The association of 2-year-old training milestones with career length and racing success in a sample of Thoroughbred horses in New Zealand

Effects of an extended photoperiod on body composition of young Thoroughbreds in training

The effects of an extended photoperiod (EP) on body composition of Thoroughbreds colts and fillies from December at one year old to April at two years old were investigated. Seventy-three Thoroughbreds reared and trained in Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido were used. Forty-one horses were under the EP conditions from December 20 to April 15, and the 32 horses were under natural light alone as the control group. Body weight (BW), rump fat thickness (RFT), fat free mass (FFM) and percentage of fat (%F) were used as parameters of body composition. The present study revealed that BW and FFM increased with age in the EP group in colts. In fillies, BW increased with age in both the EP and the control group, however FFM increased with age only in the EP group. From December to April, only colts had a higher rate of increase in both BW and FFM in the EP group than in the control group. However, according to the mean rates of increase in FFM from January to March, the EP group was significantly higher than the control group in both sexes. Furthermore, monthly increase rate of FFM in March was significantly higher in the EP group than in the control group in both sexes. These results suggests that EP treatment to young Thoroughbreds in training at Hokkaido, which is shorter daylength in winter, accelerate the increase of FFM, representing muscle mass.

Longitudinal Training and Workload Assessment in Young Friesian Stallions in Relation to Fitness, Part 2-An Adapted Training Program

Young Friesian stallions have to complete a 10-week training program (70-day test) for acceptance as a breeding stallion. Part one of this study showed that the 70-day test was too intense and led to reduced fitness. In the present (part two) study, the effects of an adapted training program were studied. Training frequency and minutes of cantering per week were lowered compared with part one. The external workload (EW) of sixteen stallions (3.4 ± 0.8 years) was monitored during the 6-weeks before testing (preparation period) as well as during the 70-day test. Standardized exercise tests (SETs) were performed in week 1 (SET-I), 6 (SET-II), and 10 (SET-III) of the 70-day test, measuring heart rate (HR) and plasma lactate concentration (LA). Linear mixed effect models were used to analyze the EW, and the HR and LA related to the SETs. The EW increased from the preparation period to the 70-day test; this increase in the EW was lower compared with the original training program. The horses showed lower HR and LA levels in SET-III compared with SET-I. The young Friesian horses were at risk to be overtrained in part one, but the adapted training program resulted in increased fitness. This study shows that a carefully chosen program is necessary to improve the performance and welfare of (young) horses.

A Bioeconomic Model for the Thoroughbred Racing Industry-Optimisation of the Production Cycle with a Horse Centric Welfare Perspective

The Thoroughbred racing industry faces new and competing pressures to operate within a modern, changing society. Three major moderators drive the focus and productivity of the industry worldwide: economic sustainability, horse biology and social licence to operate. This review proposes that despite the apparent homogeneity in the structure of racing across jurisdictions due to international regulation of the sport, there are significant differences within each jurisdiction in each of the three moderators. This creates challenges for the comparison of injury risk factors for racehorses within the industry across different jurisdictions. Comparison of the relative distribution of racing and gambling metrics internationally indicates that the Asian jurisdictions have a high focus on gambling efficiency and high economic return of the product, with a high number of starts per horse and the highest relative betting turnover. In contrast, the racing metrics from the USA have proportionally low racing stakes and fewer horses per race. These differences provide insight into the sociology of horse ownership, with a shift from the long-term return on investment held by most jurisdictions to a short-term transitional view and immediate return on investment in others. Wastage studies identify varying risks influenced by the predominant racing culture, training methods, production focus and environment within individual jurisdictions. Increasing societal pressure to maintain high racehorse welfare and reduce the negative impact of gambling poses fluctuating risks to each jurisdiction's social licence to operate. Based on the data presented within this review, the authors propose that the use of a bioeconomic model would permit consideration of all three moderators on industry practice and optimisation of the jurisdiction-specific production cycle with a horse-centric welfare perspective.

Single-incision drilling technique to achieve hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal metacarpus - complications and outcome in 207 foals with metacarpophalangeal varus deformities

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcome of foals treated for metacarpophalangeal varus deformity with a single-incision drilling technique for hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal lateral metacarpal physis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case-control cohort study.

