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BMC veterinary research2017; 13(1); 49; doi: 10.1186/s12917-017-0969-8

Monitoring training response in young Friesian dressage horses using two different standardised exercise tests (SETs).

Abstract: Most Friesian horses reach their anaerobic threshold during a standardized exercise test (SET) which requires lower intensity exercise than daily routine training. Objective: to study strengths and weaknesses of an alternative SET-protocol. Two different SETs (SETA and SETB) were applied during a 2 month training period of 9 young Friesian dressage horses. SETB alternated short episodes of canter with trot and walk, lacking long episodes of cantering, as applied in SETA. Following parameters were monitored: blood lactic acid (BLA) after cantering, average heart rate (HR) in trot and maximum HR in canter. HR and BLA of SETA and SETB were analyzed using a paired two-sided T-test and Spearman Correlation-coefficient (p* < 0.05). Results: BLA after cantering was significantly higher in SETA compared to SETB and maximum HR in canter was significantly higher in SETA compared to SETB. The majority of horses showed a significant training response based upon longitudinal follow-up of BLA. Horses with the lowest fitness at start, displayed the largest training response. BLA was significantly lower in week 8 compared to week 0, in both SETA and SETB. A significantly decreased BLA level after cantering was noticeable in week 6 in SETA, whereas in SETB only as of week 8. In SETA a very strong correlation for BLA and average HR at trot was found throughout the entire training period, not for canter. Conclusions: Young Friesian horses do reach their anaerobic threshold during a SET which requires lower intensity than daily routine training. Therefore close monitoring throughout training is warranted. Longitudinal follow up of BLA and not of HR is suitable to assess training response. In the current study, horses that started with the lowest fitness level, showed the largest training response. During training monitoring HR in trot rather than in canter is advised. SETB is best suited as a template for daily training in the aerobic window.
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Publication Date: 2017-02-14 PubMed ID: 28196500PubMed Central: PMC5309987DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-0969-8Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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.

The article focuses on a study conducted to understand the effectiveness of two different standardized exercise tests (SETs) on the training responses of young Friesian dressage horses. The study found that lower intensity SETs were more effective in improving the fitness level of the horses, notably the ones that started with lower fitness levels.

Scope of the Research

  • The research aimed at studying the strengths and weaknesses of an alternative protocol for standardized exercise tests (SETs) on Friesian dressage horses.
  • Two different SETs – SETA and SETB – were implemented over a two-month training period with 9 young Friesian dressage horses. SETB incorporated short bouts of cantering alternated with walking and trotting, whereas SETA involved more extended periods of cantering.
  • The researchers examined various parameters, including blood lactic acid (BLA) levels after cantering, average heart rate (HR) during trotting, and maximum HR during cantering.

Research Methods and Analysis

  • For statistical comparison between the effects of SETA and SETB, the study used a paired two-sided T-test and Spearman Correlation-coefficient.
  • The study paid special attention to monitoring BLA levels and HR throughout the training period to understand how these parameters responded to training through the two exercise test protocols.

Key Findings

  • Observations showed a significantly higher level of BLA after cantering and a higher maximum HR during cantering in SETA compared to SETB, indicating more strain on horses during SETA.
  • A significant training response based on BLA levels was seen in most horses, particularly in those that began with lower fitness levels – as they displayed the largest training response.
  • BLA levels were significantly reduced in week 8 compared to week 0 in both SETA and SETB, indicating improved fitness over the training period.
  • In SETA, a considerable correlation was found between BLA and average HR during trotting, suggesting a significant relationship between these two parameters. Such correlation was not seen during cantering.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • The research concludes that young Friesian horses do reach their anaerobic threshold with daily routine training that involves lower intensity than a SET, thus justifying close monitoring throughout training.
  • BLA measurements, not HR, are effective for assessing and following up on training response.
  • Horses that started with lower fitness levels showed the most significant training response.
  • For better observation of physiological responses, HR during trotting rather than cantering should be monitored.
  • SETB, which encompasses shorter cantering periods alternated with trotting and walking, is recommended for regular training within the aerobic window (a zone where physical exercise can be maintained without anaerobic metabolism).

Cite This Article

APA
de Bruijn CM, Houterman W, Ploeg M, Ducro B, Boshuizen B, Goethals K, Verdegaal EL, Delesalle C. (2017). Monitoring training response in young Friesian dressage horses using two different standardised exercise tests (SETs). BMC Vet Res, 13(1), 49. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-0969-8

Publication

BMC veterinary research
ISSN: 1746-6148
NlmUniqueID: 101249759
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
Pages: 49

Researcher Affiliations

de Bruijn, Cornelis Marinus
  • Wolvega Equine Hospital, Stellingenweg 10, Oldeholtpade, 8474 EA, The Netherlands.
Houterman, Willem
  • Wolvega Equine Hospital, Stellingenweg 10, Oldeholtpade, 8474 EA, The Netherlands.
Ploeg, Margreet
  • Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Ducro, Bart
  • Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Boshuizen, Berit
  • Wolvega Equine Hospital, Stellingenweg 10, Oldeholtpade, 8474 EA, The Netherlands.
  • Department of Comparative Physiology and Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820, Belgium.
Goethals, Klaartje
  • Department of Comparative Physiology and Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820, Belgium.
Verdegaal, Elisabeth-Lidwien
  • Equine Health and Performance Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5371, Australia.
Delesalle, Catherine
  • Department of Comparative Physiology and Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820, Belgium. Catherine.Delesalle@UGent.be.

MeSH Terms

  • Anaerobiosis
  • Animals
  • Exercise Test / veterinary
  • Gait
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Horses / blood
  • Horses / physiology
  • Lactic Acid / blood
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology

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Citations

This article has been cited 9 times.
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