Training and

Fitness in
Athletic Horses

A report for the Rural Industries Research

and Development Corporation

by David L. Evans
Department of Animal Science
University of Sydney

February 2000

RIRDC Publication No 00/1

RIRDC Project No. US-77A
© 2000 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.
All rights reserved.

ISBN 0 642 58031 6

ISSN 1440 -6845

Training and Fitness in Athletic Horses

Publication No 00/1
Project No. US-77A

The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily
those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in
whole or in part on the contents of this report.

This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the
Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications
Manager on phone 02 6272 3186.

Researcher Contact Details

Dr David Evans
Senior Lecturer
Department of Animal Science
University of Sydney NSW 2006
Australia

Phone: 02 9351 2474

Fax: 02 9351 3957
Email: davide@vetsci.usyd.edu.au
Website: http://www.usyd.edu.au/su/vetfac/faculty/staff/devan.html

RIRDC Contact Details

Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
Level 1, AMA House
42 Macquarie Street
BARTON ACT 2600
PO Box 4776
KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: 02 6272 4539

Fax: 02 6272 5877
Email: rirdc@rirdc.gov.au
Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Published in February 2000

Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

ii
Foreword
RIRDC is committed to seeing the results of research and development brought to the
horse industry. The areas of horse training and fitness have been the focus of much
research activity over the last twenty five years, both in Australia and overseas.
However, there has been limited transfer of new methods and technologies to the various
industry sectors. This slow rate of technology transfer probably reflects, at least in part, a
lack of relevant information in a form that can be understood by most industry
participants.

In this book the main research findings in exercise physiology of training and fitness
assessment of horses are reviewed and practical techniques for fitness testing are
described. Important principals for training racehorses, event and endurance horses are
included. Some of the practical information has been based on Dr Evans’ experiences as
a consultant in commercial Thoroughbred horse training.

The book has been written in a style that should be accessible for students, horse owners
and trainers. Some veterinary surgeons are increasingly interested in this field, and are
sometimes expected to assist or advise owners and trainers concerning use of heart rate
meters, measurement of blood lactate concentrations after exercise, and other techniques.
The material should also contribute to veterinary education and lower wastage rates in
the industry.

This report, a new addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 450 research publications,
forms part of our Equine R&D program, which aims to assist in developing the
Australian horse industry and enhance its export potential.

Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online
through our website:
• downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm
• purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/cat/contents.html

Peter Core
Managing Director
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

iii
Acknowledgments
In 1993 I commenced research work in the science of exercise and training of racehorses. Until
that point, my only experience of racehorses was as a veterinarian. In between carrying out heart
scores, heart strain diagnosis, lameness evaluations, blood counts and castrations not once was I
intelligent enough to ask trainers about how the horses were trained. Since then I have been lucky
enough to work with patient people who have taught me a lot, and provided opportunities to
learn. I owe a large debt to Professor Reuben Rose, who has helped me to learn about the process
of scientific investigation.

I also learned a great deal from Mr Luca Cumani, Newmarket, England. After confirming that I
could actually ride a horse, Luca employed me as a consultant in the areas of training and fitness
assessment in a stable with 120 Thoroughbreds. I learned more than I had bargained for in that
short period about training, feeding, management, equine physiotherapy, and veterinary science.
Thanks also to Mr Les Edwards, who was brave enough to let me train his horses for 9 months. I
have spoken to many trainers, both Standardbred and Thoroughbred over many years, on many of
the topics in this book. They too have all contributed to my learning, and in a way, to the book as
well. They have helped me better understand what is really important, and what is and is not
feasible in the real world. Charlie Stewart, veterinarian and horse trainer, and Dr Allan Davie
deserve special mention in this context.

My sister once bought a Thoroughbred, and I was silly enough to suggest putting it into work. It
never won a race, but Helen did manage to train several winners in a short career training
Thoroughbreds. I also learned a great deal from Helen about horse care and training.

Advances in knowledge are mostly predicated on the hard work performed by research students. I
have been fortunate to be able to work with many dedicated and committed students over the last
10 years, and they too have contributed to this publication. Specifically, figures used to illustrate
heart rates in event horses during field exercise tests, interval training and swimming used in this
book have been kindly provided by Mr Marcos Serrano. These figures were constructed using
data obtained during Marcos’ studies towards a BSc(Vet) at the Faculty of Veterinary Science,
University of Sydney in 1999. Marcos also kindly proof read the final draft and provided
valuable advice that improved several aspects of the book.

iv
Contents
Foreword........................................................................................................................................iii
Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................................iv
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................1
1.1. Background ........................................................................................................................1
1.2. Aims....................................................................................................................................1
2. Overview of Equine Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry.............................................. 2
2.2. Energy supply during exercise...........................................................................................2
2.3. Aerobic metabolism ...........................................................................................................4
2.4. Anaerobic metabolism.......................................................................................................4
2.5. Heart rate during exercise .................................................................................................5
2.6. Maximum oxygen uptake ...................................................................................................8
2.7. Lactic acid accumulation during exercise........................................................................13
2.8. Adaptations in muscle and tendons during training ........................................................15
2.9. Adaptations in bone during training.................................................................................16
2.10. Limits to performance in equine competitions .................................................................17
3. Exercise Training of Horses...................................................................................................20
3.1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................20
3.2. Types of training used for horses ....................................................................................22
3.3. Basic training ....................................................................................................................23
3.4. Strenuous training............................................................................................................25
3.6. Interval training.................................................................................................................29
3.7. Skills development ...........................................................................................................31
3.8. Cross training ...................................................................................................................31
3.9. Treadmill training.............................................................................................................. 33
3.10. Recovery days .................................................................................................................34
3.11. Detraining .........................................................................................................................35
3.12. Overtraining...................................................................................................................... 35
3.13. Risk factors for injury and rehabilitation strategies..........................................................37
3.14. Training the horse’s behaviour ........................................................................................38
3.15. Thoroughbred training......................................................................................................38
3.16. Standardbred training ......................................................................................................39
3.17. Event horse training .........................................................................................................39
3.18. Quarter horse training......................................................................................................41
3.19. Endurance horse training.................................................................................................41
4. Fitness Tests for Horses.........................................................................................................42
4.1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................42
4.2. Fitness and its relevance to performance in equine events ............................................43
4.3. Traditional approaches to fitness measurement .............................................................45
4.4. Treadmill fitness tests ......................................................................................................45
4.5. Heart rate and fitness tests .............................................................................................. 46
4.6. Blood lactate measurements in fitness tests...................................................................46
4.7. Field exercise tests ..........................................................................................................47
4.8. Maximum oxygen uptake .................................................................................................50
4.9. Red cell volume................................................................................................................51
4.10. Body fluid status and fitness of endurance horses..........................................................51
4.11. Predicting performance....................................................................................................52
5. References................................................................................................................................55

v
List of Figures
Figure 1. Summary of muscle cell metabolism..............................................................................3
Figure 2. Heart rate during an exercise test with gradually increasing speed
of exercise. The test is finished when the horse is fatigued, or when
maximal heart rate is demonstrated............................................................................... 6
Figure 5. Typical changes in heart rate in a horse due to training. T refers to
exercise at a trot, SG a slow gallop, and FG a fast gallop. ...........................................7
Figure 6. Relationship between velocity of exercise and rate of oxygen uptake ..........................9
Figure 7. Typical changes in oxygen uptake during a stepwise, incremental
speed exercise test. Oxygen uptake during submaximal exercise is
not changed with training. Maximal rate of oxygen uptake has increased
from 130 ml/min/kg before training to 150 ml/min/kg after training.............................10
Figure 8. The relationship between velocity and oxygen uptake in two horses with
equal Vo2 max (C) but different economies of locomotion (efficiency of gait)
during submaximal exercise (A). Both horses reach Vo2 max at the
same velocity (B)..........................................................................................................11
Figure 9. Typical relationship between blood lactate concentration and velocity
in exercise tests involving a series of 5-8 steps of exercise, at gradually
increasing speed ..........................................................................................................13
Figure 10. Blood lactate response during an incremental speed exercise test in an
untrained and trained horse.........................................................................................14
Figure 11. Heart rates during an interval training session used for an elite event horse. ...........30
Figure 12. Heart rates during two swimming sessions in a horse being prepared
for eventing...................................................................................................................32

vi
1. Introduction
1.1. Background
A horse trainer has an extremely difficult task, regardless of whether the job is to prepare a
racehorse, event, endurance or other type of performance horse. Firstly, the trainer may be
asked to make judgements concerning the racing or performance potential of a young
horse, usually with little or no information available except breeding, or bloodlines. The
trainer may have to speculate about whether the horse in question is likely to be able to run
very fast over 1200 or 3200 metres, or be able to gallop and jump skilfully, or compete over
long distances in an endurance ride. Not surprisingly, visual appraisal and assessment of the
appropriateness of the horse’s breeding may have limited capacity to predict future
performance. The trainer must then prepare the horse to perform, and to realise its full
potential. The horse must be kept healthy, and ideally not be undertrained or overtrained. It
should be presented at competition with no muscle, skeletal, respiratory or other body
system disease that could reduce or limit performance. As well, the horse must be keen to
compete on the day, and be unlikely to behave in a manner that will limit performance.
Over the last 40 years there has been much research on the exercise physiology of equine
athletes, including racehorses, event horses and endurance horses. Many new industry
participants have more formal education in equine science, and there is an increased
interest in the applications of research results in the horse training industries. However, the
results of this research have not been comprehensively assembled in a format that is
accessible to most industry participants. It is hoped that this book will address that problem.

1.2 Aims
The presentation of information concerning training of horses and assessment of fitness in a
format suitable for use by industry participants will contribute to adoption of new
technologies. Adoption of new techniques in training, fitness assessment, and techniques
for routine monitoring of horses in training should lead to fitter horses with lower rates of
injury and fatigue. Industry wastage rates are very high, and many horses never win a race.
Research results do provide some guidelines in use of techniques to increase fitness and
reduce ill health in athletic horses. Both of these factors are important in any attempts by
horse trainers to improve performance and reduce industry wastage rates. Most information
on research and fitness assessment is found in scientific journals, and is inaccessible to
most industry participants. Likewise, interpretation of the results of many studies can be
difficult.
This book attempts to present the results of many studies in a readable format, and
concentrates on aspects of training and fitness assessment. It concentrates on the principles
of training and fitness assessment. Many of the principles are common in training programs
for all equine athletic competitions. There are many gaps in our knowledge, and more
studies of normal horses in their commercial training environments are required. Successful
conduct of those studies will necessitate cooperation between trainers and scientists, and
this is not always easy within the constraints of a busy training establishment. However, my
perception is that horse trainers and owners are seeking more information. It is my hope
that this review of many scientific studies, coupled with a few personal comments, will
assist all horse trainers who are interested in adopting new methods that are soundly based
on evidence, rather than on hearsay, hope or tradition.

1
2. Overview of Equine Exercise
Physiology and Biochemistry
2.1. Introduction

Exercise physiology and biochemistry are both important areas of study related to the
science of training and fitness assessment. Exercise physiology refers to studies of how a
horse responds to exercise, and how those responses are modified after different
interventions. These interventions include training, periods of rest (detraining), and dietary
changes. Studies of exercise physiology frequently involve measurements of body
temperature, heart rate, blood lactic acid concentration and oxygen uptake in the exercising
horse. These measurements help scientists describe the intensity of exercise, and are
fundamental in most measurements of fitness. In training centres devoted to preparation
and monitoring of elite human athletes these measurements are frequently used to guide
training intensity, and to demonstrate whether or not an individual is increasing fitness.
Physiological measurements are also used to identify talented individuals, suited to specific
athletic events. These appraisals sometimes also involve measurements of body shape and
size.

The biochemistry of exercise refers to studies of how the body’s cells and cellular
components respond during exercise. Some examples of questions in biochemistry of
exercise include; how do the cells provide the energy for exercise, and which fuels are used
during exercise of different events? How does training, diet or other interventions change
cell function and either enhance performance or limit fatigue? What is the cause of fatigue?

In this chapter a brief summary of normal physiological and biochemical responses to

exercise and training will be presented. It is not meant to be a comprehensive discussion.
However, some understanding of these basic principles is required in order to understand
material in following chapters of the book.

2.2. Energy supply during exercise

All exercise depends on supply of molecules of adenosinetriphosphate (ATP). ATP, when

split into ADP and Pi (adenosine diphosphate and an inorganic phosphate) releases energy.
The energy derived from the splitting of ATP molecules is used to maintain body
temperature, and by nerve and muscle cells for many important functions. These include
maintenance of the normal distribution of sodium and potassium ions in the body, and
several roles in the contraction and relaxation of the cells in the exercising muscles.
Without an adequate supply of energy from ATP, elements of muscle filaments cannot be
energised, the cells cannot relax quickly, and calcium cannot be “pumped” into its storage
sites (the sarcoplasmic reticulum) within the skeletal muscle cells.

The chemical reaction so fundamental to mammalian life and performance of exercise is:

ATP + H2O à ADP + Pi + H+ + energy

2
Most of the energy is released as heat. Some energy is used in the processes involved
muscular contraction, such as energising myosin filaments in muscle cells, and pumping
calcium back into its storage sites in the cells.

The horse has very small stores of ATP within its muscles. These stores, along with stores
of creatine phosphate (CP) are quickly used within seconds of commencement of exercise.
The reaction is:

CP + ADP + H+ à creatine + ADP + energy

In order for a horse to sustain exercise for more than a few seconds, it must be able to
replenish ATP at an appropriate rate. There are several metabolic pathways that can
contribute to ATP resynthesis. The relative importance of each pathway is determined by
the intensity and duration of exercise.

The flow of substrates (fuels) for ATP resynthesis, and the products of anaerobic and
aerobic metabolism are summarised in Figure 1. This figure was originally published in an
article by Duren and Crandell (1998) and is reproduced with permission from World
Equine Health Network).

Figure 1. Summary of muscle cell metabolism.

3
2.3. Aerobic metabolism

When the demands for energy are low during slow speed exercise, aerobic metabolism is
capable of meeting the requirements for continued ATP resynthesis. Aerobic metabolism is
therefore the primary pathway by which ATP is regenerated during endurance exercise.

Aerobic metabolism is the process by which fats and carbohydrates are oxidised,
culminating in the production of ATP, carbon dioxide and water (Figure 1). Fat is stored in
depots around the body and as triglycerides within muscle cells. Non esterified fatty acids
(NEFAs) are transported to the muscle from the blood. Carbohydrates are stored in the
muscle and liver in the form of glycogen. Glucose is the product of metabolism of liver
glycogen, and the glucose is transported to the muscle cells by the blood stream.

Glucose + 6O2 + 36ADP à 6CO2 + 6H2O+ 36ATP

Mobilisation of NEFAs is slow, and their contribution as a substrate for aerobic metabolism
increases as the duration of exercise increases.

Palmitate + 23O2 +130ADP--à 16CO2 +16H2O +130ATP

The capacity of the horse to generate energy aerobically is primarily limited by the
availability of oxygen in the working muscles. Potential limitations include the function of
the upper airways, lungs and cardiovascular system, and haemoglobin concentration in the
blood. The concentration of enzymes in the muscles appears to be in excess of the levels
required to fully metabolise the oxygen delivered by the blood. Training enhances the
capacity for oxygen delivery to the muscle, therefore increasing the capacity of the animal
to generate energy aerobically. Aerobic metabolism occurs in the mitochondria within cells,
and mitochondrial density and enzyme concentrations increase in muscle cells after
training.

2.4. Anaerobic metabolism

Anaerobic metabolism refers to biochemical reactions for synthesis of ATP that do not
require oxygen. During high intensity exercise of short duration (2-3 minutes in horses), the
degradation of muscle glycogen to lactate is the main pathway for supply of the ATP.
Accompanying the metabolism of glycogen are marked increases in concentrations of
lactate, hydrogen ions and inorganic phosphate (Pi) in the cells.

Glycogen + 3ADP à 2lactate - + 2H+ +3ATP

At the onset of fast exercise, the delivery of oxygen to the muscles does not instantaneously
reach the level required to support aerobic metabolism. Approximately 30-45 seconds of
exercise is required before maximal rate of oxygen use are achieved. During this period, the
deficit in energy production is met by anaerobic metabolism. There is an increase in heart
rate and ventilation, an increase in the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood as the splenic
erythrocyte reserve is mobilised, and redirection of blood flow to the skeletal muscles.
Increases in body temperature may enhance enzyme activity.