ANIMALS

Thoroughbred foals (n = 207), 171 age- and sex-matched maternal siblings.

METHODS

Medical records (2017-2020) were reviewed for signalment, limb(s) treated, location of the surgery, and any reported complications. Follow-up radiographs obtained for the yearling sale were assessed for abnormalities. Horses were matched to maternal siblings using an online database. Sales and racing performance data were compared between cohorts.

RESULTS

The average age at the time of surgery was 97 days. The treated limb was the left front in 52, right front in 31, both fronts in 119, unknown in 5. Three horses developed calcinosis circumscripta lesions adjacent to the physis, which were removed successfully. No radiographic abnormalities associated with the surgery site were detected on yearling prepurchase radiographs. There were no differences in sales and racing performance data between treated horses and maternal controls.

CONCLUSION

Hemiepiphysiodesis is a safe and effective treatment for metacarpophalangeal varus deformities in foals. No negative effect on sales or racing performance was identified.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This technique avoids risks, costs, and the need for second surgery associated with an orthopedic implant. The surgeon should be aware of the potential for development of a calcinosis circumscripta lesion with this technique.

Effects of different winter climates in Japan on body composition of young Thoroughbreds in training

Changes in the body composition of 50 Thoroughbreds colts and fillies, born between 2004 and 2010, were compared between those reared at the Hidaka Training and Research Center (Hidaka), Hokkaido, which is extremely cold in winter, and those reared at the Miyazaki Yearling Training Farm (Miyazaki), Kyushu, which is mildly cold in winter. The horses were divided into two sex groups and reared and trained in Hidaka or Miyazaki for 7 months from October of one year of age to April of two years of age. Body weight (BW), rump fat thickness (RFT), fat-free mass (FFM), and percentage of fat (%F) were used as parameters of body composition. This study revealed that BW and FFM were higher, and %F was lower in colts than in fillies at both training sites. Among colts, Miyazaki colts tended to have higher FFM values than Hidaka colts, and %F was significantly lower in Miyazaki colts than in Hidaka colts. Furthermore, from October to April, Miyazaki horses had a higher rate of increase in BW than Hidaka horses in both sexes and a higher rate of increase in FFM in colts. The higher rate of increase in FFM in Miyazaki colts suggests that training young Thoroughbreds in winter under mildly cold climate is more effective, than severely cold climate, particularly in colts.

Horse Racing as a Model to Study the Relationship between Air Pollutants and Physical Performance

Simple Summary

Ambient air contains a mixture of pollutants, the effects of which on animal and human health have been widely described. In contrast, the effects on physical performance are poorly understood, largely due to the difficulty of implementing an experimental model to study this problem. Thoroughbred horse racing involves many animal athletes, of similar genetics, environmental exposure, training, and diet, who participate by breathing varying mixtures of ambient air. This paper presents an analysis strategy based on the homogeneity of the races, the distance, and the design of the track. This paper presents a preliminary analysis in which we observe that the level of performance is decreased by concentrations of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, NO₂, NO, and CO in the air. Thus, we note that this natural experiment may constitute a model of interest to advance the understanding of the problem.

Abstract

This study proposes the theoretical principles for the selection of a sample of horse races to study the relationship between air pollutants and performance. These criteria were then applied to an original dataset comparing the correlations between these variables obtained in “Handicap” versus “Conditional” type races. Methods: The mean concentration of pollutants during the six hours prior to the race and the speed of the test were determined in 441 official races at a racecourse in Santiago, Chile, during the summer and winter months of 2012. Using layout, track condition and distance (1000, 1100 and 1200 m) as criteria, a homogeneous group of races (“Handicap”; n = 214) versus a heterogeneous group (“Conditional”; n = 95) were compared using simple correlations (Spearman’s test). Results: Race speed was related to greater levels of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, NO₂, NO and SO₂ and it was positively related to O₃, a trend that was observed in the 1000, 1100 m races and in the total “Handicap” group. Similar results were observed only in 1000 m for the “Conditional” group with lower Rho, except for PM₁₀ and PM_2.5. The total races of the conditional group showed lower Rho values and significant associations of the same trend for CO, NO₂, NO and SO₂. Conclusions: Horse races between 1000 and 1200 m of the “Handicap” type appear to be an interesting group to study the relationship between air pollutants and the performance of racehorses. In the future, our observations should be expanded to other distances and other types of races.

