FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Med Int / Metabolic Profiles of Finishing and Nonfinishing Horses in U...
Veterinary medicine international2025; 2025; 4217400; doi: 10.1155/vmi/4217400

Metabolic Profiles of Finishing and Nonfinishing Horses in Uruguayan Raid Competitions.

Abstract: The Raid Hípico Uruguayo (RHU) is the oldest equestrian endurance sport in Uruguay. A high percentage of horses fail to complete RHU rides. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether weather conditions (comfort index [CI]), horse experience, and ride distance affect horse performance (finishing ride [FR] or nonfinishing ride [NFR]) in the RHU. An additional objective was to determine whether finishing the ride affects the hematological and biochemical parameters of the horses. This study involved 17 RHU rides over distances of 60-90 km and 284 horses. Blood samples were taken before and after the competition or upon withdrawal (retired or eliminated). The nonfinishing group consisted of 169 horses. Horse performance was associated with CI ( < 0.05), but not with ride distance ( = 0.33). Horse experience tended to be associated with finishing the ride ( = 0.09). Hematocrit, creatine kinase activity, urea, and uric acid concentrations were greater in FR than in NFR horses ( < 0.05) and all parameters were affected by the time of sampling ( < 0.001), being higher in the postride sample. Weather conditions significantly affected horse performance during RHU competitions, whereas ride distance showed no effect. We observed changes in hematological and biochemical parameters regardless of the horse's performance. Most changes seemed to be caused by a decrease in blood volume, an increase in energy expenditure, and muscle damage that were not the result of metabolic disease but were related to a physiological response to the intensity and duration of exercise.
Copyright © 2025 Gimena Brito et al. Veterinary Medicine International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2025-11-29 PubMed ID: 41357616PubMed Central: PMC12681399DOI: 10.1155/vmi/4217400Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

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.

Overview

  • This study examined how weather conditions, horse experience, and ride distance impact the performance of horses in Uruguayan endurance races, and assessed how completing the race affects their blood health markers.
  • Researchers analyzed data from 284 horses over multiple races and compared physiological responses between horses that finished versus those that did not finish the rides.

Background and Context

  • The Raid Hípico Uruguayo (RHU) is Uruguay’s oldest endurance horse racing event, involving long-distance rides of 60-90 kilometers.
  • A significant portion of horses fail to complete these races, making it important to understand factors influencing race completion.
  • Researchers aimed to determine how environmental factors (weather), horse-specific factors (experience), and race-related factors (distance) are associated with whether horses finish or fail.
  • Additionally, the study sought to characterize hematological (blood) and biochemical changes in horses affected by racing, including potential impacts of finishing vs. not finishing.

Study Design and Methods

  • Data was collected from 17 RHU races involving 284 horses.
  • Races ranged from 60 to 90 km in distance.
  • Horses were grouped into finishing ride (FR) and non-finishing ride (NFR) categories, the latter including horses that retired or were eliminated (169 NFR horses).
  • Blood samples were taken twice for each horse: once before the race and once after completing the race or upon withdrawal.
  • The study measured hematological parameters such as hematocrit, and biochemical markers including creatine kinase activity, urea, and uric acid concentrations.
  • Statistical analyses assessed associations between performance and variables like weather conditions, distance, and horse experience, as well as changes in blood parameters over time.

Key Findings

  • Weather Conditions: The comfort index (CI), a measure of weather conditions, significantly affected horse performance (p < 0.05), indicating that more stressful or uncomfortable weather reduced chances of finishing.
  • Ride Distance: No significant effect of race distance on finishing rates was detected (p = 0.33), suggesting that within the 60-90 km range, distance did not strongly influence completion.
  • Horse Experience: There was a trend toward more experienced horses being more likely to finish (p = 0.09), though this did not reach strong statistical significance.
  • Blood Parameters and Sampling Time: After the race, all horses—whether finishing or not—showed increased hematocrit, creatine kinase, urea, and uric acid levels, reflecting physiological responses to exercise rather than disease.
  • Comparison Between FR and NFR Horses: Horses that completed the ride (FR) had higher values of these blood markers compared to horses that did not finish (NFR), indicating greater muscle workload and metabolic changes in finishers.

Physiological Interpretations

  • The increase in hematocrit post-race suggests a reduction in plasma volume—likely due to dehydration or fluid shifts during exercise.
  • Elevated creatine kinase activity indicates muscle strain or minor muscle damage resulting from intense and prolonged exercise.
  • Raised urea and uric acid concentrations reflect increased energy metabolism and protein catabolism during racing.
  • Importantly, these changes were interpreted as normal physiological responses to endurance exercise intensity and duration, not signs of metabolic disease or pathology.