4
Some lactate molecules diffuse from muscle cells to the blood stream and are transported to
the liver where they are oxidised to glycogen and stored in the liver. During exercise,
mobilisation of liver glycogen stores helps to maintain blood glucose concentrations. As
well, lactate molecules can be metabolised aerobically during and after exercise in heart
muscle fibres, and in muscle fibres with high aerobic potential, such as slow twitch fibres.

Fast exercise should not be thought of as purely anaerobic exercise. Aerobic metabolism
also contributes greatly to the energy supply during high intensity exercise such as
galloping or fast pacing. Anaerobic metabolism makes up the deficit in total energy
resynthesis during high intensity exercise. In a horse galloping over 1200 m, aerobic
metabolism accounts for approximately 70% of the ATP generated (Eaton et al., 1995).
Demands for ATP resynthesis during exercise at gallop speeds less than 18 sec/200m can
usually be mainly met by aerobic metabolism in fit horses.

During times of extreme energy demands, when ATP resynthesis is inadequate and ADP is
accumulating, a high energy phosphate group may be transferred from one molecule of
ADP to another. One molecule of ATP is produced with one molecule of adenosine
monophosphate (AMP) which is metabolised to inosine monophosphate, and ammonia and
uric acid. This is referred to as the myokinase reaction:

ADP + ADP ----à ATP + AMP

2.5. Heart rate during exercise

In resting, calm horses heart rates range from approximately 20-40 beats per minute.
During exercise at maximal speeds, maximal heart rates are usually in the range of 210-240
beats per minute. Figure 2 shows the typical relationship between heart rate and velocity
during a stepwise exercise tewst. These tests involve performance of exercise over a set
distance or time at gradually increasing speeds. Rest periods may or may not be used
between the steps of increased speed. Heart rate increases as the horse increases velocity
from a trot (T) to slow gallop (SG). In this horse, heart rate does not increase above 225
beats per minute. At this speed of exercise an increase in speed results in a plateau of the
heart rate. The highest heart rate measured in this plateau is referred to as maximum heart
rate (HRmax). V200 is the velocity of exercise at which the heart rate is 200 beats per
minute.

5
 Heart rate (beats per minute)
Maximal
exercise
Submaximal
225 exercise

200

V200
140

T SG FG
Velocity of exercise

Figure 2. Heart rate during an exercise test with gradually increasing speed of exercise.
The test is finished when the horse is fatigued, or when maximal heart rate is demonstrated.

Measurement of heart rate during exercise is easy. Modern equine heart rate monitors are
reliable and accurate. The signal is rarely lost, and the receivers are rugged. It is also
possible to buy software to enable down load of the record of heart rates over the duration
of the training period or exercise test. If velocity is calculated, it is a simple matter to draw
a graph of heart rate versus velocity, as in Figure 2.

Figure 3 shows typical heart rates recorded in an event horse during a field exercise test.
The horse performed a fitness test based on performance of four bouts of exercise at
increasing speed. The horse exercised at a trot, then slow canter, then faster canter, and
finally a slow gallop. Between exercises, the horse walked back to the start of the 600
metre track. The whole procedure took approximately 20 minutes. Note that the first
increase in heart rate is not associated with exercise. It illustrates that heart rates during
anxiety or excitement can increase to over 150 beats per minute. Note also that in this
exercise test the horse did not exercise at sufficient speeds to demonstrate HRmax.

Lap 4
200 Lap 3
Lap 2
160
Lap 1
HR 120
(bpm)
80

40
0 5 10 15
Time (min)

Figure 3. Heart rates recorded in an event horse during a field exercise test. The horse did not
exercise at high speeds, and maximal heart rate was not recorded.

6
The results of this field test were used to draw a graph of speed of exercise (using records
from times of each bout of exercise to calculate speeds). Graphs such as those in Figure 4
enable calculation of V200.

220
200
180
Heart rate
(bpm) 160
140
120
100
100 300 500 700
speed (m/min)

Figure 4. A relationship between heart rate and velocity, derived from results of the field
test shown in Figure 3.

At the commencement of exercise without prior warm up, heart rate only slowly increases
to reach its maximal value over 2-4 minutes (Evans and Rose 1988b). This phenomenon
could explain why some riders observe that heart rate during fast exercise only reaches
180-200 beats per minute, even though the horse is exercising at maximal or near maximal
speeds. Heart rates and oxygen transport to exercising muscles will be higher at the start of
exercise if an appropriate warm up is used. A minimum of 5 minutes of trot and canter
exercise is advisable.

Most studies have reported that there is no change in resting heart rate or in maximal heart
rates after training. Training does result in a decrease in heart rates during submaximal
exercise. The drawn relationship between heart rate and velocity moves to the right. In this
example, V200 increases from a slow gallop to a faster gallop. The horse is also able to
exercise at higher speeds before reaching maximal heart rate.
Heart rate (beats per minute)

225
200
Before
After

V200
140

T SG FG
Velocity of exercise

Figure 5. Typical changes in heart rate in a horse due to training. T refers to exercise at a
trot, SG a slow gallop, and FG a fast gallop.

7
2.6. Maximum oxygen uptake

Oxygen uptake of a horse is a measurement of the rate at which oxygen used. When an
animal or human exercises at progressively increasing intensity, a speed of exercise is
reached, where for a short period, power (work per minute) can be measurably increased
without further increase in the rate of oxygen uptake by the animal. Exercise responses in
humans and horses are qualitatively similar in horses and humans except for three aspects:

1) splenic contraction in the horse approximately doubles haematocrit at maximal oxygen

uptake compared to truly resting values, while in man there are virtually no changes in
haematocrit;

2) oxygen transport flow rates are about twice as great per kg in the horse as in man, and

3) pulmonary function is compromised in the horse. This compromise is reflected in

considerable hypoxaemia (low blood oxygen concentration) and haemoglobin
desaturation, changes that are only seen in elite human athletes (Wagner, 1995).

In both species, maximum oxygen uptake is usually limited by oxygen supply to the
mitochondria rather than by intrinsic mitochondrial oxidative capacity (Wagner, 1995. The
general consensus is that the rate of oxygen flow through the lungs and heart sets the upper
limit of an animal’s maximum oxygen uptake (Bassett and Howley, 1997). This implies
that the capacity of the heart to pump blood to the muscles is the major limiting factor in
determining an animal’s maximum oxygen uptake.

The maximal cardiac output will depend on the horse’s maximal heart rate and the maximal
stroke volume (volume of blood ejected from the left and right sides of the heart in each
contraction). Maximal heart rates are usually in the range of 210-240 beats per minute.
Stroke volume in the exercising horse ranges from approximately 0.9 – 1.3 litres, and is
increased after training (Evans et al., 1988). The maximal rates of blood flow from the
heart (cardiac output, or heart rate x stroke volume) can therefore range from
approximately 200-350 litres per minute, depending on inherited heart capacity, maximal
heart rate and state of training.

Maximal oxygen uptake is technically difficult to measure. In Australia, the measurement

is only currently available at the Equine Performance Laboratory, University Veterinary
Centre Camden.

Oxygen uptake is measured by applying a mask to the horse’s nose or face, and measuring
respiratory gas flow and the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the exhaled
respiratory gas. In a resting horse oxygen uptake is approximately 2-3 ml/kg/minute, or 1-
1.5 litres per minute for a 500 kg horse.

Figure 6 shows the relationship between velocity of exercise and rate of oxygen uptake,
expressed in ml oxygen per minute, per kg of body weight (ml/min/kg. During submaximal
exercise oxygen uptake increases as exercise speed increases from trot (T) to slow gallop
(SG) to fast gallop (FG).

8
 Oxygen uptake (ml/min/kg)
Maximal exercise

140

Submaximal exercise

T SG FG
Rest
Velocity of exercise

Figure 6. Relationship between velocity of exercise and rate of oxygen uptake

In the example shown in Figure 6, oxygen uptake does not increase above 140 ml/min/kg.
At this speed of exercise an increase in speed results in a plateau of the oxygen uptake. The
highest rates of oxygen uptake measured in this plateau (maximal exercise) are referred to
maximum oxygen uptake. This is usually written as VO2 max. A horse that produced a
relationship such as that in Figure 6 has a O2 max of 140 ml/min/kg.

Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max ) expresses the maximum rate use of oxygen during
exercise, and it defines the aerobic capacity of the horse. The VO2 max is the maximum
amount of oxygen that the horse has the capacity to transport through the lungs, pump by
the heart and use in muscles for the production of energy. It sets the upper limits for a high
work potential, especially in events lasting longer than approximately 50-60 seconds.

The work intensity of any exercising horse can be described as a velocity, but this does not
indicate the metabolic demands (oxygen uptake or heart rate) in an individual horse. Two
horses exercising at the same velocities can have very different heart rates and oxygen
uptakes. Likewise, they can be exercising at different relative intensities. Relative
intensities describe the intensity of exercise compared to either maximal heart rate or
maximal oxygen uptake. For example, a horse exercising at a heart rate of 176 beats per
minute is said to be exercising at 80% of maximal heart rate if it has a maximal heart rate of
220 beats per minute (176 x 100%/220). Likewise, relative exercise intensity can be
described as relative to maximum oxygen uptake. For example, a horse exercising with an
oxygen uptake of 135 mlO2/min/kg is exercising at 84% of VO2 max if the VO2 max is 160
ml/min/kg (135 x 100%/160).

In Thoroughbred horses exercising on a treadmill oxygen consumption is predicted

reasonably well by the heart rate during exercise. The equation, applicable for heart rates
up to 220 beats per minute, is:

Oxygen uptake (ml/min/kg) = 0.833 (heart rate, beats per minute) – 54.7 (Eaton et al.,
1995)

9
Relative heart rate during treadmill exercise (expressed as percentage of maximal) is also a
good predictor of relative oxygen uptake.
Percent of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) = 1.384(% of maximal heart rate) - 41 (Eaton et
al., 1995)

Therefore, if it was decided that strenuous treadmill training should occur at 80% VO2 max the
horse should exercise at a velocity that results in 87% of maximal heart rate
((80+41)x100% /1.384)).

Typical maximal rates of oxygen uptake in untrained horses are 80-140 ml of oxygen per
minute, per kg of body weight. These rates compare with values of approximately 30-50
ml/min/kg in untrained humans. The higher rates of maximal oxygen consumption in
horses is mainly due to the much greater arterial oxygen content in horses during maximal
exercise, secondary to splenic contraction and addition to the blood oxygen transporting
capacity.

Maximal oxygen uptake increases by approximately 10-20% after training in horses. Figure
7 shows the typical changes seen in oxygen uptake during a stepwise, incremental speed
exercise test. There has been no change in the oxygen uptake during submaximal exercise.
This means that in most cases a horse trotting or slow galloping will use oxygen at the same
rate before and after training. The efficiency of locomotion has not changed. In real life it is
likely that the efficiency the gait does increase, as horses learn to gallop at high speed with
an economical gait. However, these changes are probably small, and would be difficult to
measure in a laboratory.

However, the maximal rate of oxygen uptake has increased from 130 ml/min/kg before
training, to 150 ml/min/kg after training. As well, the horse is able to exercise at higher
speeds before the plateau at VO2 max is reached.
Oxygen uptake (mls/min/kg)

after training
150
before training
130

submaximal exercise

Velocity of exercise

Figure 7. Typical changes in oxygen uptake during a stepwise, incremental speed exercise
test. Oxygen uptake during submaximal exercise is not changed with training. Maximal
rate of oxygen uptake has increased from 130 ml/min/kg before training to 150 ml/min/kg
after training.

10
Elite middle distance and staying Thoroughbreds have recorded values for VO2 max in the
range 160-175 ml/min/kg. Good class Standardbred pacers have values in the range 150-
160 ml/min/kg. Most of the increases in VO2 max occur in the first 6 weeks of training.
However, in a study of prolonged training, there was a gradual further increase in VO2 max
over a 7 month training period (Tyler et al., 1996).

A high VO2 max does not guarantee excellent performance, but, in general, Standardbred
horses with a higher VO2 max have superior performance (Gavreau et al., 1995).
Unfortunately there have been no studies of the associations between VO2 max and racing
performance in Thoroughbreds, event or endurance horses. Performance of horses with a
high VO2 max but low anaerobic capacity will probably be limited by poor sprinting ability.

Figure 8 illustrates the relationship between velocity and oxygen uptake in two horses with
equal VO2 max (at C), but different rates of oxygen uptake during submaximal exercise (A).
This reflects a superior economy of locomotion, or economy of gait, in the horse with the
lower rates of oxygen use during the trot and slow canter. There is little energy wasted in
movements that are not directed at moving the animal forward. A high stepping gait tends
to be inefficient. In this case both horses have the same velocity at which the rate of oxygen
uptake reaches a plateau.

B
C
Oxygen uptake

velocity
.
at VO2max

Velocity of exercise

Figure 8. The relationship between velocity and oxygen uptake in two horses with equal
VO2 max (C) but different economies of locomotion (efficiency of gait) during submaximal
exercise (A). Both horses reach VO2 max at the same velocity (B).

11
In elite athletes exercising over long distances, the economy of exercise is also an important
factor limiting performance. Economy of exercise, or efficiency of locomotion, is
expressed as ml O2 consumed per kg body weight, per metre travelled (ml O2/kg/m). Gait
efficiency is an important determinant of economy of exercise. The contribution of this
factor to performance in any form of equine competition is unknown. The relevance of
economy of locomotion is probably greater in endurance events, where wasted, inefficient
movements during slow exercise generate more heat and contribute to greater hyperthermia
and dehydration.

Inefficient movements could include a high stepping gait and head movements. An
endurance horse with superior economy of gait could be expected to win more
competitions, other factors being equal. An example of poor efficiency of locomotion in
racing is a horse that is “pulling”. Energy is wasted, and so heart rates and blood lactate
concentrations are likely to be higher earlier in the race than normal, and fatigue occurs
earlier in the race.

In Thoroughbred horses exercising on a treadmill the most efficient gaits were trotting and
low gallop at 3-6 m/s, regardless of treadmill incline (Eaton et al., 1995).

Each litre of oxygen used generates 20.1 kJ of energy, and 75-80% is released as heat
(Carlson and Jones, 1996). The metabolic energy released during exercise depends on
oxygen uptake, body weight and time (Carlson and Jones, 1996).
Metabolic Energy = weight (kg) x time (minutes) x oxygen uptake (ml/kg/min) x 20.1 kJ/L
O2

For example, a 450 kg event or endurance horse trotting for 30 minutes at 50 ml O2/kg/min
generates 13,567 kJ of energy. The amount of energy released as heat in this bout of
exercise could be decreased by;

1. reducing the oxygen uptake (by reducing load carried or the oxygen cost of exercise)
2. reducing the body mass of the horse.

Note that energy and power are not the same thing. Power equals work (energy) divided by
time; for example, power = litres of oxygen consumed/minute (Fox and Matthews, 1981).
In the above example the horse is using approximately 22.5 litres of oxygen per minute, or
approximately 475 kJ/minute. On an historical note, horse power (HP) is an old unit for
power. One litre of oxygen per minute equals approximately 0.474 HP.

Other things being equal, performance of horses in events of long duration will be
maximised if the horse has a low body mass, an efficient gait (low oxygen cost of exercise)
and carries a light weight. It should be remembered that body weight should not be lowered
before such events by reducing the water content. Dehydration will limit performance in
prolonged events because it reduces the volume of water that can store heat and transport it
to the skin and respiratory tract.

12
2.7. Lactic acid accumulation during exercise

At very high speeds all horses must use more of the anaerobic energy supply pathways to
support the energetic requirement of the exercise, and accelerated anaerobic metabolism of
glycogen (glucose stored in the muscle cells) occurs. At exercise speeds greater than those
that cause metabolic rates of approximately 65-85 % of maximum oxygen uptake, blood
lactate concentrations rapidly increase (Evans et al., 1995, Eaton et al., 1995).

During exercise at high speeds, lactic acid concentration increases in the exercising muscle
cells, and then diffuses into the blood. This response is attributable to a limitation to the use
of oxygen by the exercising muscle cells. During exercise at higher speeds the cells can
only maintain the required rate of ATP supply to the muscle cells by anaerobic use of
glucose. Anaerobic glycolysis results in accumulation of lactic acid in the muscle cells.