Growth and Bone Development in the Horse: When Is a Horse Skeletally Mature?

Simple Summary

A comparison of the pattern of growth in the horse with definitions used to describe growth and development in humans demonstrates the same general pattern of growth. In the horse, these development periods are completed very early in life, generally by 2 years of age. Using a variety of measures to define the completion of growth and bone development, the horse enters skeletal maturity by the time it is 2 years old. There is little variation in the age of maturity across different horse breeds. These data support the hypothesis that the horse evolved to be a precocious cursorial grazer and is capable of athletic activity, and used in sport, relatively early in life.

Abstract

Within the lay literature, and social media in particular, there is often debate about the age at which a horse should be started and introduced to racing or sport. To optimize the welfare and longevity of horses in racing and sport, it is important to match exercise with musculoskeletal development and the ability of the musculoskeletal system to respond to loading. The justification for not exercising horses at a certain age is often in contrast to the scientific literature and framed, with incorrect generalizations, with human growth. This review provides a relative comparison of the growth and development of the horse to the descriptors used to define growth and development in humans. Measures of physeal closure and somatic growth demonstrate that the horse completes the equivalent of rapid infant growth by weaning (4–6 months old). At approximately 11 months old, the horse completes the equivalent of the childhood phase of growth and enters puberty. At 2 years old, the horse has achieved most measures of maturity used within the human literature, including the plateauing of vertical height, closure of growth plates, and adult ratios of back length:wither height and limb length:wither height. These data support the hypothesis that the horse evolved to be a precocious cursorial grazer and is capable of athletic activity, and use in sport, relatively early in life.

How Happy Are Equine Athletes? Stakeholder Perceptions of Equine Welfare Issues Associated with Equestrian Sport

The international governing body for equestrian sports, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), states that the welfare of the horse must be paramount and never subordinated to competitive or commercial influences. However, there is growing unease about welfare issues from both within and outside the sport. The aim of this study was to understand stakeholder perceptions of current welfare issues within equestrian sport, determine whether there is scope for change, and explore attitudes towards welfare assessment. Participants (n = 48) from equestrian sport (n = 38) and animal welfare research (n = 10) attended a workshop that included welfare-related presentations and focus group sessions. The focus group sessions were recorded, anonymised and analysed using thematic analysis. Conflict between the demands of competition and the needs of the horse was identified as a key welfare challenge. Although the physical health of equine athletes is closely monitored, horses' psychological needs are sometimes overlooked. Participants recognised that improving competition practices may not be as impactful as improving the general management and training of horses. The term "quality of life" was considered preferable to "welfare", which had negative connotations. Participants appreciated the idea of incorporating formal welfare assessments into their training and competition plans but stated that existing tools are rarely used and are not deemed feasible for real-life conditions.

Association of Thoroughbred Racehorse Workloads and Rest Practices with Trainer Success

Understanding the relationship between the training practices of Thoroughbred racehorses and race performance is important to ensure advice given to trainers for injury prevention or management is practical and consistent. We assessed associations between intended volume and speed of gallop training (i.e., typical workloads for horses free of injury or other performance limiting conditions) and rest practices on official trainer career and previous season success rates (rate of wins and places, prizemoney per start). Sixty-six Australian Thoroughbred trainers were surveyed. Multivariable negative binomial regression models were employed for the outcomes career and previous season wins and places, and linear regression models for prizemoney per start. Intended training workload was not associated with prizemoney. Pre-trial total galloping distances (≥13.3 m/s) between 7500 m and 15,000 m were associated with a higher rate of career wins, and previous season wins and places per start (p < 0.05). Slow-speed (13.3-14.3 m/s) galloping distance to trial between 5000 m to 12,500 m was associated with higher rate of career placings per start, with reduced performance over 12,500 m (p = 0.003). Greater time between race starts was associated with a greater rate of previous season wins and prizemoney per start until three weeks between starts, with decline in performance thereafter (p < 0.05). Greater frequency of rest breaks was associated with greater prizemoney per start earnt in the previous season (p ≤ 0.01). These results suggest that modifications to training programs aimed at injury prevention, such as avoiding long galloping distances, should not adversely affect trainer success.