Conclusions and Implications

  • Environmental factors, particularly weather comfort, play a more critical role in whether horses complete endurance rides than the distance of the ride within the studied range.
  • Horse experience may improve likelihood of finishing, hinting at the importance of training and conditioning.
  • The observed blood chemistry changes provide valuable benchmarks for what constitutes a normal response to endurance racing, helping vets and trainers distinguish between healthy physiological adaptation and potential health issues.
  • These insights can guide strategies to improve horse welfare and race management, such as monitoring weather forecasts, improving conditioning programs, and carefully interpreting physiological markers to avoid unnecessary withdrawal or interventions.

Cite This Article

APA
Brito G, Damián JP, Trigo P, Ruprechter G. (2025). Metabolic Profiles of Finishing and Nonfinishing Horses in Uruguayan Raid Competitions. Vet Med Int, 2025, 4217400. https://doi.org/10.1155/vmi/4217400

Publication

Veterinary medicine international
ISSN: 2090-8113
NlmUniqueID: 101524203
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 2025
Pages: 4217400
PII: 4217400

Researcher Affiliations

Brito, Gimena
  • Departamento de Clínicas y Hospital Veterinario, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Damián, Juan Pablo
  • Departamento de Biociencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
  • Núcleo de Bienestar Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Trigo, Pablo
  • IGEVET CONICET CC La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de la Plata, La Plata, Argentina.
Ruprechter, Gretel
  • Departamento de Clínicas y Hospital Veterinario, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

