The association between clinical parameters recorded at vet gates during Fédération Equestre Internationale endurance rides and the imminent risk of elimination.
Abstract: Endurance competitions over distances of 80-160 km are required by Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules to be divided into a number of stages between three and six. These stages are also known as "loops". Veterinary inspections, designed to ensure horse welfare, are conducted at the end of each loop, with details recorded on a separate "vet card" for each horse. Objective: To identify risk factors recorded on vet cards that were associated with elimination at subsequent loops. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Data relating to 3213 horse starts worldwide in international (CEI) events during 2014 were analysed. Univariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for potential inclusion in a final multivariable logistic regression model. Models were constructed stepwise using backwards-removal and assessed using the Bayesian information criterion. Results: Risk factors were identified, which would allow an "in-ride" risk profile to be constructed for each horse which evolves as the horse progresses through the ride. Some risk factors such as abnormal gait and high heart rate were found to be repeatedly associated with imminent failure to qualify. Conclusions: This is a relatively small study in terms of cohort size, based on the data that were available at the time of the study. Although comprehensive ride history data were also available for each horse via the main FEI database, training data were not. Conclusions: By identifying risk factors observed during the veterinary inspections at the end of a loop that are strongly associated with elimination at the end of the next or subsequent loops, these results provide an evidence-base for educational initiatives and regulatory changes that will inform the way veterinary delegates use veterinary inspections to help identify horses at risk of imminent FTQ.
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Publication Date: 2020-04-17 PubMed ID: 32219883DOI: 10.1111/evj.13264Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article focuses on recognizing risk factors in horses during endurance rides that could lead to their elimination in subsequent laps. These risk indicators are noted during veterinary inspections at the end of each phase of these rides.
Objective and Methods
The article’s main objective was:
- To identify the risk factors associated with horses getting eliminated in the succeeding stages of the race. These risk factors are noted on the “vet cards” during veterinary inspections at the end of each stage.
To achieve this, a retrospective cohort study was conducted, where data from 3213 horse starts globally in international events in 2014 was analyzed. The authors used univariable logistic regression to distinguish potential risk factors which could later be included in a final multivariable logistic regression model. The models were gradually built using a backward-removal approach and then evaluated by the Bayesian information criterion.
Results
The result of this study was:
- Identification of several risk factors allowing for real-time risk profiling for each horse as they progress through the race.
- Some recurring risk factors were abnormal gait and high heart rate, both of which were strongly associated with immediate disqualification.
Conclusions
The limitations of the study were acknowledged, including the relatively small size of the cohort considering the data available at the time. Although they had extensive ride history data for each horse through the main FEI database, they lacked data on their training.
Nevertheless, the results of this study are significant as they provide an evidence-based method to identify horses at risk of immediate disqualification during the veterinary inspections conducted at the end of each stage or loop.
By identifying strong associations between certain observations during inspections and subsequent eliminations, the study can contribute to educational initiatives and revisions of racing standards. This can inform veterinarians and delegates how to utilize inspections to detect horses at risk effectively.
Cite This Article
APA
Bennet ED, Hayes ME, Friend L, Parkin TDH.
(2020).
The association between clinical parameters recorded at vet gates during Fédération Equestre Internationale endurance rides and the imminent risk of elimination.
Equine Vet J, 52(6), 832-840.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13264 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bayes Theorem
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / prevention & control
- Horses
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
- Physical Endurance
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
Grant Funding
- Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI)
References
This article includes 14 references
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