Blood lactate concentration in horses at rest is approximately 0.5 mmol/L. Small increases
in this concentration occur as speed of exercise increases, and then at higher speeds, the
blood lactate concentration increases exponentially. The characteristics of this typical
relationship have been used to monitor responses to training and investigate factors limiting
race performance. Figure 9 shows the typical relationship found in exercise tests that
involve measuring blood lactate in a series of 5-8 steps of exercise, at gradually increasing
speed. Speed is usually increased every 1-2 minutes. These plots are used to calculate
VLa4, the velocity at which the blood lactate concentration is 4 mmol/L. Results from these
types of exercise tests can also be expressed as a lactate concentration at a set speed, such
as 10 m/s. In this case the index of performance is expressed as La-10. Blood lactate
concentrations after exercise can increase to 20-30 mmol/L or greater.
Blood lactate concentration
(mmol/L)

4
VLa4

Velocity of exercise

Figure 9. Typical relationship between blood lactate concentration and velocity in exercise
tests involving a series of 5-8 steps of exercise, at gradually increasing speed

13
The shape of the lactate versus velocity curve depends on the protocol used for the exercise
test. In non-continuous tests a linear relationship is found, rather than a curved relationship
(Kronfeld et al., 1995). A clear point of inflexion can be demonstrated, and an appropriate
index of fitness is the intersection of the two straight lines. Use of exercise tests that
identify the inflexion point is common in human exercise tests. A linear relationship
between blood lactate concentration and speed has also been demonstrated in pooled results
from field exercise tests in Thoroughbred horses (Davie and Evans, in press).
The speed at which lactic acid accumulates depends on many within-animal factors as well.
These include the rate of cardiac delivery of oxygen to exercising muscle, the ability of the
muscle cells to use oxygen, and the rate at which lactate is metabolised in muscle cells
during exercise. These factors are limited by an individual horse’s inherited physiological
characteristics, but they can also be improved by training.
It is important to appreciate that lactate production in muscle cells and accumulation in
blood is a normal response to energy production at moderate to high speeds or intensities of
exercise. The actual speed at which lactate begins to accumulate within the muscle cells
and blood will depend on gait, breed, horse, diet and state of training (fitness). In resting
horses, elevated blood lactate concentrations indicate failure of blood flow to the body
organs and tissues, and is often associated with colic. In normal, healthy Thoroughbred
horses blood lactate concentrations increase when the speed of exercise is increased to
approximately 11-12 m/s (700-800 m/min) (Evans and Davie, in press). In pacing
Standardbreds lactate does not accumulate in blood until speeds exceed approximately 650-
700 m/min (Wilson et al., 1983).
Horses with a high maximum oxygen consumption can be expected to exercise at higher
speeds before there is evidence of accumulation of lactate in either muscle cells or the
blood. A measurement of the lactate response to a standardised exercise test can therefore
provide valuable information concerning the extent of anaerobic supply of ATP during the
exercise.
A typical difference in blood lactate response during exercise in untrained and trained
horses is illustrated in Figure 10. The trained horse has lower blood lactates during
submaximal exercise, and higher VLa4.
Blood lactate concentration

before training

4 after training

10
Velocity of exercise
Figure 10. Blood lactate response during an incremental speed exercise test in an
untrained and trained horse.

14
After collection of the blood the assay for lactate concentration can be completed on whole
blood, or on plasma collected after centrifuging the blood. It is important that the assay is
conducted on blood or plasma. Results from blood and plasma assays cannot be compared
because the concentrations of lactate in plasma are up to 50% higher than in the red blood
cells (Rainger et al., 1995). Assays on whole blood are probably preferable because lactate
molecules in the cells are included in the assay, and it is a simpler technique because no
centrifugation is required. Assays of plasma lactate concentration can also be conducted in
modern biochemical analysers.

2.8. Adaptations in muscle and tendons during training

Prolonged training in enhances the metabolic capacity of skeletal muscle (Hodgson et al.,
1986). Training results in increased concentrations of hexokinase and citrate synthase in
skeletal muscle, indicating increased muscular capacity for aerobic metabolism (Cutmore et
al., 1985). Long term training also increases the resting muscle glycogen concentration
(Tyler et al., 1998). More recent studies have demonstrated that training has the potential to
minimise fluid loss (Marlin et al., 1999), improves exercise tolerance and changes the
threshold for sweating.

Collection of a small sample of muscle tissue (biopsy) for investigation of cell structures
and function has also been investigated as a tool for measuring the changes in muscle
during training. Rivero (1996) found that training resulted in muscular adaptations to
training. Fibre area (size) and the number of capillaries in contact with type-1 (slow twitch)
and type-2A (fast twitch, high oxidative) muscle fibres were dependent on state of training,
particularly in biopsy samples collected from a deep sampling site in the middle gluteal
muscle. It was concluded that these methods could become a useful aid for evaluation of
the individual horse's response to training.

Lovell and Rose (1991) found high intensity training resulted in an 11% increase in the
lactate dehydrogenase concentration in skeletal muscle of Thoroughbreds after a high
intensity treadmill training program. This adaptation to training suggests that there was an
improvement in the capacity of the anaerobic energy pathway. Such a response has not
been associated with conventional training programs, and the intensive treadmill training
technique used in this study may have been responsibly for this unique result. The methods
used in this study are described in a following section (3.4. Strenuous training).

Tendons connect muscles to bones, and contain collagen fibrils that provide the tendon
with its strength. Pattersonkane et al. (1997) investigated the idea that collagen fibrils
would hypertrophy (grow larger) in response to a specific defined training program. Fibril
diameters were measured in central and peripheral regions of the superficial digital flexor
tendon (SDFT) samples from five 18-month-old horses which underwent a subsequent 18
month training program, and 6 age- and sex-matched controls that were not trained. Central
region fibrils from the trained horses had a mass-average diameter (MAD) of 105.3 nm,
which was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than that of 131.7 nm for the same region in the
control horses. This reduction in fibril diameter was interpreted as evidence of
microtrauma. It implies the region was weakened by the training regimen. The authors

15
concluded that repeated episodes of microtrauma to the tendons may accumulate and
eventually result in degenerative lesions and clinical tendonitis (inflammation). These
results also suggest that further studies of the impact of shoeing, track surfaces, speeds and
distances of training and other possible risk factors for collagen fibril shrinkage and
tendonitis in racehorses are warranted.

The effect of 18 months treadmill training (galloping) on the diameters of collagen fibrils in
the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and suspensory ligament (SL) of 21 month old (on
average) Thoroughbred fillies has been investigated (Pattersonkane et al. 1998). Six horses
underwent a specific 18-month treadmill training program involving galloping exercise,
and six horses served as controls, undertaking low-volume walking exercise over the same
period. The collagen fibril mass-average diameters did not change significantly with
exercise training for either the DDFT or the SL. It was concluded that loading of the DDFT
as a result of this exercise regimen was not sufficient to stimulate collagen fibril
hypertrophy. This confirms that the DDFT is subjected to low loads during exercise,
compared with the superficial digital flexor tendon.

2.9 Adaptations in bone during training

Sore shins is a major problem in young Thoroughbred racehorses in training particularly in

two year old horses (Bailey, 1998). Bailey (1998) reported that shin soreness had the
highest injury rate in a study of 169 Thoroughbreds studied over a two year period. As
well, shin soreness was the cause of 27% of all lost training days. The next most common
cause of lost training days was fetlock problems (9%). Shin soreness also was responsible
for 23% of the weeks spent rested at pasture. Shin soreness causes most of the wastage in
two year old Thoroughbreds in training.

Shin soreness may be due to failure to provide an adequate, progressive training stimulus
for bone. Until recently there have been few studies of how bone in young horses responds
during training. Price et al. (1995) investigated whether or not exercise induces an adaptive
response in the developing skeleton that may be monitored by measuring biochemical
markers of bone metabolism in the blood. The results indicated that the treadmill exercise
regimen resulted in a general increase in bone turnover in 2-year-old thoroughbreds (Price
et al., 1995).

A study of the breaking strength of the right third metacarpal (cannon) bones in 24
Thoroughbreds, 24 to 48 months old and in race training found that horses with more
training months had greater bone diameter, cortical area and area moment of inertia
(Sherman et al., 1995). However, these adaptations did not affect metacarpal bone breaking
strength.

Recently there has been interest in using growth hormone to treat and prevent a range of
musculoskeletal diseases in equine athletes. Day et al., (1998) investigated the effect of
equine somatotropin injections over 112 days in two year old Quarter horses in a regimen
typical for racehorses in training. X rays were used to study bone density of the third
metacarpal (cannon) bone during training. The treatment resulted in increases plasma
concentrations of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). However this treatment had no

16
significant effect on the responses to training, which were an initial decrease and then
increase in density of the cortical bone.

The effects of age and exercise on shape and volumes of the navicular bone were studied by
Gabriel et al. (1999). All the external measurements of the navicular bone decreased
significantly with increasing age. However, in sporting horses, the navicular cortical bone
volume increased with age and the cancellous bone volume decreased. Exercise appeared to
have decreased bone resorption and increased bone formation. The findings confirmed that
exercise might be good practice to prevent age-related bone loss in horses.

A high intensity treadmill exercise protocol resulted in rapid changes in the carpal (knee)
bones (Firth et al. 1999). Using 2 levels of controlled and defined exercise, it was observed
that the increase in trabecular thickening and density was localised to those regions
underlying common sites of cartilage degradation and bone fractures.

2.10. Limits to performance in equine competitions

There is a wide range of metabolic and physical demands in equine competitions. A

Quarter horse must run 400 yards in less than 20 seconds, and an endurance horse may be
required to exercise over 50 - 160 kilometres. These events represent extremes, similar to
the wide demands of a human 100 metre race and 42 kilometre marathon. Success in any
event will primarily depend on whether or not the individual is physiologically suited to the
demands of the event. A successful Quarter horse needs large muscles that consist mostly
of Type IIb fibres. These fibres fatigue easily but generate high speed and power. The
energy for the event will be derived mostly from glycogen (stored glucose) in the muscle
cells, and depend less on the animals capacity to deliver oxygen to the cells. Success in
sprint events will also depend on the horse’s muscle cells ability to buffer the lactic acid
that accumulates in the cells.

At the other end of the spectrum, a successful endurance horse will have muscles with few
type IIb fibres, and more Type I and IIa fibres. These muscle fibres predominate in Arab
and Arab cross horses. They resist fatigue, and have a superior capacity for using oxygen. It
is also important that endurance horses have an efficient gait, and so generate less heat
during exercise. Superior performance in endurance rides therefore depends on a highly
system for delivering and using oxygen in the muscle cells. An important aspects of a
superior rate of oxygen uptake during exercise is a large cardiac stroke volume, the volume
of blood pumped from the heart with each beat. A well-developed network of blood vessels
in the muscle cells also assists supply of oxygen to the muscle cells. The muscle cells need
to be well endowed with mitochondria and the associated enzymes that convert fat and
glucose into ATP. A successful endurance horse should also have a large volume of plasma
in the blood. This component of blood helps store heat, and move it to the skin where it can
be sweated and radiated to the environment. A large plasma volume tends to dilute the red
blood cells, and therefore a high red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration are
not features of superior capacity for performance in endurance rides. A low red blood cell
count and haemoglobin concentration may be found in excellent performers.

17
Thoroughbred and Standardbred horse racing, and event competitions, represent
intermediate metabolic and physical demands. Successful racehorses must be able to
accelerate quickly, maintain an efficient gait, cruise at high speeds, and sprint quickly over
200-600 metres.

Event horses do not depend as much on acceleration and sprinting ability, but must be able
to run at moderate to high speeds without fatigue, and to jump and run fast at the same
time! Superior performance on day 2 of a three day event depends on a high level of
fitness, developed over many months, and skilful jumping at high speed. In the
showjumping in a three day event, skill, strength, fitness and adequacy of recovery from the
previous day’s exertions will all be important factors determining success.

The potential of a horse to perform at a high level in any event with demands ranging from
those in a 1000 metre race to the demands of Day 2 of a 3 Day event depends on many
factors. However the main determinant of success are likely to be maximal oxygen
consumption, or VO2 max and blood lactate responses to exercise. The important roles of
these factors have been demonstrated in Thoroughbred and Standard racing, but
unfortunately there is no evidence yet to support this contention for event horses. However,
the metabolic demands of eventing and jumping have been described, and these findings
strongly suggest that superior performance will depend on a high maximal rate of oxygen
consumption and low rate of lactic acid accumulation in muscle cells during the event.

2.11 The bases of fatigue during exercise

Fatigue is a decrease in the ability to do work. It is manifest as a horse slowing in a race, or

unable to jump as high, or unable to maintain pace with a treadmill. Detection of fatigued
muscle is difficult. A recent study suggests that electromyography may be useful. Cheung
et al. (1998).

It is now known that fatigue and decreased speed during high intensity exercise is
associated with a decline in the concentration of ATP in the muscle cells, and an
accumulation of ADP and Pi (Harris et al., 1987). Muscle ATP loss with exercise has
implications for both fatigue and muscle damage (Harris et al. 1997). To study this process
at the single muscle fibre level, five trained thoroughbred horses performed a treadmill
study at high exercise intensities. Muscle biopsies of the m. gluteus medius were taken at
rest, post-exercise and during 24 hour recovery. ATP loss after consecutive 90 second
gallops on an inclined treadmill followed by a final gallop to fatigue exercise was 32.2%.
Following exercise ATP levels were close to zero in some muscle fibres. At the same time,
blood lactate was 20.0 mmol/L or more, and plasma ammonia 300-800 micromol/L,
following the final gallop. Interestingly, the exercise caused similar post-exercise decreases
in the ATP contents of types I (slow twitch) and IIa and IIb (fast twitch) muscle fibres. The
results pointed to marked differences between individual fibres in their biochemical
response with exercise, independent of fibre type.

Increased lactic acid concentration in muscle cells may have an affect on muscle
contraction by inhibiting the release of the Ca2+ ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Acidosis of the cells also has an inhibitory affect on an important enzyme in the glycolytic

18
pathway. These responses both limit the ability to produce energy, and so result in fatigue.
The horse slows down because the physical demands of competition are not met by the
output of the muscle cells. Fatigue limits performance, but it should also be regarded as an
important mechanism for preservation of the health of the horse. If there were no limits to
muscle cell activity during high intensity exercise, the pH of the cell would continue to
decline and irreversible damage would occur. As with many other physiological systems,
fatigue is a process designed to preserve the health of the animal.

Fatigue during prolonged exercise has a very different basis. During an endurance ride,
prolonged exercise does not cause accumulation of lactic acid. There may be small
increases attributable to a sprint at the finish of an endurance ride. Fatigue is attributable to
the combination of the effects of exhaustion of the energy supply (glycogen), hyperthermia
and dehydration. Unfortunately this combination does not always result in slowing of the
speed of exercise, or refusal to exercise. Horse can willingly continue to exercise at slow
speeds in the face of severe dehydration and hyperthermia, and can die during recovery
from “exhausted horse syndrome”. Careful administration of the rules of endurance riding
is in the interests of the welfare of the horses.

Blood lactate concentrations gradually decline to normal over a 1-3 hour period after fast
exercise. The rate of decrease is greater in some horses that walk or trot for 30 minutes
(Marlin et al., 1987).

Given that accumulation of lactate in muscle cells during exercise contributes to fatigue, it
is reasonable to consider whether or not there are strategies for limiting the rate of lactate
build up and fall in pH. The most useful strategy is to train horses appropriately. This
means training to increase the maximum rate of oxygen consumption. This has the effect of
increasing the speed at which the lactate accumulation commences. The horse is able to run
faster without lactic acid build up. It is also appropriate to train at speeds that promote the
development of improved buffering capacity in the muscle cells. Buffers are chemicals that
limit the fall in pH of a fluid when acid is added. Proteins and amino acids, especially
carnosine, are important buffers in muscle cells, and training at appropriate speeds can
increase buffering capacity of the muscle cells. It should be noted that there is no evidence
that amino acid administration as food supplement significantly increases the muscle cell
buffering capacity.

19
3. Exercise Training of Horses
3.1. Introduction

Training involves the use of regular periods of exercise to promote changes in the structure
and function of the animal in order to enable it to compete more effectively. Adaptations
occur in the cardiovascular system, muscle cells, and in the structural elements such as
tendons and bone. An efficient training response depends on the use of appropriate training
stimuli. The appropriateness of the training stimulus necessitates consideration of the
following questions:

1. At what age should training commence?

2. How fast should the horse exercise?
3. Over what distance should the horse exercise?
4. What type of exercise should be used, considering gait, and use of swimming, treadmill
exercise, and jumping?
5. How is the intensity of the training stimulus best measured?
6. Is the training stimulus adequate to produce an adaptive response in the horse?
7. Is the training stimulus inadequate (undertraining), or is it too intense (overtraining)?
8. Over how many weeks should the horse be prepared prior to competition?
9. How many weeks should be used for training at slow speeds during the first phase of
training?
10. How often should the horse perform at speeds at or near racing or competition speeds?
11. How often can the horse be exercised at strenuous submaximal speeds (approximately
70-90% of maximal speeds)?
12. How can a trainer judge or measure whether or not the training is resulting in a change
in fitness?
13. What are the signs of overtraining in horses?
14. Is the horse mentally prepared for competition?
15. Is the horse likely to behave in a way that will maximise, or at least not limit,
performance?

