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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2021; 11(2); 463; doi: 10.3390/ani11020463

Training Young Horses: The Science behind the Benefits.

Abstract: Conflicting research and anecdotal evidence have created disagreement among equestrians as to whether two-year-old horses should be trained and raced. The objective of this literature review is to evaluate epidemiological studies, as well as physiological data on equine bone, articular cartilage, and tendons to better determine the impact of training and racing two-year-old horses. The evaluation of numerous studies on the topic provides evidence that a horse which is trained or raced as a two-year-old has a lower risk of injury and better adapted tissues for the rigors of racing. Unfortunately, the current prolific use of pain-mitigating substances in the racing industry does place horses, including young cohorts, at greater risk of injury, and should be used with caution.
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Publication Date: 2021-02-09 PubMed ID: 33572461PubMed Central: PMC7916178DOI: 10.3390/ani11020463Google 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 paper is a literature review assessing whether two-year-old horses should be trained and raced, based on epidemiological studies and physiological data from equine bone, articular cartilage, and tendons.

Objective of the Study

The main purpose of this research is to evaluate the impact of training and racing two-year-old horses. The study takes into account several factors including:

  • The adaptation of tissues for the racing rigors
  • The risk of injury
  • The prevalent use of pain-relieving substances in horse racing.

This research’s Approach

The research takes a systematic approach, that involves reviewing various epidemiological studies and physiological data on the skeletal system of horses, especially, the bone, articular cartilage, and tendons. The following were analyzed:

  • Studies related to the age at which horses should be trained and raced
  • Research on the physiological changes that occur in a horse’s skeletal system in response to racing and training
  • Observations and experiments on the use and impact of pain-relieving substances in the racing industry

Key Findings

The key finding from this literature review is that horses that begin their training or racing at the age of two tend to have a lower risk of injury. Additionally, the horses appear to have tissues better adapted for racing rigors. However, the paper also highlights a significant issue in the racing industry – the widespread use of substances designed to mitigate pain. These substances, despite their intentions, put horses at a greater risk of injury, even those as young as two years old. The authors argue that these substances should be used very cautiously, indicating a concern for the wellbeing of the horses in the industry.

Implications of the Study

The findings draw attention to ascertain clear guidelines for when racing and training should begin for horses. Importantly, it highlights the risks involved with the prevalent use of pain-relieving substances within the industry, bringing the focus on the need for more regulations and guidelines in this area. The research could be beneficial for:

  • Racing industry policymakers for enforcing a safer and healthier environment for the horses
  • Professional trainers for gaining a better understanding of the optimal period for training and racing horses
  • Veterinarians for advising on the responsible use of pain-mitigating substances in younger horses

Cite This Article

APA
Logan AA, Nielsen BD. (2021). Training Young Horses: The Science behind the Benefits. Animals (Basel), 11(2), 463. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020463

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 2
PII: 463

Researcher Affiliations

Logan, Alyssa A
  • Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 474 S. Shaw Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Nielsen, Brian D
  • Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 474 S. Shaw Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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