Factors associated with racing performance and career duration for Victorian-born Thoroughbreds

The number of horses leaving the Australian Thoroughbred (TB) racing industry each year is of concern to animal welfare advocates, public and regulators. A horse's previous athletic performance is a significant driver of retirement from racing. Racehorse performance can be measured in terms of the total number of starts, duration of racing and prize money earned. This study investigated Australian racing records for the 2005 and 2010 Victorian TB foal crops to identify factors associated with total number of starts, racing career duration, prize money earned and age of last race start-up to the 10-year-old racing season. Racing Australia registered 4,577 TB horses born in Victoria in 2005 (n = 2,506) and 2010 (n = 2,071) that raced in Australia. Horses that started racing at 2-years of age had fewer race starts in their first racing season but an increased total number of starts, prize money and duration of racing. The median age of last start (LS) was five (Q1 4; Q3 7) years. Horses that had won a race, had a maximum handicap rating of 61 or above and those racing over distances of more than 2,400 m had an increased racing career duration and an age of last race start greater than 6-years of age. Horses participating in jumps races (n = 63) had the longest careers and older age of LS. These horses were more likely to have had a handicap rating over 80 and were just as likely to start their racing careers as 2-years-olds.

Participation of Victorian Thoroughbreds in the racing industry: a whole-of-population benchmark

The proportion of Thoroughbred (TB) horses that commence training and eventually race, is an important industry-level indicator of how successful it is at producing horses suitable for racing. It is also of interest to the wider community and is central to the issue of whether there is overbreeding in the Australian TB industry. This study investigated the training and racing records for the 2005 and 2010 Victorian TB foal crops to determine the proportion of TBs that train and race, and the age of entering training and first race start. Subsets of the foal crop were also examined to determine if premier yearling sale cohorts would produce selection bias. The Australian Stud Book (ASB) registered 7662 TB horses born in Victoria in 2005 (n = 4116) and 2010 (n = 3546). Of these, 5614 (73%) entered training and 4868 (64%) started in at least one race. Fourteen percent (n = 1045) of the study cohort had their first race start as 2-year-olds and 35% (n = 2644) had their first start as 3-year-olds. A higher proportion of TB horses that attended premier yearling sales entered training (93%) and raced (84%). This study established a baseline for training and racing milestones, such as the proportion and age that horses commenced training, and age of first start using population-level data. It also established that the use of subsets of the population can introduce selection bias.

Preliminary Examination of the Biological and Industry Constraints on the Structure and Pattern of Thoroughbred Racing in New Zealand over Thirteen Seasons: 2005/06-2017/18

This study aimed to examine thirteen seasons of flat racing starts (n = 388,964) in the context of an ecological system and identify metrics that describe the inherent characteristics and constraints of the New Zealand Thoroughbred racing industry. During the thirteen years examined, there was a 2-3% per year reduction in the number of races, starts and number of horses. There was a significant shift in the racing population with a greater number of fillies (aged 2-4 years) having a race start, and subsequent longer racing careers due to the inclusion of one more racing preparation post 2008 (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was an increasingly ageing population of racehorses. These changes resulted in more race starts in a career, but possibly because of biological constraints, there was no change in the number of race starts per season, starts per preparation, or days spelling between preparations (p < 0.05). There was no change in the proportion of horses having just one race start (14% of new entrants), indicating that the screening for suitability for a racing career remained consistent. These data identify key industry parameters which provide a basis for future modelling of intervention strategies to improve economic performance and reduce horse injury. Consideration of the racing industry as a bio-economic or ecological model provides framework to test how the industry may respond to intervention strategies and signal where changes in system dynamics may alter existing risk factors for injury.

Retrospective analysis of the population dynamics and racing outcomes of the 2014 and 2015 UK and Ireland Thoroughbred foal crops

BACKGROUND

Up-to-date figures on early losses of Thoroughbreds from the racing industry can inform strategies to improve retention and incentivise traceability of Thoroughbreds during this early life period.

METHODS

Data on Thoroughbred mares bred in 2013-2014 and training, racing and sales information of their live offspring were analysed. The proportions and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of the entire 2014-2015 United Kingdom and Ireland foal crops that entered training, raced, were imported and/or exported between birth and the end of their third year of life, as well as the racing performance of these horses as 2- and 3-year-olds were described.

