Maximal anaerobic (lactic) capacity and power of the horse.

The research article evaluates the anaerobic capacity and power of three breeds of horses using blood lactate concentrations before and after exertion. The study showed that these values are similar to those of human athletes after exhaustive work, with polo ponies showing the highest lactate production.

Understanding the Maximization of Anaerobic Capacity

• The study aimed to determine the maximum lactate that could be created by a horse’s body in a state of anaerobic exercise. Anaerobic exercise refers to short-lasting, high-intensity activity, where the demand for oxygen exceeds the oxygen supply available. As a result, the body has to produce energy without oxygen, leading to the creation of lactate or lactic acid in the blood.
• The researchers looked at blood lactate concentrations in 16 horses (split between Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, and polo ponies) before and after galloping at their maximum speed over distances of 200, 300 and 400 meters.
• By comparing these values, the researchers were able to evaluate and compare the maximal anaerobic capacity of the different breeds of horses. Evidence points to polo ponies reaching the highest net lactate concentrations (around 14-15 mmol/liter) followed by Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds.

Quantifying Maximal Rate of Lactate Production

• The research further investigated the maximal rate of lactate production after exercise. Again, the polo ponies showed the highest production rate with around 35 mmol/liter per minute while the other two breeds demonstrated lower rates (20-25).
• The lactate concentration and production rates among horses were found to be similar to those observed in human athletes after exhaustive work. This implies that horses, like humans, can rely on anaerobic metabolism during intense exercise.

The Impact of Speed and Training

• The study also showed that maximal lactate production increased with speed. This relationship is given by the formula ∆Lå = a (v-v1), where ‘a’ is a proportionality constant representing the amount of lactate needed to cover a unit distance, ‘v’ is speed, and ‘v1’ is the theoretical speed at which no lactate is produced.
• The Thoroughbreds showed the highest theoretical speed value (v1), while the polo ponies displayed the lowest. These differences could be due to variations in training or genetic differences between the horse breeds.
• The study suggests the theoretical speed (v1) could serve as an index of a horse’s fitness post a training programme. This is useful to measure the effectiveness of training regimens and can inform adjustments to maximize performance.