There are, of course, many other questions that need to be addressed during training of
horses. These relate to education and behaviour of the horse, and its transport, diet and
stable management. Strategies for “keeping the horse happy” should not be underestimated,
and much of the art of training involves maintaining the horse’s keen attitude over many
weeks of training and racing.

Most trainers manage to conduct their businesses without consciously considering the
above questions each day. However, many have learned answers to the questions, either by
observation of other trainers, or by trial and error. It is important to realise, however, that
although science has helped us to better understand the answers to many of these questions,
there will never be a recipe for ideal training. The large differences between Thoroughbred
training techniques in England, United States and Australia illustrate that there are many
paths to training success.

20
As well, training for each horse should be individualised, according to each horse’s own
temperament, and capacity for exercise. It must also take into account the event that the
horse is being prepared for. However, regardless of whether a horse is being prepared for a
1200 meter two year old Thoroughbred race or 160 kilometre endurance ride, there are
several principles of training that, if not followed, lead to undertrained or overtrained
horses. Both of these states limit performance, and waste an owners time and money.

A common problem in horse training is a period of ‘over-reaching”. This term refers to a

condition found in horses that have had a sudden increase in training speeds or distances, or
have been entered in competition before they are fully prepared. The sudden increase in
intensity of exercise causes a sudden increase in stress on bone, tendons and other
structures, and there may be injuries as a result. After the exercise or race, horses are often
slow to recover, and have a poor appetite. If horses are continually trained at high speeds, a
more serious condition can occur, called overtraining. This state can be likened to chronic
fatigue. Overtrained horses race poorly, lose weight, and cannot be kept in training. They
must be given a prolonged spell to recover.

Lameness due to inflammation or damage to musculoskeletal structures (muscle, tendons,

ligaments, cartilage) is a daily concern of trainers, probably more so than the fitness of the
animal. Many trainers use training techniques that are designed to reduce lameness, rather
than increase fitness. Many trainers are fearful of more strenuous training programs
because of perceptions that they will result in more lameness. Unfortunately it is likely that
easy training, and training that does not provide for gradual adaptation of the fitness and
strength will increase injury rates rather than decrease them.

Wilson and Robinson (1996) have reviewed risk factors for equine racing injuries, with a
focus on overseas racing. They observed that despite the long history of horse racing, only
recently have studies enumerated and elucidated the risk factors for racing injuries. They
also state that many industry observers believe that the overall number of injuries has
increased rather than decreased in spite of medical and surgical advances in diagnosis and
treatment during the past decade. As well, the authors expressed the view that if the horse
racing industry in the United States was able to design an economically feasible method for
minimizing race-related injuries, the high injury rate that occurs on U.S. racetracks could
be considerably reduced.

Training practices, the frequency of speed work, racetrack surface and condition, age, and
the presence of preexisting lesions have emerged as important factors in injury occurrence
(Wilson and Robinson, 1996). In addition, new links between nutrition and injuries have
also been identified. The authors also note that there have been declines in injury rates in
Japan and Great Britain following implementation of recommendations to improve racing
safety.

The following sections outline the general principles of training. Where appropriate,
scientific studies that have provided evidence for or against certain training strategies will
be included. Unfortunately there have been insufficient studies to help us answer all the
questions relevant to training. Equine training studies are very expensive and time
consuming, and it is difficult to conduct experiments that compare the effects of different

21
approaches to training on performance or injury rates. Large scale studies of normal
populations of horses in commercial training will help answer these questions in the future.

3.2. Types of training used for horses

Training of horses should follow several important principles. Firstly, all horses will need
to complete a period of base training. In the past, this type of training has been referred to
as aerobic training, endurance training, and long, slow distance training. In this section
these terms will be avoided. All forms of exercise involve some aerobic and anaerobic
component. The term “long, slow distance” implies that horses only do very long distances
at slow speeds.

Endurance training involves use of base training techniques for many months in order to
prepare a horse for an endurance race. Three day event horses should also undertake
extensive base training, but they also need other training methods.

During initial training of a racehorse and event horse it is important that the stimulus does
not remain the same from week to week. Every 10-14 days, the speed of the exercise and or
the distance should be increased. This increase promotes gradual adaptation of the muscles,
tendons, and bones, enabling structural changes that help the animal cope with increased
demands of higher speed work.

In the author’s opinion, many problems in racehorse preparation can be attributable to

failure to gradually increase the training stimulus. One day the horse is trotting and slow
cantering, and on the next day it is exercising at a strong half pace (about 600 metres per
minute). Thoroughbred horses also frequently go from trot and canter work on pre-training
farms to exercising at three quarter pace or faster (working gallops) on racetracks with very
little exercise at intermediate speeds. Sudden increases in velocity place the support
structures (bone, tendon and muscle in particular) under great stress, and under such
conditions there is often failure of the structure to resist the strain imposed. The result is
seen in sore shins and sprained fetlocks, especially in two year old Thoroughbreds.

Basic training
will be used to describe training at speeds of 200-approximately 500 and 600 metres per
minute in Standardbred and Thoroughbreds.

Strenuous training
will be used to describe training at speeds higher than 600 metres per minute that results in
accumulation of lactate in the blood, but at slower than racing speeds.

Sprint training
refers to exercise at or near racing speeds.

Interval training
refers to use of multiple exercise bouts, separated by rest periods for partial recovery.

22
Skills development
refers to use of training techniques that increase the ability of the horse to complete a task.

Cross training
refers to use of exercise that is not specific to the event performed, such as swimming.

Recovery days
are days designated for recovery after races or hard training. They enable restoration of
energy stores (glycogen) and repair of minor injuries.

If a horse is not racing or competing, a horse trainer should be able to identify one or more
of the above training types on every training day in a horse’s preparation.

Other training types, such as fartlek and resistance training, are rarely used in horse
training. Fartlek training has been defined as “an unstructured technique…the horse is
allowed to run as far and at whatever submaximal speed it wishes (within reason)”.
Indefinite relief periods are followed by more such exercise (Bayly, 1985).

Resistance training refers to use of exercises where muscle groups work against resistance,
as in weight lifting. An example in horses is walking with large weights carried. A recent
study in two ponies found that 8 weeks of progressive resistance exercise training increased
the strength and size of forelimb muscles (Heck et al., 1996). The ponies carried lead over
the wither while walking on a treadmill three days per week. Ponies performed a series of
progressive sets of weight carrying to fatigue. After training, ponies were able to carry
more weight until the point of fatigue, and there was a 19% increase in forelimb cross
sectional diameter.

3.3. Basic training

Basic training involves exercise at low intensities. Such exercise at speeds of about 3-8 m/s
(200-500 metres/minute) usually results in heart rates of less than about 180 beats/min, and
little or no accumulation of lactate in the blood. The only equine event that may not need a
period of base training is dressage. In this case, the exercises undertaken during the
dressage training should suffice for fitness development. This approach also has the
important advantage of using the nerves and muscle groups that will be used in
competition. As a result, dressage training results in specific adaptations in the muscles
used in competition.

Basic training of all other horses may involve 5 minutes to several hours of exercise each at
the trot and/or canter, depending on fitness, environmental conditions, time available, and
the aims of the training.

Low intensity base training is usually employed in the first weeks or months of all training
programs. Such training is designed to improve the aerobic capacity and limb strength, and
to educate the horse. The duration of this "pre-training" varies markedly between breeds,
countries and trainers. Some Thoroughbreds in Australia undergo only 4-5 weeks of slow

23
training before moving on to faster exercise. In England, two months of basic training
would often be used, and frequently involve use of repeated slow canters up hills.

Use of many months of distance training before commencement of faster exercise in

Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses has been advocated (Ivers, 1983). The principal
argument for longer periods of low intensity training is the development of stronger limbs
and consequent reduced frequency of limb injury. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the
incidence of injuries is lower in horses that have undertaken more slow training. Shin
soreness, or bucked shins, is a common problem in the training of young horses, especially
Thoroughbreds (Nunamaker et al., 1990). There is a lower incidence of the disease in
horses which do not undergo rapid race preparations (Buckingham and Jeffcott, 1990).

There is some evidence that prolonged periods of endurance training stimulate continued
adaptation of skeletal muscle. The activities of two enzymes, used as markers of oxidative
capacity of muscle, continued to increase throughout a nine month training program in
endurance horses (Hodgson and Rose, 1987). The implications of prolonged periods of
endurance training for improvements in maximal aerobic capacity have not been reported.

The main limitations to endurance training in horses are time available and hot humid
environments. The first priority is allowing sufficient time for the horse to sleep and eat.
Care must be taken when increasing distance or speeds of exercise in endurance horses,
especially on hot humid days. Deaths and extreme fatigue (exhausted horse syndrome) of
horses at endurance rides illustrate that they willingly exercise for periods which result in
extreme dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Fit Standardbred racehorses often trot or slow canter for 30-40 minutes on "slow" days. Fit
Thoroughbred horses might trot or canter for 5-10 minutes over 3,000-5,000 m, and
endurance horses often exercise for several hours.

Heart rate meters have been used to ensure that the training intensity is not excessive. Heart
rates greater than 180 beats per minute may result in accumulation of lactate in horses early
in their base training.

Treadmills can be used to help with the base training of horses. Exercise at 200-450 metres
per minute can be used on a treadmill inclined at 10%. Many studies of the adaptations of
horses to training have used treadmills exclusively. A summary of different treadmill
training protocols follows. Interestingly, in one study, treadmill trained horses earned more
from prize money than non-treadmill trained horses (Kobluk et al., 1996).

In the author’s experience, appropriate treadmill training coupled with track work over a
period of 6 weeks provides an excellent base training. The following table illustrates how
300 kilometres of trot and canter exercise was completed, at speeds up to 600 - 650 metres
per minute (18-20 seconds per 200 metres). In the last week of the program horses also
completed their strong half pace canters with 200-300 metres of exercise at 750-800 metres
per minute (approximately “evens”, or 15 seconds per 200 metres). This serves to introduce
the horse to the next phase of strenuous training.

24
The following training scheme was used successfully as base training in approximately 15
Thoroughbreds aged three years or older. None of these horses suffered limb injury in the
program, and two horses went on to win metropolitan races in Sydney and Brisbane at their
first starts. All horses completed 3 sessions of exercise per day on 6 days per week. Session
1 involved trotting beside a jog cart on a 600 metre track, with no rider. Session 2 was
ridden exercise on a racetrack (Canterbury, Sydney), and session 3 involved treadmill
exercise, with the treadmill always at 10% slope. Horses had access to food and water
between sessions 2 and 3. All distances are metres. Slow, medium and fast canters (SC,
MC, FC) in session 2 refer to speeds of approximately 400, 500 and 600–650 metres per
minute (maximum 18 seconds per furlong).

Table 1. A basic training program for Thoroughbreds using a combination of treadmill

and track training.

Week SESSION 1 SESSION 2 SESSION 3 km/day

(jogged) (ridden) (treadmill)
1 trot 1200 trot 1000, SC 1000 trot 2000 5
2 trot 2000 trot 1000, SC 2000 trot 1000, SC 1000 6
3 trot 2000 trot 1000, SC 1000, MC 1000 trot 1000, SC 2000 8
4 trot 2000 trot 1000, SC 1500, MC 1500 trot 1000, SC 2000 9
5 trot 2000 trot 1000, MC 1500, FC 1500 trot 1000, SC 3000 10
6 trot 2000 trot 1000, MC 1500, FC 2000 trot 1000, SC 3000 10-11

Training in weeks 7-10 and 11-14 are described in following sections,

3.4. Strenuous training

Preparation of racehorses and event horses for racing or competition necessitates gradual
increases in the speed of exercise. Horses racing over 400-4000 metres and the cross
country phase of the second day of a three day event all result in accumulation of lactic acid
in muscle cells, and in the blood. This implies that some anaerobic metabolism is involved
in the ATP resynthesis during the competition or race. It is likely that anaerobic metabolism
in a Quarter horse race supplies most of the ATP. In events of 1000-4000 meters distance,
anaerobic metabolism probably only supplies 20-30% of the energy (Eaton et al., 1995).
Endurance rides do not stimulate anaerobic glycolysis, and training of endurance horses
should involve continuation of the base training described above.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration in skeletal muscle has been used as a marker
of anaerobic enzyme activity. Interval training at high speeds on a treadmill resulted in
increased concentration of LDH in skeletal muscle, but conventional training does not have
the same effect (Lovell and Rose, 1993). In this study Thoroughbred horses were trained
for 12 weeks. In the final 3 weeks, horses exercised at a velocity that resulted in 100% of
maximal heart rate on 3 days per week, over 600 metres. Speeds of exercise were 9-12 m/s
on a treadmill inclined at 10%. Three bouts of exercise were given, separated by recovery
periods that were three times the duration of the 600 metres of exercise. On three other
days, horses exercised over 3000-4000 metres at 6-7 m/s (a canter). Total distances
exercised in the three weeks of training were 18, 20 and 16 kilometres.

25
Training at a moderate intensity (80% of VO2 max) for 6 weeks did not result in increases in
skeletal muscle (gluteus medius) LDH concentration. However, such training did
significantly increase the muscle buffering capacity by 8% and increase the ratio of fast
twitch, highly oxidative fibres to fast twitch fibres (FTH/FT) (Sinha et al.1991). These
adaptations to training did not occur in a group of horses trained concurrently at a lower
intensity (40% VO2 max). As well, there was no difference in increases in maximal oxygen
uptake between the two groups (Knight et al., 1991).

In summary, strenuous training is designed to stimulate anaerobic glycolysis, but also to

manage the training so that fatigue does not occur. Controlled exposure of the horse to
exercise that results in moderate increases in blood lactate concentration should:

1. Stimulate contractions in fast twitch muscle cells, and promote their growth by
synthesis of more contractile proteins.

2. Increase concentrations of the enzymes that regulate glycolysis, such as lactate

dehydrogenase.

3. Promote increased buffering capacity in the fast twitch cells. Higher buffering capacity
enables the fast twitch cells to limit the fall in pH during fast exercise, and so resist
fatigue.

4. Promote the potential for the muscle cells to use lactate as a fuel during exercise.

It is possible that changes in training strategies, such as interval training at intensities near
maximal, could result in beneficial adaptations in muscle. Such training necessitates careful
monitoring of the intensity of exercise. Exercise at sub-optimal intensities will limit the rate
of adaptation, and frequent training at intensities above optimal will risk onset of fatigue
and overtraining syndrome.

The exercise intensity during initial weeks of training is probably not an important
determinant of the rate of change in VO2 max. There was no difference in the changes in
V.O2max with training in two groups of horses trained at 40% and 80% of VO2 max (Knight et
al., 1991). Intensity of training may therefore be an important factor in determining the
degree of local adaptations in skeletal muscle, but not for increases in maximal oxygen
consumption.

Heart rate meters have been suggested as a tool for monitoring the intensity of strenuous
submaximal exercise. For example, exercise speed resulting in a heart rate of 200
beats/minute has been suggested as suitable for race training (Gysin et al., 1987). However,
there have been no controlled studies that have confirmed this view. As well, the blood
lactate concentrations at intensities that result in a heart rate of 200 beats/minute vary
greatly. In unfit horses, exercise at heart rates of 200 beats/minute is likely to result in high
blood lactate concentrations, and in fit horses such exercise may result in relatively low
blood lactate concentrations. The metabolic response to exercise at a heart rate of 200 beats
per minute can therefore be highly variable.

26
There are also practical difficulties in the use of heart rate meters during exercise in
galloping horses. It is difficult for jockeys on Thoroughbred racehorses to monitor heart
rate and adjust speed accordingly. The maximal heart rate of some horses is also 210-215
beats/min, only 5% greater than 200. As well, muscular adaptations, such as increases in
LDH concentrations, may not be optimal unless exercise is at speeds that result in maximal
heart rate (Lovell et al., 1991).

Measurement of blood lactate after exercise is the best method of monitoring the intensity
of exercise during the strenuous training phase. The appropriate intensity of exercise for
strenuous training is that which results in a blood lactate concentration of approximately 4-
8 mmol/L at 3-5 minutes after exercise.

At the completion of the six weeks of basic training described in Table 1, Thoroughbred
horses commenced a 4 week period of strenuous training designed to stimulate contractions
and anaerobic metabolism in fast twitch fibres. Table 2 describes this training. The intensity
of training was confirmed with blood lactate assays in samples collected after treadmill and
racetrack exercise. Therefore actual speeds used for each horse were adjusted in order to
train each horse at a similar relative intensity. Horses completed strenuous treadmill
exercise 6 days per week in weeks 9 and 10. After completion of this program, horses were
given 3-4 weeks of conventional training before their first race.