This article includes 45 references
  1. Brito G, Damián JP, Suárez G, Ruprechter G, Trigo P. Characterization of Raid Hipico Uruguayo Competencies by Ride Type: Causes of Death and Risk Factors. Animals 2023;13(10):1602–1611.
    doi: 10.3390/ani13101602pmc: PMC10215146pubmed: 37238032google scholar: lookup
  2. Marichal G, Trigo P, Soto C, Meikle A, Suárez G. Hydroelectrolytic and Acid-Base Parameters After 80 to 115 Km Endurance Races (Raid Uruguayo) and their Association with the Comfort Index. Animals 2023;13(4):670–681.
    doi: 10.3390/ani13040670pmc: PMC9951660pubmed: 36830457google scholar: lookup
  3. Nagy A, Murray JK, Dyson SJ. Horse-rider-venue- and environment-related Risk Factors for Elimination from Federation Equestre Internationale Endurance Rides due to Lameness and Metabolic Reasons. Equine Veterinary Journal 2014;46(3):294–299.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12170pubmed: 24033509google scholar: lookup
  4. Muñoz-Alonzo L, Silva AB, Leal JC, Luengo MB. Motivos de Eliminación en Competencias de Enduro Internacional, Categoría Jinete Adulto, en Chile (2007–2014). Rev Inv Vet Perú 2016;27:259–266.
  5. Legg KA, Weston JF, Gee EK, Bolwell CF, Bridges JP, Rogers CW. Characteristics of Endurance Competitions and Risk Factors for Elimination in New Zealand During Six Seasons of Competition (2010/11–2015/16). Animals 2019;9:611–621.
    doi: 10.3390/ani9090611pmc: PMC6770045pubmed: 31461901google scholar: lookup
  6. Nagy A, Murray J, Dyson S. Elimination from Elite Endurance Rides in Nine Countries: a Preliminary Study. Equine Veterinary Journal 2010;42(s38):637–643.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00220.xpubmed: 21059073google scholar: lookup
  7. Bloom F, Draper S, Bennet E, Marlin D, Williams J. Risk Factors for Lameness Elimination in British Endurance Riding. Equine Veterinary Journal 2022;55(4):632–641.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13875pubmed: 36102466google scholar: lookup
  8. Marlin DJ, Scott CM, Schroter RC. Physiological Responses in Nonheat Acclimated Horses Performing Treadmill Exercise in Cool (20°C/40%RH), Hot Dry (30°C/40%RH) and Hot Humid (30°C/80%RH) Conditions. Equine Veterinary Journal 1996;28(S22):70–84.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996.tb05034.xpubmed: 8894553google scholar: lookup
  9. Flaminio MJ, Rush BR. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance in Endurance Horses. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice 1998;14(1):147–158.
    doi: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30217-1pubmed: 9561693google scholar: lookup
  10. Poškienė I, Juozaitienė V, Gruodytė R, Antanaitis R. The Effect of 60 Km Endurance Exercise on Serum Electrolytes and acid–base Balance in the Žemaitukai Horses. Acta Veterinaria Brno 2020;89(2):125–131.
    doi: 10.2754/avb202089020125google scholar: lookup
  11. Acosta R. Manual Para Veterinarios En Raid. 1st ed. Montevideo: Hemisferio sur; 1995.
  12. Schott IIHC, Marlin DJ, Geor RG. Changes in Selected Physiological and Laboratory Measurements in Elite Horses Competing in a 160 Km Endurance Ride. Equine Veterinary Journal 2006;36:37–42.
    pubmed: 17402389
  13. Muñoz A, Riber C, Trigo P, Castejón-Riber C, Castejón FM. Dehydration, Electrolyte Imbalances and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-vasopressin Axis in Successful and Unsuccessful Endurance Horses. Equine Veterinary Journal 2010;42(s38):83–90.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00211.xpubmed: 21058987google scholar: lookup
  14. Klobučar K, Vrbanac Z, Gotić J, Bojanić K, Bureš T, Brkljača Bottegaro N. Changes in Biochemical Parameters in Horses During 40 Km and 80 Km Endurance Races. Acta Veterinaria 2019;69(1):73–87.
    doi: 10.2478/acve-2019-0005google scholar: lookup
  15. Jones S. Horseback Riding in the Dog Days. Anim Sci e-News2009 2:3–4.
  16. FEU Federación Ecuestre Del Uruguay. 2024. n http://www.federacionecuestreuruguaya.com.uy/documentacion.htmln.
  17. Nagy A, Dyson S, Murray JK. A Veterinary Review of Endurance Riding as an International Competitive Sport. The Veterinary Journal 2012;194(3):288–293.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.06.022pubmed: 22819800google scholar: lookup
  18. Whiting J. The Exhausted Horse. In: Robinson N. E., Sprayberry K. A., editors. Current Therapy in Equine Medicine. St Louis: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. pp. 926–929.
  19. Andrews FM, Ralston SL, Williamson LH, Maykuth PL, White SL, Provenza M. Weight Loss, Water Loss and Cation Balance During the Endurance Test of a 3-day Event. Equine Veterinary Journal 1995;27(S18):294–297.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb04940.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  20. Schott IIHC, McGlade KS, Hines MT, Petersen A. Bodyweight, Fluid and Electrolyte, and Hormonal Changes in Horses that Successfully Completed a 5 Day, 424kilometer Endurance Competition. Pferdeheilkunde Equine Medicine 1996;12(4):438–442.
    doi: 10.21836/pem19960414google scholar: lookup
  21. Schott HC, McGlade KS, Molander HA, Leroux AJ, Hines MT. Body Weight. Fluid, Electrolyte, and Hormonal Changes in Horses Competing in 50- and 100-mile Endurance Rides. American Journal of Veterinary Research 1997;58(3):303–310.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.1997.58.03.303pubmed: 9055979google scholar: lookup
  22. Barton MH, Williamson L, Jacks S, Norton N. Body Weight, Hematologic Findings and Serum and Plasma Biochemical Findings of Horses Competing in a 48-83-or 159-km Endurance Ride Under Similar Terrain and Weather Conditions. American Journal of Veterinary Research 2003;64(6):746–753.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.2003.64.746pubmed: 12828261google scholar: lookup
  23. Castejón F, Trigo P, Muñoz A, Riber C. Uric Acid Responses to Endurance Racing and Relationships with Performance, Plasma Biochemistry and Metabolic Alterations. Equine veterinary journal. Supplement 2006;36:70–73.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05516.xpubmed: 17402395google scholar: lookup
  24. Le Moyec L, Robert C, Triba MN. Protein Catabolism and High Lipid Metabolism Associated with Long Distance Exercise Are Revealed by Plasma NMR Metabolomics in Endurance Horses. PLoS One 2014;9(3):p. e90730.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090730pmc: PMC3962349pubmed: 24658361google scholar: lookup
