallions have to complete a 10-week studbook approval test (70-day test) consisting of dressage and driving training for acceptance as a breeding stallion. Training response of the horses to this approval program was evaluated. External workload (EW) of 16 stallions (3.2 ± 0.4 years old) was registered during the 9 weeks preceding the 70-day test (preparation period) and during 70-day test. Ridden indoor standardized exercise tests (SET), measuring heart rate (HR) and plasma lactate concentration (LA) at walk, trot and canter, were performed in week 1 (SET-I), 6 (SET-II) and 10 (SET-III) of the 70-day test. Linear mixed effect models were used to analyze HR and LA related to SETs and EW related to the phase of the study, using Akaike's information criterion for model reduction. EW was higher in the 70-day test compared to the preparation period, with longer duration of training sessions. Compared to SET-I, horses showed increased HR and LA after canter in SET-II and SET-III, indicating that they were more fatigued. The fact that the fitness of these Friesian stallions decreased during the 70-day test suggests overtraining. To optimize training effects and welfare of these horses, the workload of the training program needs to be adjusted.
Publication Date: 2023-02-16 PubMed ID: 36830476PubMed Central: PMC9952485DOI: 10.3390/ani13040689Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research conducted a detailed examination of the training response and workload of young Friesian stallions undergoing a 10-week studbook approval test. The results indicated an increase in the workload and fatigue levels of the horses during the test, suggesting a need for modifications in the training program to optimize its effects and ensure the horses’ welfare.
Research Objective and Methodology
- The primary goal of this study was to assess the training response and workload of young Friesian stallions undergoing a 10-week studbook approval test. This test is crucial for a Friesian horse to be accepted as a breeding stallion and includes a rigorous schedule of dressage and driving training.
- The research measured the external workload (EW) of 16 stallions, with a mean age of 3.2 years, during the nine weeks leading up to the approval test and during the test itself.
- Standardized exercise tests (SETs) were conducted at three intervals during the 70-day test to measure heart rate and plasma lactate concentration, two parameters indicative of a horse’s exertion and fatigue levels.
- Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effect models, with the Akaike’s information criterion employed for model reduction.
Main Findings
- The EW was found to be significantly higher during the 70-day test compared to the preceding nine-week preparation period. The training sessions during the test phase also lasted longer.
- Heart rate and plasma lactate concentrations, indicative of physical exertion and fatigue, increased after cantering in the second and third SETs compared to the first one, suggesting that the stallions became progressively more tired throughout the test.
Implications and Conclusions
- This study suggests that the 70-day test results in overtraining of the Friesian stallions, as evidenced by the increase in workload and signs of fatigue. This overtraining could potentially be detrimental to the horses’ health and wellbeing.
- Therefore, the researchers recommend that the workload of the training program needs to be adjusted in order to optimize training effects and safeguard the welfare of the horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Siegers E, van Wijk E, van den Broek J, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan M, Munsters C.
(2023).
Longitudinal Training and Workload Assessment in Young Friesian Stallions in Relation to Fitness: Part 1.
Animals (Basel), 13(4).
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040689 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Equine Integration, Groenstraat 2C, 5528 NS Hoogeloon, The Netherlands.
Grant Funding
- KFPS
- Moxie Sport
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Wonghanchao T, Sanigavatee K, Poochipakorn C, Huangsaksri O, Chanda M. Dynamic Adaptation of Heart Rate and Autonomic Regulation During Training and Recovery Periods in Response to a 12-Week Structured Exercise Programme in Untrained Adult and Geriatric Horses. Animals (Basel) 2025 Apr 13;15(8).
- Siegers EW, Parmentier JIM, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM, Munsters CCBM, Serra Bragança FM. Gait kinematics at trot before and after repeated ridden exercise tests in young Friesian stallions during a fatiguing 10-week training program. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1456424.
- Pechette Markley A, Shoben AB, Kieves NR. Risk Factors for Injury in Border Collies Competing in Agility Competitions. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jul 16;14(14).
- Siegers E, van den Broek J, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan M, Munsters C. Longitudinal Training and Workload Assessment in Young Friesian Stallions in Relation to Fitness, Part 2-An Adapted Training Program. Animals (Basel) 2023 Feb 14;13(4).
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