Table 2. A four week strenuous training program for Thoroughbreds using a combination
of track and treadmill exercise after six weeks of basic training. Distances are in metres.
Week SESSION 1 SESSION 2 km/day
of (ridden on racetrack) (treadmill)
training
7 2 days of T 1000, and SG 600 6 days of T 1000 and then 5
4 days T and then FC 3000 SC 1000, REST, then FC
800
8 3 days of T, and SG 600 as above 6
3 days T and then FC 3000
9 4 days of T, and SG 1000 6 days of T 1000 and then 8
2 days T and then FC 3000 SC 1000, REST, then FC
1200
10 4 days of T, and SG 1000 (on 2 of these days the horse 6 days of T 1000 and then 9
is allowed to RG for 200-300 m) SC 1000, REST, then FC
2 days T and then FC 1000 1200

T trot at 250 m/min for 1000 m (unless otherwise indicated)

SC slow canter at approximately 400 m/min
MC medium canter at approximately 500 m/min
FC fast canter at approximately 600-650 m/min
SG slow gallop at approximately 800 m/min
FG fast gallop at approximately 900 m/min (working gallop)
RG gallop at racing speed

REST is walking for 5 minutes on the treadmill between the first and second bouts of
exercise

27
If set speeds are used for all horses, some horses could be exercising with blood lactates of
2-3 mmol/L, and be undertraining. Others could be exercising with blood lactates of 15-20
mmol/l, and be overtraining. For example, that Standardbred horses that pace over 1600
metres in 130 seconds (halves in 7.5 seconds) have plasma lactates in the range 2-15
mmol/L (unpublished data). The metabolic demands imposed by the exercise are very
different in the horses exercising at intensities that result in plasma lactate concentrations of
2 and 15 mmol/L.

How often should horses exercise in order to obtain a training effect? There have been very
few studies of this question. However, Gottliebvedi et al. (1995 found that interval training
at VLa4 on only three days per week is sufficient to cause adaptational changes in exercise
tolerance related parameters. The results also indicated that some adaptations due to
training are rapidly lost over a four week period when horses cease training.

Intensity and duration of exercise training may also influence the rate and degree of
adaptation to treadmill exercise training. The effect of intensity and duration of training on
blood lactate concentrations during and after exercise on a treadmill inclined at 10% was
investigated by Evans et al. (1995). Thoroughbred horses were trained at two exercise
intensities. One group trained at an intensity that resulted in post-exercise blood lactate
concentrations of 4-8 mmol/L. A second group trained at half the speeds of the first group,
but twice the distance. Both groups increased fitness, but there was no difference in the
changes in fitness between the two groups.

However, Thoroughbred horses trained in a fast group (at 80% of VO2 max) had an increase in
the ratio of fast twitch, high oxidative fibres, whereas a group trained at only 40% VO2 max
had no muscle adaptations. Muscle buffering capacity also increased in the fast group
(Sinha et al., 1991). These results suggest that training at approximately 80-90% of
maximum oxygen uptake stimulates greater adaptation of muscle compared to that found
when horses are trained at slow speeds. However, exercise speeds at these high intensities
may risk musculoskeletal injury if applied on a racetrack without a period of initial slow
speed training.

Sprint training

Sprint training at or near racing speeds over 400-1600 m or more represents the final phase
of training. There are considerable differences the frequency of sprint training between the
UK, USA and Australia are in. In the UK, a three day cycle is used by some trainers.
Monday and Thursday are trot and canter days, Tuesday and Friday are slow gallop days,
and Wednesday and Saturday are fast gallop and racing gallop days. In Australia, two or
three fast gallops are generally used each week. A three day cycle is not always possible on
Australian racetracks, with restricted access to grass surfaces for the fast work on some
days.

The sprint training should not be combined with long duration and distances of basic
training. If a high volume of base training is combined with sprint training there is a much
greater risk of overtraining, resulting in poor food intake, loss of weight, injuries and

28
disinterest in training and racing. In this final phase of race training, it is only necessary for
horses to trot and canter approximately 2000-3000 metres on slow days.

It is not necessary to monitor heart rate or blood lactate after fast exercise or sprint training
in order to specify exact training speeds. All horses will have maximal heart rates (210-230
beats per minute), and have high blood lactate concentrations (15-25 mmol/L) after such
exercise. The horse should be allowed to learn how to gallop, pace or trot at high speeds,
and then the distance gradually increased. High-speed sprints are only possible over 800
metres. After 800 metres the blood lactate concentrations are near those found after racing,
implying that exercise at top speeds is probably unnecessary over distances greater than
800 metres.

When a horse is race fit, the training schedule between races can be base training, strenuous
training or sprint training. Base training is used as low intensity training exercise. Strenuous
training should be over 1200 to 2000 metres for Thoroughbreds, depending on the distance
that the horse is racing. Standardbred trainers tend to use either two one mile heats, with
the second heat as the strenuous training. Alternatively, many Standardbred and
Thoroughbred trainers combine the strenuous exercise with a final sprint or gallop over
400- 600 metres.

Most Standardbred trainers in Australia use one fast workout per week between weekly
races. However, some Standardbred trainers do not give fast work to some horses between
weekly races.

3.6. Interval training

Interval training refers to use of multiple exercise bouts, separated by rest periods. The
recovery period between sessions enables completion of extra exercise, and so the duration
of the stimulus is increased. There have been studies comparing the responses to interval
training with “conventional training”, but no differences have been reported. However,
small differences in performance are difficult to demonstrate in treadmill studies with small
numbers of horses. Thoroughbred trainers use interval training routinely, as do many
Standardbred trainers in Australia. The only argument against use of intervals is that horse
“get too fired up”. and become difficult to control. This is certainly a potential problem
because a “fired up” horse will over-race, or “pull”, and waste energy. However, a
Standardbred trainer reported that the “gate” speed (acceleration) of a horse was improved
by training with multiple 100-200 metre sprints.

Several studies have compared responses to interval training. When conventional and
interval training of Standardbreds were compared, no significant difference was found in
post-exercise heart rates. However the total slow and fast work distances undertaken were
the same in both training schedules (Gabel et al., 1983). Interval training over 10 weeks did
not produce greater adaptation in Quarter horses trotting on a treadmill (Rodiek et al.,
1987).

In a study that compared responses to interval trained and conventionally trained

Thoroughbreds in North America no difference was found in heart rate recoveries, run

29
times over 1000 metres on an 800 metre track (Harkins and Kammerling, 1990).
Limitations of this study included small numbers of horses studied, few measurements of
fitness, and use of an 800 metre track for tests of running speeds.

It has been shown that Standardbred racehorses interval trained on a treadmill have
improved metacarpal bone quality (McCarthy et al., 1988). The training schedule consisted
of 5 weeks of slow exercise of 6-12 kilometres/day at 5 m/s. This was followed by a 9 week
period of interval training, during the last 3 weeks of which the horses performed 3-4
intervals per day over 600-1000 metres at speeds that resulted in maximum heart rate. Bone
quality improved throughout the training period.

Interval training may increase the risk of injury (Bayly, 1985). It is therefore very important
that the speed of the exercise is closely monitored and is at appropriate speeds, and
recovery periods between bouts of exercise are adequate. However, Harkins and
Kammerling (1990) interval trained Thoroughbred horses for over 7 months without injury.

Figure 11 shows the heart rates during an interval training session used with an elite event
horse. Six periods of exercise at a speed generating heart rates of approximately 200 beats
per minute were separated by approximately 2 minutes of walking for recovery periods.
The horse was exercising at approximately 90% of HRmax (assuming that the maximum
heart rate in this horse was 222 beats per minute).

HR v time

250

200

150

100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

time (min)

Figure 11. Heart rates during an interval training session used for an elite event horse.

Heart rates during recovery in Figure 11 were 110-120 beats per minute. Advocates of
interval training have suggested that repeated heats should not occur if the heart rate does
not rapidly fall below 120 beats per minute. Elevated heart rates either during exercise or in
the recovery period could indicate pain, lameness, fatigue, hyperthermia or dehydration,
and are a warning sign. Figure 11 also shows that it is difficult to obtain an estimate of
heart rate during exercise from a single heart rate measurement during recovery due to the
rapid decrease in heart rate after exercise.

30
3.7. Skills development

Skills development training is designed to increase the ability of a horse to complete a

specific task. Important skills include galloping alongside other horses, entering starting
stalls and standing sensibly, jumping out of the stalls, and rapid acceleration at the start of
the race. Horses also should learn to gallop beside and accelerate around other horses.
Horses also need to learn how to gallop on good as well as soft conditions. Pacers need to
learn to pace with hopples, and event horses to jump fences at 600-700 metres/min.
Dressage training is mostly about development of skills and temperament for specific
exercises.

3.8. Cross training

Cross training refers to use of exercise that is not specific to the event performed, such as
swimming. Training of horses should be specific to the athletic event involved whenever
possible. This principle need not be followed rigidly, as there are circumstances when
alternative types of exercise may be appropriate for some horses. Non-specific training
methods can be used to provide an interesting alternative exercise, and swimming exercise
does develop and maintain aerobic fitness. Jumping exercise is also useful cross training for
Thoroughbred racehorses.

It has been shown that showjumping results in mean post-exercise blood lactate
concentrations of 9 + 0.5 mmol/L (Lekeux et al., 1991). These concentrations are similar to
those found in Thoroughbred horses exercising at 12-14 m/s. Jumping exercise for
racehorses may be a useful adjunct to the usual training routines. It may relieve boredom,
and may provide an alternative to high speed exercise as a means of training the anaerobic
and muscle buffering capacity.

Swimming is popular with some trainers, and many training centres provide a swimming
pool. Horses use a trotting or pacing gait for swimming, and it has been observed that the
breathing pattern was characterised by brief inspiration, prolonged expiration, and looked
"painful” (Murakami et al., 1976). Certainly many horses appear to have difficulty
breathing when swimming.

Studies of heart rate during swimming indicate that free swimming is similar in intensity to
trotting and slow cantering (Murakami et al., 1976). A training effect was found, as heart
rate during swimming decreased over a four week period of regular swimming exercise.
Heart rates ranged from 140-180 beats per minute, and blood lactate concentrations only
increased by 2-4 fold above resting values during swimming. Horses were exercised for 5
minutes daily in the first week, and the duration was increased by 5 minutes each week
thereafter.

It was concluded that swimming was appropriate for the development of basic physical
fitness and for rehabilitation of horses with limb problems. Prolonged swimming for one
hour did not cause excessive increases in body temperature. It was suggested that the

31
direction of swimming in circular pools be changed regularly during prolonged swimming
to avoid fatigue in the outside legs.

Heart rates during two swimming sessions in a horse being prepared for eventing are
illustrated in Figure 12. Heart rates during swimming (from 15-37 minutes in the recording)
were approximately 130 beats per minute.

HR v time

180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
t (min) 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

time (min)

Figure 12. Heart rates during two swimming sessions in a horse being prepared for
eventing

Tethered swimming may be a useful way of increasing the intensity of swimming exercise.
This technique involves securing the horse by a tail rope, and encouraging the horse to
greater effort (Thomas et al., 1980). This technique resulted in heart rates of 170-200 bpm,
and blood lactate concentrations of 1-10 mmol/L in 5 unfit horses swimming for 5 minutes.

An argument against use of swimming is that it is not event-specific, and so does not train
muscles, bone or tendons for demands of any competition. Likewise, the horse is not
learning any specific skills for competition.

However, swimming training does provide a training stimulus, and may reduce the
frequency of lameness, even though the exercise is not specific to normal equine
competitions. A Japanese study investigated whether or not swimming training changes the
frequency of locomotor diseases in two year old Thoroughbreds (Misumi et al., 1994). In
this study, 24 horses were divided into three groups: Group A, trained by only running;
Group B, trained by running plus a gradual increase in swimming, and Group C, trained by
running plus constant swimming. Only in Group B was an increase in fitness measured
(inferred from the relationship between blood lactate and velocity during standardised

32
exercise tests). The increase in height in Groups B and C was greater than in Group A.
Increases in girth and weight were smaller in Group A than in Groups B and C. Groups A
and B had 62.5% and 12.5% of horses with locomotor diseases respectively. The authors
concluded that a training program that includes swimming training can reduce locomotor
diseases in young horses.

3.9. Treadmill training

Treadmills can be used for base training, and for strenuous training. However, treadmill
training ignores development of important skills for racing or competition. Treadmills are
not appropriate for sprint training.

Treadmills are often used with an incline of 10%. This increases the heart rate, oxygen
consumption and blood lactate concentrations (Eaton et al., 1995) because the horse is
lifting its mass against gravity as well as moving forward. Treadmill speeds for training
usually range from 2-12 m/s (approximately 7-42 kilometres per hour). Gaits at these
speeds are walk (2 m/s), trot (3-4 m/s), gallop (greater than 5-6 m/s). At speeds greater than
approximately 7-8 m/s (24-28 kilometres per hour) heart rate may be maximal in untrained
or partly trained horses. At these speeds it is important to monitor heart rate and blood
lactate concentrations after exercise to confirm the training intensity. This procedure should
be repeated once per week. Heart rates during and blood lactate concentrations after a
standardised treadmill set of exercises will gradually decrease as the horse gains fitness.
Treadmill training therefore has the advantage of strict control of training intensity coupled
with performance of simple, standardised exercise tests to measure fitness.

Another interesting alternative to high speed exercise for strenuous training is treadmill
trotting in combination with weight lifting (Gottlieb et al., 1987). Weights were added to a
rope that ran over a pulley, connected horizontally from behind the treadmill to a harness.
While trotting at 4.8 m/s and lifting loads of 60-100 kg heart rates increased to a mean of
209 beats/min, and blood lactates after exercise ranged from 5-16 mmol/l. The relationships
between oxygen consumption and both heart rate and blood lactate concentrations are
similar for draught work and normal submaximal treadmill exercise (Gottlieb-Vedi et al.,
1991). This technique may be useful for increasing the intensity of the training stimulus at
low treadmill speeds. Addition of loads to the sulky has also been used during training of
trotting horses in Sweden.

A large scale study has studied racing performance of Thoroughbreds in North America
with a history of treadmill training (Kobluk et al., 1996). Horses that had been trained on
the treadmill for at least 50% of their program for at least 60 days prior to the start of racing
were defined as treadmill trained. Racing performance in 107 treadmill-trained horses was
compared with results in 214 control horses. In all age groups and classes the treadmill
trained horses were equal or superior to the conventionally trained horses. The authors
argued that treadmill training also facilitates more efficient quantification of performance.

33
3.10. Recovery days

Recovery days are days designated for recovery after races or hard training. Their
importance should not be underestimated. It is during the 1-3 days after fast exercise that
the training responses actually occur. Cells are actively repairing damaged structures, and
anabolism, or protein building, occurs. The horse also restores its muscle cell glycogen
content over a 24 hour period. During the 2 days after a race or intense sprint training
horses should be either completely rested, or only lightly exercised. One of Sydney’s best
Standardbred trainers puts horses in a paddock for two days after racing, and only light
exercise will be given on the third day after the race.

During recovery days the appetite, gait and attitude of horses should be closely observed.
Minor injuries should be attended to, and ice packs used on any areas that are inflamed
(heat and swelling indicate inflammation). The flexible ice packs are excellent for strapping
onto shins, fetlocks and flexor tendons for 20 minutes or so. Ensure that there is a layer of
cotton between the ice pack and the skin. As well, ice packs should be used immediately
after fast exercise on any area of a horse’s legs that has been injured in the past. Likewise,
previously injured areas should be thoroughly warmed, and, if possible, stretched before
training exercise and racing or competition.

It is also appropriate to closely inspect the legs after each race for signs of heat and
swelling to ensure that treatment is commenced early in the process, and that the horse is
not asked to exercise at high speeds again with an injury. Trainers should also develop the
skill of carefully examining the back muscles for signs of soreness after a race. Ice,
massage and ultrasound therapy can then be used to treat the painful areas of muscle.

There are no special strategies for recovery from prolonged exercise except provision of
water, electrolytes, and a high energy diet. Prolonged hosing with cold water and use of ice
will assist the cooling down process. Low energy diets such as hay may contribute to
delayed glycogen resynthesis in the 2-3 day period after exercise (Snow et al., 1987). This
delay is of little consequence unless the horse is competing on successive days.