  25. Rose RJ, Hodgson DR, Sampson D, Chan W. Changes in Plasma Biochemistry in Horses Competing in a 160 Km Endurance Ride. Australian Veterinary Journal 1983;60(4):101–105.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1983.tb05905.xpubmed: 6870711google scholar: lookup
  26. Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan M, Wensing T, Barneveld A, Breukink HJ. Heart Rate, Blood Biochemistry and Performance of Horses Competing in a 100 Km Endurance Ride. The Veterinary Record 1991;128(8):175–179.
    doi: 10.1136/vr.128.8.175pubmed: 2031289google scholar: lookup
  27. Fielding CL, Magdesian KG, Rhodes DM, Meier CA, Higgins JC. Clinical and Biochemical Abnormalities in Endurance Horses Eliminated from Competition for Medical Complications and Requiring Emergency Medical Treatment: 30 Cases (2005–2006). Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care 2009;19(5):473–478.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2009.00441.xpubmed: 19821889google scholar: lookup
  28. Carlson GP, Mansmann RA. Serum Electrolyte and Plasma Protein Alterations in Horses Used in Endurance Rides. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1974;165(3):262–264.
    doi: 10.2460/javma.1974.165.03.262pubmed: 4845679google scholar: lookup
  29. Rose RJ. Haematological Changes Associated with Endurance Exercise. The Veterinary Record 1982;110(8):175–177.
    doi: 10.1136/vr.110.8.175pubmed: 7072115google scholar: lookup
  30. Rose RJ, Arnold KS, Church S, Paris R. Plasma and Sweat Electrolyte Concentrations in the Horse During Long Distance Exercise. Equine Veterinary Journal 1980;12(1):19–22.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1980.tb02290.xpubmed: 7363879google scholar: lookup
  31. Freeman DE, Mooney A, Giguère S, Claire J, Evetts C, Diskant P. Effect of Feed Deprivation on Daily Water Consumption in Healthy Horses. Equine Veterinary Journal 2021;53(1):117–124.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13259pubmed: 32150657google scholar: lookup
  32. Assunção P, Barbosa T, Yonezawa L. Acute-Phase Protein Profile in Horses Subjected to Different Exercise Protocols. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research 2019;83(4):272–278.
    pmc: PMC6753884pubmed: 31571727
  33. Gondin MR, Foz NSB, Pereira MC. Acute Phase Responses of Different Positions of High-Goal (Elite) Polo Ponies. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 2013;33(11):956–961.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2013.02.005google scholar: lookup
  34. Valverg S, Jönsson L, Lindholm A, Holmgren N. Muscle Histopathology and Plasma Aspartate Aminotransferase, Creatine Kinase and Myoglobin Changes with Exercise in Horses with Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis. Equine Veterinary Journal 1993;25(1):11–16.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1993.tb02893.xpubmed: 8422878google scholar: lookup
  35. Hyyppä S, Pösö AR. Metabolic Diseases of Athletic Horses. In: Hinchliff KW, Kaneps AJ, Geor RJ, editors. Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery: Basic and Clinical Sciences of the Equine Athlete. Philadelphia: WB Saunder Co; 2004. pp. 836–850.
  36. Barrey E, Mucher E, Robert C, Amiot F, Gidrol X. Gene Expression Profiling in Blood Cells of Endurance Horses Completing Competition or Disqualified due to Metabolic Disorder. Equine Veterinary Journal 2010;38(S36):43–49.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05511.xpubmed: 17402390google scholar: lookup
  37. Serteyn D, Sandersen C, Lejeune J. Effect of a 120 Km Endurance Race on Plasma and Muscular Neutrophil Elastase and Myeloperoxidase Concentrations in Horses. Equine Veterinary Journal 2010;42(s38):275–279.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00269.xpubmed: 21059018google scholar: lookup
  38. Kerr MG, Snow DH. Plasma Enzyme Activities in Endurance Horses. In: Snow DH, Persson SGB, Rose RJ, editors. Equine Exercise Physiology. Cambridge: Granta Editions; 1983. pp. 432–440.
  39. Cardinet GH 3rd, Fowler ME, Tyler WS. Heart Rates and Respiratory Rates for the Evaluating Performance in Horses During Endurance Trial Ride Competition. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1963;143:1303–1309.
    pubmed: 14088902
  40. Siciliano PD, Lawrence LM, Danielsen K, Powell DM, Thompson KN. Effect of Conditioning and Exercise Type on Serum Creatine Kinase and Aspartate Aminotransferase Activity. Equine Veterinary Journal 1995;27(S18):243–247.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb04929.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  41. Muñoz A, Riber C, Santisteban R, Lucas RG, Castejon FM. Effect of Training Duration and Exercise on blood-borne Substrates, Plasma Lactate and Enzyme Concentrations in Andalusian, Anglo-Arabian and Arabian Breeds. Equine Veterinary Journal 2002;34(S34):245–251.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05427.xpubmed: 12405695google scholar: lookup
  42. Muñoz A, Cuesta I, Riber C, Gata J, Trigo P, Castejón FM. Trot Asymmetry in Relation to Physical Performance and Metabolism in Equine Endurance Rides. Equine veterinary journal. Supplement 2006;36:50–54.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05512.xpubmed: 17402391google scholar: lookup
  43. Snow DH, Mason DK, Ricketts SW, Douglas TA. Post-Race Blood Biochemistry in Thoroughbreds. In: Snow DH, Persson SGB, Rose RJ, editors. Equine Exercise Physiology. Vol. 1983. Cambridge: 1983.
  44. Schuback K, Essén-Gustavsson B. Effects of Training and Time of Day of Blood Sampling on the Variation of Some Common Haematological Parameters in the Normal Throroughbred Racehorses. Equine Veterinary Journal 6. Vol. 30. Granta Editions; 1998. pp. 504–510.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb04526.xpubmed: 9844969google scholar: lookup
  45. Adamu L, Noraniza MA, Rasedee A, Bashir A. Metabolic Responses in Endurance Horses During Racing in Relation to Uric Acid Profile, Leucocytes, Heart Rate and Plasma Biochemical Parameters. Vet Med 2012;57(11):591–596.
    doi: 10.17221/6466-vetmedgoogle scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,005 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.