The association between Thoroughbred racehorse training practices and musculoskeletal injuries in Victoria, Australia.
Abstract: Catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries (CMI) in horses are associated with both too little and too much high-speed exercise. In order to advise trainers on training and management strategies that minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injury (MSI), a better understanding of how training practices affect MSI in racehorses is needed. Data from prospective studies relating training data and MSI are complicated by the gradual development of pathology and the effect of this on the ability of horses to train consistently prior to the identification of an injury. To circumvent this, 66 Australian Thoroughbred trainers were surveyed on their intended training practices, including rest, pre-training, and race-fit practices. Associations between intended training practices and catastrophic and non-catastrophic race day MSI outcomes in two-year-old and mature (≥three-year-old) horses were assessed using multivariable negative binomial regression models. The incidence of two-year-old race day MSI was lower for trainers who preferred shorter times (weeks) to trial, less time in fast work pre-trial ( = 0.003), shorter, more frequent rest periods ( < 0.01) and higher amounts of fast work at 15.5-16.7 m/s once race-fit ( = 0.001). The incidence of mature horse race day MSI was lower for trainers who preferred longer rest periods ( = 0.026) and a high-volume pre-trial training strategy comprising a high volume of slower speed gallop training and longer times to trial compared to fast and light training programs ( = 0.004) for their mature horses, in addition to higher amounts of fast work at 15.5-16.7 m/s for their race-fit two-year-olds ( = 0.012). Race day CMI incidence was lower for trainers who preferred lower volumes of fast gallop work for their race-fit mature horses ( < 0.05). These results suggest that two-year-old training practices could affect MSI risk later in a horse's career, and that age and stage in training (pre-trial, race-fit) are important considerations when developing training practices to minimize the risk of MSI.
Copyright © 2023 Wong, Morrice-West, Hitchens and Whitton.
Publication Date: 2023-10-24 PubMed ID: 37941814PubMed Central: PMC10628463DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1260554Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research investigates the link between training practices and musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses. Using data from multiple trainers, the study identifies training strategies that have lower risks of catastrophic and non-catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries in different age groups of horses, suggesting their implementation could reduce injury rates.
Background
- The study concerns itself with catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries (CMIs) in Thoroughbred racehorses and the role of training practices in causing these injuries.
- Racehorses can suffer injuries due to too little or too much high-speed training, the understanding of which can inform trainers regarding suitable training and management strategies to reduce the risk of such injuries.
- Observational studies have faced difficulties in clearly linking MSI rates and training practices due to the gradual development of pathology and the influence on a horse’s ability to train consistently before injury detection.
Methodology
- To overcome observed challenges, the study surveyed 66 Australian Thoroughbred trainers on their intended training practices, concentrating on rest, pre-training, and race-fit practices.
- The study then measured how intended training practices are associated with race day MSI outcomes in young two-year-old horses and mature horses aged three years and older.
- The methods for assessing the association between training practices and race day MSI outcomes involved the use of multivariable negative binomial regression models.
Findings
- The frequency of two-year-old race day MSI was lower for trainers who prefer less time to trial, less time in fast work pre-trial, shorter and more frequent rest periods, and a greater amount of fast work at particular speeds once race-fit.
- Mature horse race day MSI incidence was lower for trainers who opted for longer rest periods and high-volume pre-trial training strategies that involved a lot of slower speed gallop training and longer times to trial.
- Race day CMI incidence was lower for trainers who preferred less fast gallop work for their race-fit mature horses.
- The study hints that training practices for two-yearold could affect MSI risk later in the horse’s career.
- The report also suggests that the consideration of a horse’s age and stage in the training process are vital when developing training practices to reduce the risk of MSI.
Cite This Article
APA
Wong ASM, Morrice-West AV, Hitchens PL, Whitton RC.
(2023).
The association between Thoroughbred racehorse training practices and musculoskeletal injuries in Victoria, Australia.
Front Vet Sci, 10, 1260554.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1260554 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Lameness and Imaging Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia.
- Equine Lameness and Imaging Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia.
- Equine Lameness and Imaging Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia.
- Equine Lameness and Imaging Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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