Modelling the oxygen cost of transport in competitions over ground of variable slope.

This research focuses on creating a method for estimating the oxygen consumption of horses running on differing slopes, specifically to improve understanding and planning in 3-day equestrian events. The model provides detailed oxygen cost of transport calculations, but does not account for energy expended during jumps.

Research Objective and Relevance

• The primary aim of this study is to develop a method to accurately estimate the oxygen usage of horses while running on different terrain slopes, especially during endurance competitions like 3-day events.
• The researchers aim to improve the understanding of the transport cost involved in varying terrain. This knowledge is crucial for competitors who need to plan race pace and rest intervals effectively throughout a course.

The Developed Model

• A semi-empirical model has been devised in this study, allowing precise calculations of the oxygen cost of transport for horses running on flat ground, upwards, or downwards a given slope, ranging from -0.3 to +0.3 in gradient.
• It’s important to note that this model only calculates the energy exertion for running, not for jumping, which would add additional energetic cost in a 3-day event with jumps.

Model Formulas and Applications

• The model’s mathematical formulation for flat or uphill gaits is as follows: COTpath = 0.123 + 1.561(gradient).
• For downhill gaits, the equation is slightly more complex: COTpath = 0.123 + 1.591(gradient) + 9.762(gradient)² + 14.0(gradient)³. These equations incorporate the factors affected by the gradient, hence they allow for the estimation of oxygen costs even on steep downhill terrains.
• With these formulas, the researchers applied the model to calculate the overall effort required for running on several different 3-day event courses of divergent standards.