The recovery process after intense exercise is influenced by the use of a "warm-down"
period of exercise. Both walking and trotting for 20-70 minutes after exercise increase the
rate at which blood and muscle lactate concentrations decrease after exercise. Ten minutes
of activity had little effect, but by 40 minutes post-exercise, blood lactate concentrations are
about 4-10 mmol/l lower with continuous trotting, and 2-5 mmol/l lower if the horses
walked during recovery. These results probably reflect increased use of lactate as a
substrate for aerobic metabolism, supporting the post-exercise activity (Marlin et al., 1987).

Disturbances to immune function have also been reported in horses during strenuous
exercise training (Buschmann et al., 1990). Dysfunction of the lower respiratory tract has
also been reported after intense exercise and transport (Raidal et al., 1997a, 1997b). The
implications of these observations for performance or the incidence or severity of disease in
horses during strenuous training are unknown. However, avoidance of further stress during
the 2-3 day recovery period after intense exercise seems sensible.

34
3.11. Detraining

Detraining refers to the sudden cessation of training. Many horses have their training
preparations interrupted by ill-health or injury. In Standardbreds, mean treadmill speed at a
heart rate of 200 beats/minute was not significantly different from values obtained after 5
weeks of intense training (Thorntom et al., 1983). The same study found that there was no
consistent change in VLa4 (treadmill velocity at which blood lactate is 4 mmol/L) with
detraining. It is possible that the weekly exercise tests in this detraining study maintained
fitness.

Two weeks detraining reduced VO2 max to values near those before training (Knight et al.,
1987), and the value continued to decrease over a 6 week period. In the same horses,
buffering capacity significantly decreased over a 6 week period (Sinha et al., 1991),
reversing the adaptation that occurred with prior training.

Three weeks of detraining resulted in a 12% decrease in VO2 max in ten Thoroughbreds (Art
et al., 1993). These results suggest that there is rapid loss of some training adaptations with
enforced rest.

3.12. Overtraining

For most horse trainers, there is delicate balance between attaining and maintaining peak
fitness, and lameness or overtraining. Overtraining is defined as a loss of performance
ability, despite the maintenance of or an increase in training effort. Athletic performance
decreases, and horses must cease or reduce training for variable periods of time in order to
recover.

The overtraining syndrome has also been described in human athletes subjected to rigorous
training programs incorporating inadequate rest periods. Typically, an imbalance between
exercise training and recovery periods leads to a situation where further adaptation to
training does not occur. The syndrome is characterized by a decrease in performance
capacity. In humans, signs of overtraining also include mood disturbances, persistent
muscle fatigue and pain, weight loss, inappetence and increased susceptibility to injury and
infection (Kuipers 1998, Stone et al., 1991). Similar signs, including poor appetite, body
weight loss, behavioural changes and reluctance to exercise typically accompany the
reduction in performance observed in overtrained horses (Bruin et al., 1994, Persson et al.,
1980). Despite considerable scientific investigation in human athletes, the physiological
basis of the overtraining syndrome remains relatively poorly understood. Several
mechanisms have been proposed, including decreased adrenal sensitivity to
adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) (Lehmann et al., 1997) and failure of the hypothalamus to
cope with the total amount of stress (Kuipers 1998).

In a cross-sectional study of overtraining in horses, plasma cortisol concentrations at rest

and in response to ACTH administration were lowest in horses with red-cell hypervolaemia
and a history of performing below expectation (Persson et al., 1980). The authors suggested
that basal and ACTH-stimulated cortisol concentrations could be useful for detecting

35
imminent overtraining prior to the occurrence of red cell hypervolaemia, a syndrome which
was associated with a poor prognosis for return to athletic performance. However, plasma
cortisol concentration two hours after ACTH administration was significantly higher in a
longitudinal study of overtraining in horses (Bruin et al., 1994). In that study the horses
may not have been truly overtrained because no decrement in performance capacity
(assessed as total run time during a standardised exercise test) was reported. As well, a
control group was not included, and it is possible that the result could have been due to
prolonged training, rather than overtraining. Signs of overtraining of Standardbred horses
were not related to changes in either maximal aerobic capacity (Tyler et al., 1996) or a
difference in skeletal muscle adaptations (Tyler et al., 1998).

A longitudinal study of overtraining in Standardbred horses found that the syndrome was
not associated with a decrease in adrenal gland sensitivity to stimulation by
adrenocorticotropic hormone (Golland et al., in press). Rather, overtraining was associated
with a decrease in the cortisol response to intense treadmill exercise, suggesting that the
dysfunction in overtrained horses is in the central nervous system. ACTH response tests
will not be useful for diagnosis of this condition.

The treadmill velocity at a heart rate of 200 bpm may be increased in overtrained horses
(Persson et al., 1980). Regular measurement of heart rate during a standardised submaximal
exercise test may assist the management of horses during periods of intense training.

Blood tests are frequently used to monitor horses in training. In a prolonged study of
training and overtraining in Standardbred horses there were no significant changes
attributable to the overtraining group (Tyler-McGowan et al., 1999, in press).
Measurements of red blood cell concentration, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell
volume, white blood cell counts, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio changed with training,
but there were no changes that indicated onset of the stress of overtraining. Regular red and
white blood cell counts for monitoring stress of training in horses has no scientific basis.

Overtraining was associated with significant changes in a plasma biochemical marker; AST
(aspartate aminotransferase). A gradual increase in plasma AST in blood samples collected
before exercise at the same time of the day should be regarded as a warning sign for onset
of overtraining (Tyler-McGowan et al., 1999, in press). AST concentrations also increase
for several days after exercise, and it is important that both the day and time of the week be
standardised for blood collections. For example, there would be little point comparing the
results from a sample collected on Monday morning, after a rest day, with results collected
on the morning after a day of fast exercise. There was no significant effect of overtraining
on plasma GGT or CK activities in the same study.

Regular assessment of a horse’s ability to cope with intensive training, transport and racing
schedules should not be based on regular measurement of plasma AST concentrations
alone. Monitoring of appetite, body weight and the recovery of body weight after racing is
advisable.

36
3.13. Risk factors for injury and rehabilitation strategies

The effect of exercise on the healing of articular cartilage defects in the equine carpus was
examined in 12 horses (French et al., 1989). It was concluded that a 13 week period of
graduated exercise (walking, trotting and later cantering) after surgical creation of a
cartilage defect was not detrimental to the rate of repair.

Training also increases the strength of the suspensory ligaments (Bramlage et al., 1990).
The mean absolute load necessary to cause failure of the suspensory ligaments with
compression testing was higher in tissue from trained horses. In untrained horses the site of
rupture was through the suspensory ligament, whereas in the trained horses, the site of
rupture in most cases was through the proximal sesamoid bones. Restoration of strength in
the suspensory ligaments should employ a graduated period of exercise training.

Estberg et al. (1998) investigated the relationship between intensive racing and training
schedules, and risk of either catastrophic musculoskeletal injury (CMI) or lay-up from
racing in Californian Thoroughbreds. Periods of rapid average daily accumulation of high-
speed exercise distance were identified for each horse from official race and training
histories. Horses that had period of rapid accumulation of high-speed exercise distance (a
hazard period) had 4.2 times the risk of CMI within 30 days. Horses were also 4.8 times
more likely to have to be spelled after a period of rapid accumulation of high-speed
exercise distance. In summary, rapid increases in distance of high-speed exercise in
Thoroughbreds increases the likelihood of a catastrophic musculoskeletal injury (CMI) and
having to spell the horse.

Of course horses should be cautiously reintroduced to fast exercise after a spell from
training. The importance of care in the three week period after a “spell” has been confirmed
in a study of Californian Thoroughbreds (Carrier et al., 1998). The study investigated
whether a two-month or longer period without official high-speed workouts was associated
with humeral or pelvic fracture within hazard periods of 10 and 21 days following lay-up.

The study investigated many aspects of race training of horses that had been euthanased
because of a complete humeral or pelvic fracture. Risk factors investigated included age,
sex, activity, number of lay-ups, number of days from a race or official timed workout to
fracture, number of days from end of last lay-up to fracture, mean duration of lay-ups, and
total number of days in race training. Horses with pelvic fractures were more often female,
older, and had no lay ups or greater than or equal to 2 lay-ups. Horses with humeral
fractures were typically 3-year-old males that had 1 lay-up. Horses with pelvic fractures
had more total days in race training, fewer days from last exercise event to fracture, and a
greater number of days from end of last lay-up to fracture than horses with humeral
fractures. Return from lay-up was strongly associated with risk for humeral fracture during
hazard periods of 10 and 21 days. It was concluded that risk of humeral fracture may be
reduced if horses are cautiously reintroduced into race training after a lay-up.

37
3.14. Training the horse’s behaviour

Many of the activities involved in horse training are unrelated to development of speed.
stamina and strength. Training of the horse’s behaviours is just as important. All the hard
work and time put into getting a horse physically fit can be undone by inappropriate horse
behaviour. Use of counterproductive or inefficient techniques in behaviour modification
can limit performance just as easily as inadequate physical fitness. All good trainers know
that training the horse’s mind, and keeping horses interested in training and competing is as
important as training the heart and muscles. It is not within the scope of this book to deal
with these behaviour and management issues.

A recent review and Zeeb and Schnitzer (1997) includes discussions of topics such as
exercise, social contacts, feeding, climate, grooming and environmental factors in horse
management. The chapter on training includes sections on the horse as a gregarious animal,
the ability of man to empathise with horses, predator avoiding behaviours, horse learning
by reward, and aims and structure of schooling. As well, there are sections on damage and
“vices” caused by incorrect horse management.

Strereotypic behaviours are repeated behaviours without a known function, such as wind
sucking, wood chewing and weaving. They have been referred to in the past as “vices”.
These behaviours can be can be reduced by appropriate horse management strategies.
Simple changes, such as increasing availability of dietary roughage (hay) and increasing
social contact between horses can reduce the frequency of equine stereotypic behaviour in a
stable (McGreevy et al., 1995).

3.15. Thoroughbred training

The above sections deal with important principals to be followed for training
Thoroughbreds. It is not the purpose of this book to provide strict recipes for training
horses. Many of the comments in the previous sections of this chapter are relevant to
Thoroughbred training. The diversity of training methods used with Thoroughbreds in
different countries cautions us all about being too prescriptive about what is right and
wrong in Thoroughbred training. Horses in the Japan Cup and Dubai Classic have very
different preparations for the same event! The 1993 Melbourne Cup win by an Irish horse,
Vintage Crop, after no lead up races in the previous month is also a cautionary tale. There
are important principles to follow in horse training, but few rules!

Staaden (1991) is recommended reading. This book provides a fascinating collection of the
thoughts on Thorougbred, Quarter horse and Standardbred training by trainers in Australia,
UK and USA. The late TJ Smith talks frankly about his training methods and selecting
horses. Details of the distances, speeds and times used for training a champion filly over its
two and three year old career are included. Harkins and Kammerling (1990) provide details
of conventional training of Thoroughbreds in North America for interested readers.

38
3.16. Standardbred training

Previous sections outline principals to be followed in training Standardbreds. However, one

book highly recommended for further reading is “Racehorse training and Driving” (
Demmler 1998). The book include some guidelines on preparation of a pacer for racing,
and specifics of times, speeds and distances used in training pacers. It also includes
excellent information on other aspects of training and managing horses. Others to have
described Standardbred training procedures in some detail include Lovell (1994) and Gable
(1989).

Shearman and Hopkins (1996) have investigated the training practices used with
Standardbred maiden pacers in New Zealand. Interestingly, there was no relationship
between rank order of trainer (number of winners) and training load. It was concluded that
only large changes in training load are likely to affect the success rate of horses, despite the
observation that “training loads generally appeared light relative to those of comparable
human athletes”. However, trainers who won more races had more horses and more than
two preparation phases, suggesting that duration of training may be a factor in training
success.

The program for a typical top trainer included 5-6 weeks of jogging 6 days per week at
speeds of 15-25 km/hour for approximately 40 minutes. A second, 5 week phase of training
consisted of hopple workouts twice per week, a hopple or jog one day per week, and 3 jog
sessions (between fast days). Hopple speeds in this phase averaged 32 km/hour, but the
range of velocities was high. In the final phase (4 weeks duration), horses jogged three
times per week, and hoppled 3 times were week. ). Hopple speeds in this final phase
averaged 40 km/hour. After a race, horses racing every 14 days did not perform hopple
workouts until the 4th or 5th day after a race, and then were hoppled again twice before the
next race. The final hopple was given two days before a race (Shearman and Hopkins
(1996).

3.17. Event horse training

Training the three-day event horse to perform at an elite level is an extremely demanding
task. Success in competition necessitates superior stamina, strength (for jumping), skills
(dressage, jumping), and a capacity to recover quickly after day 2 of the competition. The
trainer must also be able to manage the horse’s temperament – calm and relaxed for
dressage, keen and fit for cross country and jumping.

Design of suitable training programs depends on an understanding of the metabolic

demands of the event. Munoz et al. (1999) investigated the cardiovascular and metabolic
responses to two cross-country events (CC* preliminary level and CC*** advanced level)
in 8 male eventing horses. Plasma lactate response exceeded the “anaerobic threshold”of 4
mmol/L, reaching a maximum level of 13.3 mmol/l. Heart rates ranged from 140 to more
than 200 bpm, peaking at 230 bpm. The authors concluded that muscle energy resynthesis
during a cross country event is provided by oxidative metabolism and glycolysis. Both
stamina and power exercises are required for event horses during their training.

39
In another study, blood samples were collected for lactate concentration determination at
the arrival of the cross-country phase from 40 horses of various class levels competing in 6
different three-day events in a study by Amory et al. (1993). In 8 horses, heart rate (HR)
was also recorded every 5 seconds during the cross-country. Heart rate ranged from 170 to
190 beats/min during the first part of the cross-country, and reached or exceeded values of
190 to 200 beats/min at the end of the course. The authors concluded that the anaerobic
threshold is reached during cross-country. Recruitment of anaerobic metabolism at the end
of the course was also demonstrated by the high values of blood lactate. These aerobic-
anaerobic metabolic requirements should be taken into account when designing the training
program of an event horse.

The importance of specific training to match the various demands of the three-day event
has been emphasised in an excellent description of training protocols used by a successful
event horse competitor. Any person interested in training an event horse should consult the
article (Rolton, 1999). Important points made include:

• Start with a healthy horse

• Establish a base level of fitness (using long walks, basic dressage, long trots, using hills
if possible)
• Event-specific training and skill development, with interval training

Intensive gallops using Thoroughbred training facilities are described in the article. Two
intensive workouts with gallops were performed each week. A heart rate monitor was used
to record heart rate during exercise and recoveries between intervals during the interval
training.
An example of speed and interval sets described by Rolton (1999) on an all-weather 1400
metre track follows:

5 minutes walk
15 minutes trot
2 minutes canter, 1 minute at 400-500 m/min, 1 minute at 600-700 m/min
3 minute walk (back to the start of the gallop)
2 minute canter, 1 minute at 500-600 m/min, 1 minute at 600-700 m/min
20 minutes trot
6 minutes canter at 500-600 m/min accelerations
6 minutes canter at 500 m/min
6 minutes canter at 500-600 m/min accelerations
5 minutes trot
10 minutes walk

Readers are referred to the original article for further explanatory details, and more
excellent advice and information. There are also many other excellent books by
experienced event horse trainers. Dyson (1994) and Clayton (1994) are also recommended
reading for more details on aspects of training for dressage, jumping and the three day
event.

40
3.18. Quarter horse training

Rammerstorfer et al., (1998) investigated baseline physiological responses

to typical reining training in five mature Quarter Horses. In an initial standardised exercise
test which simulated reining horse exercises, heart rate and plasma lactate concentration
indicated that galloping circles, spinning and stopping were “anaerobic” exercises (203
beats/min and 8.86 mmol/L, respectively). In a subsequent experiment the effects of reining
training were investigated in ten mature Quarter Horses. Heart rate and plasma lactate
concentrations were lower after 28 days of reining training.

3.19. Endurance horse training

Endurance training involves prolonged use of techniques described for basic training. As
well, some strenuous training sessions are also advisable to develop fitness for fast
exercise. Ridgeway (1994) emphasises the importance of selecting the appropriate horse,
and the processes involved in mental and physical conditioning of endurance horses.
Endurance horse trainers should regularly use a heart rate meter to monitor training
intensity and recovery of heart rates after training exercise. Fartlek and interval training
have been recommended for endurance horses as a way of providing speed training
(Ridgeway, 1994).

