[Useful life, departure rates and causes in sport horses].

This research paper explores the operational life, rate of retirement, and leading causes of death in race and competition horses. The study found that the average working life for racehorses is between 3.3-4.1 years, while competition horses typically have a longer period of active use, averaging at 5.5 years. The most common reasons for racehorses’ retirement were poor performance and breeding issues, while injuries to the musculoskeletal, respiratory, and digestive systems led to the retirement of competition horses.

Operational life of sport horses

• The operational life of sport horses varies based on their specific discipline. On average, thoroughbred race horses had an operational life of 3.3 years, standardbred horses had an operational life of 4.1 years, and competition horses, used in performance events apart from racing, typically had an operational life of 5.5 years.
• This variation can be attributed to the different physical demands each discipline places on the horse, leading to different types of stress and potential injuries.

Attrition and lethality rates

• The attrition and lethality rates were solely determined for thoroughbred race horses due to a lack of data for other disciplines.
• The annual attrition rate (the rate of horses retiring from their sport) was found to be 30%. This high rate may be due to the demanding nature of their sport, which can quickly lead to injuries, poor performance, or other issues that require their retirement.
• The annual lethality rate (the rate of horses dying) was found to be relatively low at 2%. Horses are generally well-cared for and have a typically long life-span, and therefore, the majority retire rather than die during their operational life.

Major causes of attrition and death

• The main reasons for retirement among thoroughbred race horses were inadequate performance, often linked to physical limitations or injuries, and issues related to breeding, which could affect the animal’s health and performance.
• For competition horses, the leading causes of retirement were damage to the locomotor (musculoskeletal), respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. These injuries or health issues can limit the horse’s ability to perform at the necessary level, leading to their retirement.
• In terms of the leading causes of death among both type of horses, damage of the locomotor system was dominant in thoroughbreds, while for competition horses, the causes were more varied, including the gastrointestinal, locomotor and respiratory systems.

Data limitations

• The research was limited due to the insufficient data available, especially for standardbred race horses and different sport disciplines. This made it difficult to make a comprehensive evaluation of the selected parameters across all disciplines.
• Moreover, the study relied on readily available data and did not incorporate new data collection efforts. Thus, a more robust investigation could provide a more detailed insight into the operational life, attrition rates, and causes of death in sport horses.