Modelling Energy Demands of Cross-Country Tests in 2-Star to 5-Star Eventing Competitions.
Abstract: Eventing is an Olympic equestrian discipline comprising dressage, cross-country, and show jumping, with the cross-country phase imposing the greatest physical demands on horses. This study presents a composite model to estimate energy expenditure during the cross-country phase, integrating physiological data (heart rate-derived VO2 and lactate-based anaerobic estimates) with external workload indicators (GPS-derived speed, elevation, and course complexity). Model development was based on 691 rides from 256 horses across 232 events at 2-star to 5-star competition levels. The analysis showed that terrain, speed variability, and acceleration, largely shaped by course design, significantly affect energy expenditure. Aerobic and anaerobic contributions to power output varied by speed, format, and competition level. The model explained 29% of variance in power output and 91% when accounting for random effects, demonstrating the influence of both external and individual factors. Short-format events exhibited higher anaerobic contributions than long-format events. While the competition level had a modest effect, it reflected increasing technical difficulty and jump size. These findings underline the importance of incorporating both physiological responses and course characteristics in energy assessments. The model supports more targeted conditioning, enhances performance monitoring, and contributes to improved equine welfare by providing a more accurate understanding of workload in cross-country competitions.
Publication Date: 2025-06-17 PubMed ID: 40564327PubMed Central: PMC12189617DOI: 10.3390/ani15121775Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research focuses on modelling the energy demands in horses during the cross-country phase of eventing competitions, integrating physiological data with workload indicators to better understand the influence of various factors like course design on energy expenditure.
Research Context and Approach
- Eventing, an Olympic equestrian discipline, presents a significant physical challenge to horses, particularly in the cross-country phase.
- The study incorporated physiological data, including heart rate-derived VO2 (oxygen consumption) and lactate-based anaerobic estimates, along with external workload indicators such as speed, elevation, and course complexity derived from GPS.
- The composite model developed for estimating energy expenditure was based on 691 rides involving 256 horses across 232 events, ranging from 2-star to 5-star competitions.
Key Findings
- Course design factors, such as terrain and speed variability, along with acceleration, significantly impacted energy expenditure in the horses.
- Varying contributions from aerobic and anaerobic energy sources were found, influenced by speed, event format, and competition level.
- The model was able to explain 29% of the variance in power output and up to 91% when accounting for random effects, indicating the significant influence of both external and individual factors.
- Short-format events were found to have higher anaerobic contributions compared to long-format events.
- The level of competition showed a modest effect, reflecting the increasing technical difficulty and jump size at higher levels.
Implications of the Research
- The findings stress the importance of considering both physiological responses and course characteristics when assessing energy demands in equestrian eventing.
- By providing a more accurate understanding of workload during cross-country competitions, the model can guide conditioning, enhance performance monitoring, and ultimately contribute to improved horse welfare.
Cite This Article
APA
Liedtke AM, Meijer H, Horstmann S, von Reitzenstein C, Rump I, Kirsch K.
(2025).
Modelling Energy Demands of Cross-Country Tests in 2-Star to 5-Star Eventing Competitions.
Animals (Basel), 15(12), 1775.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15121775 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- German Olympic Equestrian Committee (DOKR), Freiherr-von-Langen-Str. 15, 48231 Warendorf, Germany.
- German Olympic Equestrian Committee (DOKR), Freiherr-von-Langen-Str. 15, 48231 Warendorf, Germany.
- German Olympic Equestrian Committee (DOKR), Freiherr-von-Langen-Str. 15, 48231 Warendorf, Germany.
- German Olympic Equestrian Committee (DOKR), Freiherr-von-Langen-Str. 15, 48231 Warendorf, Germany.
- German Olympic Equestrian Committee (DOKR), Freiherr-von-Langen-Str. 15, 48231 Warendorf, Germany.
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour and Laboratory Animal Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.
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