Use of the recovery check in long-distance endurance rides.
Abstract: In an attempt to reduce morbidity, an additional veterinary examination is performed at the end of the hold time--the Recovery Check (RC)--of the last vet gate of all long distance endurance rides held in France. At the RC, a normal FEI-type inspection is performed combined with a cardiac recovery index (CRI): the heart rate is taken before (HR0) and 1 min after (HR1) the horse trotted for 30 m out and back. Results from 12 (130 and 160 km long) rides and based on 489 horses were analysed. Of all RC performed, 10.4% lead to elimination of the horses and lameness was the most frequent reason (45%). Among horses allowed to continue in the ride, elimination rate was significantly higher in horses with HR0 > or = 60/min compared to horses with HR0 or = 4) lead to greater disqualification rates only when HR0 was more than 60/min. RC appears to be useful in the assessment of a horse's fitness. However, standardisation of the examination is necessary in order to optimise its use.
Publication Date: 2002-10-31 PubMed ID: 12405668DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05400.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This study analyzes data collected from endurance horse rides in France, focusing on the impact of the Recovery Check (RC), an additional veterinary exam performed at the end of a ride. The results indicate this extra check can help identify unfit horses, with increased heart rate proving a reliable sign, though further standardization of this method is recommended.
Recovery Check (RC) in Endurance Rides
- The research revolves around the use of a Recovery Check (RC), an additional veterinary examination, in long-distance endurance rides. The RC is usually performed at the end of the period given for rest, known as “hold time” to identify potential health issues.
- During this RC, the normal inspection carried out by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is conducted along with the measurement of the horse’s Cardiac Recovery Index (CRI). This involves the recording of the horse’s heart rate (HR) before and one minute after trotting for 30 meters out and back.
Analysis and Results
- The sample data were derived from 12 rides with distances of 130 and 160 kilometers, comprising results from 489 horses.
- Overall, 10.4% of all RCs conducted led to the elimination of the horses due to various reasons, with lameness being the most common cause, contributing to 45% of the cases.
Heart Rate as an Indication of Fitness
- The study showed a significant correlation between high heart rates and the rate of horse elimination. Horses with a heart rate >= 60/min before the 30 meters trot (HR0) were more likely to be disqualified compared to those with a HR0 < 60.
- Additionally, horses that displayed a high CRI (a difference of heart rate before and after the trot >= 4) had greater disqualification rates, but only when their initial heart rate (HR0) was more than 60/min.
Implications and Recommendations
- The results of the study suggest that the RC provides valuable quantitative information that can assist in assessing a horse’s fitness for long distance endurance rides.
- However, the researchers highlight the need for standardizing this additional examination to maximize its utility. This could include set parameters for the hold time period or specific criteria for the HR0 and HR1 measurements.
Cite This Article
APA
Robert C, Benamou-Smith A, Leclerc JL.
(2002).
Use of the recovery check in long-distance endurance rides.
Equine Vet J Suppl(34), 106-111.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2002.tb05400.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Heart Rate / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Lameness, Animal / etiology
- Physical Endurance / physiology
- Physical Examination / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Lindner A, Esser M, López R, Boffi F. Relationship between Resting and Recovery Heart Rate in Horses.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Jan 11;10(1).
- Younes M, Robert C, Cottin F, Barrey E. Speed and Cardiac Recovery Variables Predict the Probability of Elimination in Equine Endurance Events.. PLoS One 2015;10(8):e0137013.
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