41
4. Fitness Tests for Horses
4.1. Introduction

Fitness can be described as the physical capacity to perform in an event or race. A horse’s
fitness will therefore depend on its inherited physiological attributes, and on the degree to
which the structure and function of the animal has been changed during training.
Essentially, the issue is: how well will the horse perform in the event, and can something be
measured to describe the horse’s likelihood of success? The basis of all fitness tests is the
same. They involve measurement of one or more aspects of a horse’s physiological
response to exercise during or after a standardised exercise test. Common measurements
include heart rate and blood lactate concentration. The main aims of this section are to
describe the principles of and rationale for the use of fitness tests, to outline methods of
conducting such tests, and to describe the limitations of such tests.

Tests of fitness are used to try to answer the following questions concerning a horse's
capacity for exercise:

1. Will the horse run a good race in its next start?

2. How does the horses fitness compare with that of other horses ?
3. How does the horses fitness compare with its fitness at previous times or during previous
preparations?
4. Has the horse's fitness changed with recent training or detraining?

Another question relates to attempts to predict performance in horses not previously raced
or used in competition.. A question that all owners eventually ask is: does the horse have
the inherent physiological attributes and talent to enable it to compete successfully?

Of all areas in equine exercise physiology, the prediction of performance is one of the most
difficult. However, the sizeable nature of the risk associated with purchasing a young
racehorse is likely to continue to stimulate research in this area. A recent study of a cohort
of young racehorses illustrates the magnitude of the risk (More, 1999). The study
developed a profile of the racing careers of Thoroughbred horses in south-eastern
Queensland, and examined factors that affect racing during the first years of racing.

Two measures of performance were examined: race earnings during the first year of racing
and cumulative proportion of horses still racing up to 2 years after their first start. 1,804
horses were enrolled in the study including 916, 701, 152 and 35 horses that first raced at 2,
3, 4 and 5 years of age, respectively. During their first year of racing, half the horses earned
no more than A$450 from race earnings, and 710 (39.4%) horses earned no money at all. In
comparison to poorly performing horses, well-performing horses were more likely to be
male, to have started as 2-year-olds and to have had more starts during this year. Of the
horses that first started as 2 and 3-year-olds, only 71 and 46% continued racing for at least
1 and 2 years after their first start, respectively. This study confirmed a high wastage
among racing Thoroughbreds. As expected, premature retirement from racing was linked to
poor performance. During the first year of racing, the race earnings of 1,567 (86.9%) horses

42
were insufficient to cover training costs. The 2-year-old racing cohort outperformed the
older racing cohorts in each of the performance measures under investigation.

Of course Thoroughbred and Standardbred trainers are able to observe performance during
training gallops and trials to help answer these questions. However, many horse trainers
and owners have also sought answers to these questions with measurements obtained
during specific fitness tests. In the past, haematological and serum biochemical assessments
in the week before a race have been popular as means of attempting to assess fitness. The
use of these measurements will not be discussed in detail. There have been many recent
excellent reviews and articles on the subject. These reviews conclude that haematological
parameters such as red and white blood cell counts are not useful in assessment of fitness or
predicting performance (Beech, 1988), or for diagnosing poor performance (Stewart et al.,
1983). Routine assessments of haematology and plasma biochemistry has a role in
diagnosing disease, but has no use for describing fitness (Revington, 1983).

4.2. Fitness and its relevance to performance in equine events

Performance by a horse on any particular day will be limited by fitness, but also by many
other factors. These include previous diet, feeding strategies on the day of racing or
competition, disease or injury, shoeing and horse’s mental attitude and behaviour before
and during the race. In this section the focus will be on aspects of “physiological” fitness,
both inherited and acquired by training.

The two main issues in physiological fitness are:

• The ability to sprint over 200-600 metres, and to accelerate over 50-100 metres
• Stamina, or the ability to maintain a speed over a long period (or fatigue resistance)

Fitness for sprint and acceleration

Scientists now better understand the physiological bases of superiority in each of these
aspects of performance. The rate of acceleration and the ability to sprint over 200-600
metres is dependent primarily on anaerobic capacity. It is not dependent on superior rates of
use of oxygen transport by the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, or its use by muscle
cells. Rather, a high anaerobic capacity confers superiority for acceleration and speed. This
refers to the capacity for ATP resynthesis by metabolism of glycogen. The principal
limiting factors are the numbers of Type II muscle fibres that can contract and relax very
quickly, and can generate high forces because of their larger size.

Equine scientists have measured anaerobic capacity with specialised treadmill tests. These
studies have enabled a better understanding of the proportions of aerobic and anaerobic
energy supply in events of different duration. An extremely important finding is that even
in events lasting 60 seconds, it seems likely that aerobic ATP supply predominates.
Therefore a 1000 Thoroughbred race is not a true sprint, like a human race over 200-400
metres. Metabolically, a 1000 metre horse race depends much more on oxygen
consumption than a human 800 metre race. This difference is attributable to the horse’s
capacity for greatly increasing its oxygen carrying capacity in the blood at the
commencement of exercise by splenic contraction. The spleen acts as a store of red blood

43
cells that can be used during exercise, almost like a “self-transfusion” As a result, the red
blood cell and haemoglobin concentration increases during exercise by 50% or more in the
horse. This confers an advantage because the horse is more able to use oxygen at the
commencement of fast exercise.

Another important finding relates to manipulation of the horses energetic response at the
beginning of a race by “warm up”. The rate of oxygen use in the first 30 seconds is much
greater if an appropriate warm up has been given, and there is less reliance on anaerobic
metabolism, and less lactate accumulation at the commencement of fast exercise.

A comparatively high maximum oxygen consumption and high rates of increase in oxygen
consumption at the start of intense exercise are two factors that explain the physiological
superiority of horses compared to other mammals. Maximum oxygen uptake is increased
by training, and the rate of aerobic energy delivery at the commencement of exercise can be
manipulated.

For example, warm up significantly increases aerobic energy delivery in racehorses during
high intensity exercise (Tyler et al. 1996). In this study, the rate of increase in oxygen
consumption was measured at the commencement of exercise in two groups. One group
completed a five minute walk before the exercise. In the alternative, horses exercised at
50% of maximum oxygen uptake (a slow canter) for 5 minutes for a warm up, then walked
for two minutes before starting the high intensity exercise. Horses with a warm-up had
faster kinetics of gas exchange and a greater proportion of their total energy requirement
was supplied by aerobic metabolism. The aerobic contribution to total energy requirement
with and without warm-up was, respectively, 79.3 + 1.0% and 72.4 + 1.7% (P < 0.01).
There was also a higher maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (P < 0.01) in horses that had
not been given a warm-up. The authors concluded that during high intensity exercise to
fatigue lasting 1 to 2 minutes, more than 70% of energy supply is from aerobic energy
sources, and that this contribution is even greater when the horses have received a warm-
up.

It is likely that a lower oxygen deficit at the commencement of exercise will limit the rate
of onset of fatigue. Standardbred horses are generally properly warmed up before racing.
Many Thoroughbred racehorses are not. Trainers should ensure that horses get at least 5-10
minutes of trotting and cantering before fast training exercise. Before a race jockeys should
be cantering or trotting the horse whenever possible.

Fitness for stamina

The factors that limit the horse’s ability to maintain a high speed for a period longer than 60
seconds depend on the duration of the event. In events lasting from 60 seconds to the
approximately 10 minutes, stamina and the ability to limit fatigue (referred to as “staying
ability”) will depend greatly on superior oxygen transport and use, and on limited increases
in lactic acid, ADP and Pi concentrations in the muscle cells. Superior horses will be able
to maintain aerobic ATP resynthesis at high speeds, and do not rely on anaerobic
resynthesis of ATP until speed is very high, and near maximal. They are also likely to have
superior buffering capacity in muscle cells, limiting the fall in pH during exercise.

44
In a race over 1200 metres it has been estimated that 60-70% of the energy supply is
aerobic (Eaton et al., 1995). In a 3200 metre race, it is likely that 80-90% of energy supply
is aerobic, and so the success or otherwise of an individual horse depends more on stamina,
and less on the ability to accelerate or sprint. However, in a slowly run race, the ability to
sprint will play a greater role in determining the winner. It is also likely that horses that
have the highest oxygen uptake and lowest rates of lactic acid accumulation during most
Thoroughbred and Standard races will be more capable of a sprint over the final 600
metres. This is because they have less disturbance to the pH, and less accumulation of ADP
and Pi during the event.

4.3. Traditional approaches to fitness measurement

Horse owners and trainers have long been interested in fitness measurement. Over the
years various measurements such as resting PCV and haemoglobin levels have been used
frequently as an index of performance. However, no resting measurement has been shown
to provide a valid index of performance. Small changes in these variables can be found in
the first few weeks of training, but thereafter no further adaptations tend to occur. Also
resting blood data is limited by the existence of a large reservoir of red blood cells in the
spleen, which complicates attempts to extrapolate from RBC concentration to the total
oxygen carrying capacity during exercise. With prolonged endurance training there can also
be a normal decrease in red cell concentrations due to expansion of the plasma volume.

The ultimate expression of aerobic capacity is maximum oxygen uptake, or VO2 max .
Measurement of VO2 max currently necessitates use of a treadmill and expensive equipment
for gas analysis. Alternatives are the analysis of HR and blood lactate in response to
specific work loads.

4.4. Treadmill fitness tests

Treadmill testing of equine fitness has been used at the University of Sydney for 6-7 years,
with over 200 horses tested in that time. The tests are usually used to help diagnose the
cause of poor performance.

A typical treadmill test protocol used at the University Veterinary Centre Camden involves
a period of 3 days of acclimation to the treadmill, during which time the horses learns to
walk, trot and canter at speeds up to 10-13 m/s. A catheter placed in the jugular vein
facilitates collection of blood during exercise for measurement of blood lactate
concentrations, and a heart rate meter is applied. A loose fitting mask is used to enable
measurement of maximum oxygen uptake. The horse is trotted for 3 minutes (at 4 m/s) on a
treadmill inclined at 10%, and then exercises for 1minute at 6 m/s, 8 m/s, 10 m/s, 11 m/s
and so on until the horse is no longer able to keep pace with the treadmill. This indicates
the onset of fatigue. All horses undertake the same protocol. This enables valid
comparisons of results in different horses, and comparisons of results from repeated tests in
the same horse.

45
4.5. Heart rate and fitness tests

Increases in fitness are reflected in decreases in heart rate during submaximal exercise. For
example, heart rate during trotting at 250 metres per minute could decrease. As well, the
velocity at which the horse is exercising at a particular heart rate will increase. For
example, V200, the velocity at which heart rate is 200 beats per minute, will increase with
training.

Measurement of heart rate 30 minutes after exercise is an important index of fitness in the
endurance horse during competition. Increases in heart rate reflect the metabolic
disturbances that occur during endurance exercise (Rose et al., 1977). These results
provided a simple, practical and accurate method for evaluation of the “stressed” endurance
horse. The assessment of the heart rate recovery following exercise is now widely used by
riders in the training of endurance horses as well as by veterinarians in the assessment of a
horse’s “fitness” to continue in an endurance ride.

4.6. Blood lactate measurements in fitness tests

Expression of the relationship between speed and lactate concentration has usually been
expressed in two ways. Firstly, VLa4, the work velocity resulting in a blood lactate
concentration of 4 mmol/l has been used. This measurement necessitates exercise tests with
4-6 steps of increasing speed. Alternatively, the blood lactate concentration at the
completion of, or soon after, exercise for a set duration and speed has been used. For
example, La-10 is the blood lactate concentration after exercise at 10 m/s. This
measurement has been used in Swedish trotters, with blood collected after 4000 m at 10
m/s. That measurement was negatively correlated with maximal trotting velocity over 1000
m (r=-0.66, p< 0.001). This means that the fastest trotters had the lowest blood lactate
concentrations after the standard exercise test.

Timeform rating in English Thoroughbreds was also highest in horses with the lowest La-
10 measured two minutes after treadmill exercise on a 10% incline (r=-0.68, p<0.01). This
result infers that approximately 45-50% of the variability in Timeform was attributable to
the variability in the blood lactate response to the submaximal treadmill exercise test
(Evans et al., 1993).

In contrast to the above studies, one recent investigation found that running speed of
Thoroughbred horses running on a 800m race track was positively correlated with VLa4
measured in treadmill exercise tests (Harkins et al, 1993). However, this result should not
be used to infer that superior Thoroughbred racehorses have the highest blood lactate
concentrations after an exercise test, as peak running speeds on the track were only about
80% of Thoroughbred racing speeds.

In general, superior trotters and Thoroughbreds have the lowest blood lactate
concentrations after standardised submaximal exercise tests. The generation of reliable
results from such tests on treadmills depends on appropriate acclimation of the horse to the
treadmill routine. Excitement, fear and anxiety can all elevate the blood lactate
concentration, as glycogenolysis is stimulated by catecholamines. The production of
reliable LA10 values in pacers or trotters depends on the ability of the driver to exercise the

46
all horses over the same distance at the same speed. Minor variations in speed or rates of
acceleration could invalidate the test results.

4.7. Field exercise tests

There has been little application of blood lactate measurements or heart rates for fitness
tests in commercial training establishments. Part of the reason for the slow adoption of
these techniques has been the difficulty of design and implementation of exercise tests in
the field. Treadmills are useful because they help with conduct of standardised exercise
tests. However, few trainers use treadmills or have access to them. Understandably, trainers
also have reservations about adopting new techniques that could disrupt busy training
schedules, and for which there is limited evidence for benefits of their use. As well, trainers
can earn a living training unfit or poor quality horses. However, many owners continue to
be frustrated by lack of information about the performance capacity of horses. Several
recent studies have outlined new methods of performing exercise tests on racetracks.

There are several important principles to follow if steps are taken to implement use of field
tests of fitness. Firstly, the test protocol must be simple. Multiple steps of increasing speeds
of exercise are frequently use in treadmill testing, but these forms of exercise testing in the
field are unlikely to be popular with trainers. Exercise tests also need to be easy to
implement, and not disrupt normal training schedules.

There are several features of the exercise that must be maintained. These include:
1. Same warm up routine prior to testing
2. Same rates and distances of acceleration during the exercise
3. Same test distance
4. Constant speed during the exercise
5. Distance of the deceleration should be constant
6. Blood should be collected at a constant time after exercise
7. Consistent speeds of post exercise activity should be used

The lactate response to specific speeds has been used in laboratory treadmill testing for
assessing performance and fitness. Fitness has usually been described with speed at a
lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L (VLa4). As the horse increases fitness, VLa4 increases.
Field tests with multiple speeds and blood collections have been conducted in Standardbred
horses to assess performance (Wilson et al., 1983). However, multiple exercise speeds and
blood collections may not always be convenient.

The exercise test used by Wilson et al. (1983) consisted of four steps of exercise over 1000
metres, as described below. The horse should walk for 3-5 minutes between each of the
four steps.

Blood was collected into fluoride oxalate tubes three minutes after each step. Heart rates
were also recorded during the exercise test to measure V200.

47
 Speed (m/min)
Step 1 450-550
Step 2 600-700
Step 3 700-800
Step 4 >800

A plot of speed versus lactate is then drawn on graph paper. By drawing a line horizontal to
the 4 mmol/l concentration, the VLa4 can be directly calculated.

Wilson et al., (1983) observed that superior horses seemed to have lower blood lactate
responses after this exercise test. However, in a study of Swedish Standardbreds, ten horses
performed a submaximal test on the track. The test consisted of five incremental heats at
approximate speeds of 9.1, 9.5, 10.0, 10.5, and 11.1 m/s over 1000 metres. A blood sample
was drawn from the jugular vein for plasma lactate analysis immediately after each heat.
Plasma lactate response to exercise differed between horses, but no correlation was seen
with a racing performance index (Roneus et al., 1999).

However, studies of larger numbers of horses that have a large range of racing abilities are
more reliable. Courouce et al. (1997) examined the relationship between VLa4, age and
racing performance of Standardbred trotters. A total of 159 horses were divided into 5 age-
groups from 2 to 6 and over, and performed standardised exercise tests of 3 steps
performed at increasing speeds. The velocity of the horses was measured with a tachometer
on the sulky. Mean VLa4 values increased significantly (P<0.05) with age between 2 and 4
years. Horses were defined as good performers (GP) when finishing between the first and
the fifth place in a race or poor performers (PP) when finishing lower than fifth. VLa4 was
significantly higher for GP than for PP (P<0.05).

The results in this study also emphasised the need for care when comparing results from
different tracks. Veterinarians, trainers or owners interested in using these tests in
Standardbred horses should develop their own exercise test routine on a single racetrack. It
should also be noted that blood lactate concentration is likely to be increased by excitement
during the test, and by "pulling", an inefficient gait due to effort expended against restraint
by the driver. Results from exercise tests in which horses pull hard against a jockey or
driver should be regarded with suspicion, and the test repeated.

