[Parameters for the evaluation of endurance capacity in horses].

The research performed an incremental three workloads test and a single workload test on horses to obtain performance indices V4 and V150, which have significant practical importance in assessing the horse’s performance capacity, training ability, training effectiveness, and the optimal workload for interval training.

Incremental Three Workloads Test and Single Workload Test

• The authors conducted tests on horses using a methodology that involved two distinct types of workload tests: the ‘incremental three workloads test’ and the ‘single workload test’.
• The incremental three workloads test involved gradually increasing the amount of work or stress the horses were subjected to during the experiment.
• The single workload test, on the other hand, maintained a steady amount of work for the horses throughout the duration of the test.

Performance Indices: V4 and V150

• These tests helped the researchers derive two performance indices: V4 and V150.
• V4 and V150 represent specific performance indicators developed from the test data, which allowed the researchers to quantify the endurance capacity and flexibility of the horses, based on their heart rate and serum lactate concentration.
• The V4 index signifies the ideal heart rate at which a horse can carry out tasks without developing fatigue or stress, while V150 indicates the horse’s ability to sustain prolonged or higher-demand activities.

Practical Implications of the Research

• The research findings provide valuable practical insight into a horse’s work capacity, endurance, and potential for training.
• Having the performance indices V4 and V150 can help trainers establish targeted training programs for horses, adjust training intensity, and decide the optimal workload for interval training, thus improving a horse’s endurance and high-performance achievement.
• Additionally, these indices can be used to monitor a horse’s training effects, providing trainers with a tool for evaluating and adjusting their training regimens as necessary.