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Equine veterinary journal2019; 52(2); 273-280; doi: 10.1111/evj.13156

Training practices, speed and distances undertaken by Thoroughbred racehorses in Victoria, Australia.

Abstract: Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in racehorses are commonly due to bone fatigue, a function of the number of cycles (strides) and the magnitude of load applied to the limb. These parameters can be estimated using speed and distance, with greater than 6000 m/month at a gallop (>14 m/s), in combination with canter distances greater than 44,000 m/month, reported to increase fracture risk. Despite their importance, there are limited data on the distances and speeds horses are exposed to during training. Objective: Estimate training volume at different speeds undertaken by Australian Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Registered trainers (n = 66) in Victoria, Australia were surveyed. Questions were designed to assess the full training workload from initial pre-training to training performed to achieve and maintain race fitness, as well as information on rest periods. Descriptive analyses were stratified by trainer- and horse-level factors, with assessment of variance within and between groups. Cluster analyses were used to identify similar workload intensity groups. Results: Horse-level factors (age, targeted race distance) were associated with workload (younger<older, sprinters<stayers). Trainer categorisation did not influence workload, but there was significant variation in volume of total gallop exercise between trainers (median gallop distance 8000 m/month [IQR 6400-12,000]). Cluster analyses identified four workload programmes (medians): low-intensity (4800 m/month), medium-volume (8000 m/month), medium-volume with a higher proportion of high-speed workouts (12,800 m/month) and high-volume programmes (19,200 m/month), with 23, 50, 17 and 9% of trainers predominately training racehorses under each of the respective programmes. Horses 3-years and older were rested twice yearly for 6.3 (95% CI 5.7, 6.8) weeks, with more experienced trainers resting horses for shorter periods (P = 0.03). Conclusions: Possible selection bias, subjective reporting of workloads by trainers. Conclusions: Australian Thoroughbred training programmes include high volumes of galloping with more than half exceeding previously reported risk levels for MSI.
© 2019 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2019-08-30 PubMed ID: 31386764DOI: 10.1111/evj.13156Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 research focused on the training practices, speed, and distances covered by Thoroughbred racehorses in Victoria, Australia. The study aimed to estimate the training volume at different speeds and how these factors could potentially contribute to musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in these animals.

Research Methodology

  • The research used a cross-sectional study design.
  • A total of 66 registered trainers in Victoria, Australia were surveyed.
  • The survey consisted of questions tailored to assess the complete training workload from the initial pre-training to the training performed to maintain race fitness and data on rest periods.
  • The researchers carried out a descriptive analysis of the collected data. This analysis was stratified based on trainer-level and horse-level factors and employed an assessment of variance within and between groups.
  • Cluster analyses were utilized to identify groups with similar workload intensities.

Key Findings

  • The research found that horse-level factors such as age and target race distance had an impact on the workload. Younger horses and sprinters were associated with a lower workload compared to older horses and stayers.
  • The categorization of trainers did not influence the workload. However, there was a significant variation in the volume of total gallop exercise between different trainers.
  • The study identified four different types of workload programs based on the data – low-intensity, medium-volume, medium-volume with a higher proportion of high-speed workouts, and high-volume programs.
  • It was also found that horses aged 3 years and above were rested twice yearly for an average of 6.3 weeks. Trainers with more experience tended to rest their horses for shorter periods.
  • The study did note a possible selection bias and the subjective nature of workload reporting by the trainers.

Conclusions

  • The research concludes that Australian Thoroughbred training programs generally consist of high volumes of galloping.
  • It was also found that more than half of these training programs exceeded the previously reported risk levels for Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in racehorses.
  • The study underscores the need for further research to better understand the implications of these training patterns and implement necessary changes to minimize risk of injuries.

Cite This Article

APA
Morrice-West AV, Hitchens PL, Walmsley EA, Stevenson MA, Whitton RC. (2019). Training practices, speed and distances undertaken by Thoroughbred racehorses in Victoria, Australia. Equine Vet J, 52(2), 273-280. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13156

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 52
Issue: 2
Pages: 273-280

Researcher Affiliations

Morrice-West, A V
  • U-Vet Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
Hitchens, P L
  • U-Vet Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
Walmsley, E A
  • U-Vet Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
Stevenson, M A
  • Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Whitton, R C
  • U-Vet Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
  • Horses
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal
  • Risk Factors
  • Victoria

Grant Funding

  • University of Melbourne
  • Racing Victoria Ltd
  • Victorian Racing Industry Fund

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Citations

This article has been cited 27 times.
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