A review of exercise tests for French trotters exercising in the field concluded that track
testing provided a more limited range of measurements than treadmill testing, but had the
advantage of being performed in the horse's natural environment (Courouce, 1999). Various
measurements such as heart rate during exercise and blood lactate concentration after
exercise may be measured on the track, enabling calculation of physiological variables such
as V200 and VLa4. Although VLa4 is calculated during submaximal intensity exercise, it is
related to racing performance and seems to be the most important measurement to assess
changes in fitness (Courouce 1999).

Conduct of racetrack exercise tests for measurement of VLa4 or La10 are very difficult in
Thoroughbreds, as it is difficult to obtain constant track conditions and constant speeds
during exercise. However, Vonwittke et al., (1994) used a standardised. two step exercise
test to investigate the blood lactate running speed relationship in 9 thoroughbred

48
racehorses. Each horse completed a two-speed field test at intervals of 6-8 weeks to
determine its running velocity (v) eliciting blood lactate concentrations of 4 (v(4)) and 12
mmol/l (v(12)). Changes of v(4) and v(12) in a horse between two consecutive tests were
used to assess effects of training history variables calculated for the period between two
consecutive tests. The percentage of days with gallop workouts between two consecutive
tests showed a significant correlation with changes in v(4) (r = 0.71, P < 0.01) and v(12) (r
= 0.56, P < 0.05). The number of gallop workouts (r = 0.60, P < 0.05) and the total time of
training (r = 0.58, P < 0.05) also correlated with the change of v(4). Furthermore the
percentage of days without training was negatively correlated to changes of v(4) (r = -0.75,
P < 0.01) and v(12) (r = -0.56, P < 0.05).

These results imply that increases in fitness, as measured with the blood lactate response to
submaximal exercise in a two-step field test are more likely in Thoroughbred horses that
have more galloping than trotting, and have higher numbers of gallops in a time period.
More days without training was associated with reduced fitness, and more training at higher
speeds was associated with greater fitness.

A field exercise test was used with 8 French Thoroughbred horses in France to investigate
the use of heart rate measurements during and after track exercise as a suitable measure of
changes in fitness (Valette et al., 1996). The test consisted of a warm-up followed by three
3 min-steps one cantering and two galloping, followed by a recovery period. Heart rate was
recorded during the entire test, and blood samples were taken during the 2 min rest periods
following each step, and after the recovery period for the measurement of lactate
concentrations. Fitness was described by the relationships between lactate concentrations,
heart rate and velocity. The authors concluded that procedure indicated that the
cardiovascular system seemed to be improved during the protocol and that the efficiency
score and the cardiac recovery index seemed to be good indicators of potential speed.

An alternative approach is to describe the blood lactate concentration to a single bout of

strenuous, submaximal exercise. An appropriate speed of the exercise must be chosen. The
aim is to have an exercise test that is demanding for some horses, but achieved easily in
others. Typical speeds for such tests are 800 metres in 65-70 seconds in a Standardbred
horse (Wilson et al., 1983), and in 55-60 seconds in Thoroughbreds (Davie and Evans, in
press). These speeds would need to be confirmed in an individual stable, because they will
depend on the quality of horses being trained, and possibly on track size and surface
conditions.

A one-step field test has been designed that enables comparisons between Thoroughbred
horses (Davie and Evans, in press). This study investigated the feasibility of conducting a
standardised, discontinuous, submaximal 800 m exercise test in Thoroughbred horses in the
field. Linear and exponential regression analyses were conducted to describe the
relationships between blood lactate and velocity of exercise. Predicted lactates for each
horse's exercise test velocity were calculated from the line of best fit, and the difference
between measured and predicted lactate was used to describe a rating (R) for each horse. It
was concluded that there is a linear relationship between blood lactate and velocity in
discontinuous submaximal exercise tests over 800 m at speeds between 13 and 16 m/s in
Thoroughbred horses. A single step test that takes into account variability of velocity

49
within a test, and which is based on calculation of the difference between the measured and
predicted lactate concentration, has potential application in field evaluations of fitness in
Thoroughbred horses. Further studies are required to investigate whether comparisons of
the blood lactate response to exercise in an individual horse with the predicted response in a
reference population is an accurate and reliable correlate of racing performance.

It should be remembered that lactate tests such as those described above are indications of
endurance ability, or stamina. Lactate tests measuring VLa4 or La10 do not express the
ability of a horse to accelerate at the start or finish of a race, or the ability of a horse to
sprint 400-600 m. However, observation and a stop watch are all that are needed to assess
these attributes.

Measurement of the blood lactate concentration after maximal exercise has been used to
estimate anaerobic capacity, defined as the ability of an individual to resynthesise ATP via
anaerobic metabolism. The blood lactate concentration after maximal exercise to fatigue
does not change with submaximal exercise training (Evans, et al., 1994), and so is not a
useful marker of fitness. As well, the blood lactate concentrations after maximal exercise in
trotters (Krzywanek, 1974) and Thoroughbreds (Evans et al., 1993) were not correlated
with race performance.

A study of the relationships between racing performance and several physiological

measurements was also conducted in 25 Standardbred trotters (Roneus et al., 1999). Blood
samples and muscle biopsies were obtained 5-10 minutes after racing. The biopsies were
analysed for fibre type composition and enzymatic profile and blood samples for plasma
lactate and ammonia concentrations. Fibre type composition varied among horses (range 9-
27% for Type 1, 32-54% for Type IIA, and 27-46% for Type IIB). Fibre type composition,
muscle enzyme activities, plasma lactate and ammonia responses to racing were not
correlated to a racing performance index.

These results suggest that the blood lactate response to maximal exercise has limited
usefulness as a measure of fitness in horses. It is unlikely that any physiological
measurement after maximal intensity exercise will be more closely correlated with racing
ability than information generated by use of a stop watch.

4.8. Maximum oxygen uptake

One study has reported that there was a moderate association of running speed with
maximum oxygen uptake in Thoroughbred horses (Harkins et al, 1993). Maximum oxygen
uptake is also higher in superior Standardbred horses (Gauvreau et al., 1995).

Gauvreau et al. (1995) compared the metabolic and respiratory measurements in ten
Standardbred racehorses during a standardised treadmill test. This is the only study that has
investigated the role of maximum oxygen uptake as a limiting factor in racing performance.
The horses were divided into two groups: group A (n = 5) had mean racing speeds of 4.4 s
faster than group B (n = 5) over a 1-mile distance. Group A had significantly higher (P <
0.05) measurements of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max ), oxygen pulse (volume of
oxygen ejected with each cardiac contraction), and tidal volume (volume of respiratory gas

50
exhaled in one breath). Venous lactate concentration was also significantly higher (P <
0.05) in group A. Group A was also able to complete a significantly higher (P < 0.01)
number of workloads before fatigue. It was concluded that the higher aerobic and anaerobic
capacity of group A horses may be a major contributor to a faster racing performance.

Many further studies are required to investigate the relationships between maximum
oxygen consumption and racing performance. However, these studies necessitate
transporting horses from their stables to treadmill laboratories for exercise tests, which is
not very convenient for trainers. It is possible that large scale studies of this issue will not
be conducted until new technologies enable measurement of oxygen consumption of horses
during fast galloping, trotting and pacing exercise on the racetrack (Evans and Marlin,
1999).

4.9. Red cell volume

Total red cell volume expresses the volume of erythrocytes in the circulation of the horse,
including the volume in the spleen. It necessitates measurement of plasma volume and the
induction of splenic contraction before the haematocrit (PCV) is measured, so that red cells
sequestered in the spleen at rest are also measured. Splenic contraction has been induced by
adrenaline injections and moderately intensive exercise (Persson, 1967). Total red cell
volume relative to body weight was significantly correlated with maximal trotting speed
over 1000m in 35 Swedish trotters (r=0.68, P< 0.001) (Persson and Ullberg, 1974).

These results suggest that the measurement is an important factor in the ability to trot
rapidly, but there have been no studies of the relationship in other breeds. However, the
PCV after maximal exercise in Thoroughbreds, which ranges from 60-70%, was not
correlated with Timeform rating (Evans et al, 1993). As well, the physiological responses
to treadmill exercise in red cell hypervolaemic horses are not different from non-
hypervolaemic horses (Poso et al., 1993)

4.10. Body fluid status and fitness of endurance horses

Recent research has provided a better understanding of the impact of fluid and electrolyte
losses on the fitness for endurance exercise has described effective methods for the
treatment of exhausted endurance horses. The results emphasised the importance of body
fluid status as an important factor in performance of endurance exercise, and focus
attention on strategies for improving fitness by using appropriate pre-race strategies. Oral
electrolyte pastes have been used before, during and after endurance rides to prevent and
treat dehydration (Schott and Hinchcliff, 1998). Use of oral electrolyte pastes in dehydrated
horses is also an effective treatment if water is available (Sosa Leon et al., 1998). It also has
been noted that successful endurance horses do not dehydrate as much as less successful
competitors (Schott et al., 1997).

51
4.11. Predicting performance

Some progress has been made in research into use of physiological measurements to predict
performance, but there remains a great dearth of knowledge in this area. Answers to several
questions are needed. These include:

1. What are the energetic bases of performance in events lasting 1-10 minutes
2. To what extent does performance during racing and other competitions depend on
maximum oxygen uptake and other measured of fitness?
3. To what extent does performance during racing and other competitions depend on
efficiency of locomotion (oxygen uptake per metre)?
4. Does fitness in unfit two year old horses accurately predict fitness in the same horses
after training, or does the response to training vary greatly between horses?
5. Does fitness in 6-12 month old horses predict fitness in the same older, race fit horses?

Answers to these questions will only be obtained from large scale studies of fitness in
normal populations of racing horses. Development of suitable fitness testing facilities near
race tracks would enable some of these questions to be addressed. As well, new
technologies that enable maximum oxygen uptake to be measured in horses during normal
racetrack exercise would be a great advance. Small, light-weight masks that enable
measurement of respiratory air flow and oxygen uptake have been developed for field
studies in human athletes, and this may be the future for equine fitness testing because such
techniques obviate the need for expensive treadmill laboratories.

Popular techniques for performance prediction in the past have included measurement of
heart score by electrocardiography, and more recently, ultrasonography (cardiac
ultrasound).

Heart score is only moderately correlated with race performance at best. Some studies have
been unable to demonstrate any correlation between heart score an racing performance, and
the gradual decline in the popularity of this techniques for performance prediction is
understandable. However, it remains popular with some owners and trainers.

The presence of supposedly abnormal T waves in waves in three or more

electrocardiographic leads has been used to diagnose the cause of poor race performance in
horses. One study has investigated the relationship between previous racing performance
and T waves, and the effect of training on the T wave in Standardbred horses (Evans and
Polglaze, 1994). Thirty-two horses were electrocardiographed in two Sydney racing stables.
Sixteen horses (50%) had ECGs with three or more leads with abnormal T waves, and these
horses had won more races, had a greater ratio of wins per start and a greater number of
dollars earned per start than horses with less than three abnormal T waves (P < 0.05).
Horses with abnormal T waves also had significantly faster racing times (P < 0.01).

There were significant (P < 0.01) correlations between the number of abnormal T waves
and both number of wins (R = 0.47) and dollars earned per start (R = 0.45). Fastest winning
mile rate was also negatively correlated with number of leads with abnormal T waves (R =
-0.52, P < 0.01). There was no relationship between racing performance and heart score.

52
The effect of training on the T wave was also investigated in nine previously untrained and
unraced Standardbred racehorses. There were significant effects of training (P < 0.01) on
the number of abnormal T waves and mean chest lead wave amplitude. It was concluded
that abnormal T waves are a common finding in the race-fit Standardbred horse, and can be
found in more than 50% of horses currently performing well in races. In addition, chest
lead T waves become more positive after training, confirming findings in Thoroughbred
horses (Evans, 1991).

Echocardiography is now popular at horse sales as a tool for performance prediction. The
popularity of this approach is based on all or some of the following assumptions:

1. Stroke volume (the volume of blood ejected by a cardiac ventricle) in a 15 month old
horse is an accurate predictor of stroke volume during exercise in the same horse as a
two year old or older.

2. Stroke volume in a 15 month old horse accurately predicts cardiac output (the product
of heart rate and stroke volume) during maximal exercise.

3. Thoroughbred racing performance is highly correlated with stroke volume in an

untrained yearling.

Unfortunately none of these premises has been demonstrated. A large scale study did not
show any correlations between echocardiographic measurements in Thoroughbred
yearlings and racing performance in the same horses as two or three year olds (Leadon, et
al (1993). There is no evidence to support the use of echocardiography to predict
performance of yearlings with normal hearts.

In the past there has been enthusiasm for use of muscle biopsies to predict future
performance. It was thought that classification of horses on the basis of their muscle fibre
type percentages in the gluteus medius muscle held promise as a means of talent
identification, or predicting the "sprinting" or "staying" potential of horses. Lindholm
(1985) also reported that excellent racehorses had higher activities of oxidative enzymes
(citrate synthase (CS) and 3-OH- acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HAD)) and a higher ratio of
IIA to IIB muscle fibres.

Unfortunately the fibre type distribution in one biopsy sample is not sufficiently
representative of the whole muscle, fibre type varies from muscle to muscle, and depends
on depth of the biopsy in the middle gluteal (Kline et al., 1987). Consequently, talent
identification by calculation of fibre type distribution has very limited usefulness. The
technique is also quite invasive, and has limited aesthetic appeal.

Recent studies in endurance horses suggests that a refined approach to the muscle biopsy
technique for performance prediction in endurance horses may be more useful (Rivero et
al., 1993, 1998). Biopsies from three different depths of the gluteus medius muscle were
obtained from 36 endurance horses. Twenty of the horses were considered excellent
performers according to the mean speed of their three fastest records in endurance events.
The other 16 horses were considered moderate performers, with a mean racing speed less
than 12.5 km/h (in 120- to 180-km endurance rides), less than 14 km/h (in 80-120 km

53
endurance rides), or less than 13.5 km/h (in 40-60 km endurance rides). The activities of
citrate synthase (an indicator of the citric acid cycle activity), 3-OH-acyl-CoA-
dehydrogenase (a marker for lipid oxidation) and lactate dehydrogenase (an indicator of
anaerobic metabolism) enzymes were also studied.

Significant differences in oxidative enzyme activities, but not in the glycolytic lactate
dehydrogenase enzyme activities, were recorded between performance categories.
Excellent performers had higher activities of citrate synthase (P<0.001) and 3-OH-acyl-
CaA-dehydrogenase (P<0.02) enzymes than the poorest. The three enzyme activities
changed significantly with the increase of sampling depth within the muscle Citrate
synthase and 3-OH-acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase activities increased by 60% and 75%,
respectively, and that of lactate dehydrogenase decreased by 23% from surface to deep
sampling depths. When lactate dehydrogenase/citrate synthase and lactate
dehydrogenase/3-OH-acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase enzyme activity ratios were regressed on
sampling depth in order to describe the general metabolic profile of the muscle, a strong
linear relationship was found in both performance groups (P<0.001). The authors
concluded that the results clearly show that the best performing endurance horses have a
greater aerobic capacity and a relatively lower anaerobic capacity in the gluteus medius
muscle than those horses that have been moderately endurance raced useful (Rivero et al.,
1993, 1998). These results show that the muscle fibre metabolic profile is directly related to
the athletic ability of the horse for endurance events.

As well, significant differences in muscle fibre type composition and fibre size were
recorded (Rivero et al., 1993). Excellent performers had a higher percentage and a larger
size of type I and type IIa fibres and a lower percentage of type IIb fibres including both
type IIb oxidative and IIb nonoxidative. The differences in distribution of myofibre types
and in fibre sizes were more marked in the deeper parts compared with the superficial
regions of muscle.

4.12. Conclusion

Success in equine athletic competition depends on several important factors in healthy

horses. These include stamina, sprint speed and acceleration rate. The relative importance
of these factors will depend on the metabolic demands of the individual event. Fitness tests
can be used to measure factors associated with stamina. These include maximum oxygen
uptake and blood lactate response to a standardised submaximal exercise test. Fitness tests
that measure maximal rates of oxygen use, lactic acid production during exercise and heart
rates have also been widely used by researchers to study training responses and fitness in
horses. More large-scale studies are required, using horses in normal training programs, if
practical measurements of fitness and predictors of performance are to be described.
However, no measurement or combination of measurements will ever be perfectly
correlated with the ability to perform. Nevertheless, results of appropriate fitness tests can
help guide decisions by horse owners and trainers concerning the training and use of horses
in competitions or races.

54
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