RESULTS

A total of 20,661 mares produced 28,282 live foals. Of them, 47.2% (95% CI: 46.7-47.8; n = 13,354) entered training by the end of their third year of life. Of these, 10,595 (79.3%; 95% CI: 78.7-80.0) raced at least once. Around 20% (n = 5712) of horses were exported by the end of their third year of life, of which 3526 (61.7%) had been in training. The overall mortality during the study period was 7.6% (n = 2123).

CONCLUSION

A considerable proportion of Thoroughbreds had not entered training by 3 years of age but of those that had, the proportion that raced at least once was high. Further research is needed to establish reasons for premature losses from the industry.

Appraising the Welfare of Thoroughbred Racehorses in Training in Queensland, Australia: The Incidence and Type of Musculoskeletal Injuries Vary between Two-Year-Old and Older Thoroughbred Racehorses

Simple Summary

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) remain a concerning cause of racehorse morbidity and mortality with serious ethical and welfare consequences. Previous research examining risk factors for injuries report inconsistent findings. Age is thought to affect the risk of injury, but, to date, there have been no prospective studies specifically comparing injuries between two-year-old versus older horses. We aimed to: (1) determine the incidence of injuries for two-year-old and older horses, and whether this was affected by training track, season, or rainfall, and (2) determine the types of injuries affecting two-year-old and older horses, and whether horses trialled or raced after injury. Data were collected through personal structured weekly interviews with participating trainers over a 13-month period. Data were analysed using Poisson regression. The incidence of MSI in the current study was low (0.6%). The incidence of MSI in two-year-old horses was higher than older horses. Types of MSI varied between two-year-old and older horses and affected whether horses subsequently trialled or raced from 11 to 23 months after injury. A larger proportion of two-year-old horses had dorsal metacarpal disease and traumatic lacerations. A smaller proportion of two-year-old horses had suspensory desmitis, superficial digital flexor tendonitis, proximal sesamoid bone fractures, and fetlock joint injuries than older horses. Training track and rainfall did not affect the incidence of injuries. The season affected the incidence of injuries in two-year-old horses but not in older horses.

Abstract

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) remain a concerning cause of racehorse morbidity and mortality with important ethical and welfare consequences. Previous research examining risk factors for MSI report inconsistent findings. Age is thought to affect MSI risk, but, to date, there have been no prospective studies comparing MSI in two-year-old versus older horses. This study aimed to: (1) determine the incidence of MSI for two-year-old and older horses, and whether this was affected by training track, season, or rainfall, and (2) determine the types of MSI affecting two-year-old and older horses, and whether horses trialled or raced after injury. A prospective survey was conducted with data collected through personal structured weekly interviews with participating trainers over a 13-month period. Data were analysed using Poisson regression. The incidence of MSI in the current study was low (0.6%). The incidence of MSI in two-year-old horses was higher than older horses (p < 0.001). Types of MSI varied between two-year-old and older horses (p < 0.001) and affected whether horses subsequently trailed or raced from 11 to 23 months after injury (p < 0.001). A larger proportion of two-year-old horses had dorsal metacarpal disease and traumatic lacerations. A smaller proportion of two-year-old horses had suspensory ligament desmitis, superficial digital flexor tendonitis, proximal sesamoid bone fractures, and fetlock joint injuries than older horses. Training track and rainfall did not affect MSI. The season affected MSI in two-year-old horses (p < 0.001) but not older horses. The major limitation was that trainers in this study were metropolitan (city) and our findings may not be generalisable to racehorses in regional (country) areas. Another significant limitation was the assumption that MSI was the reason for failure to trial or race after injury. In conclusion, the incidence of MSI was low in the current study and the types and the risk factors for MSI are different for two-year-old and older horses.

Jockey Career Length and Risk Factors for Loss from Thoroughbred Race Riding

Professional thoroughbred racing jockeys repeatedly work close to physiological capacity during races, whilst maintaining low body weights, on a daily basis with no off-season. The effects of this on their career length is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the career lengths and reasons for loss from the industry of 674 jockeys and apprentices who rode over 14 racing seasons and 421,596 race day starts in New Zealand. Descriptors were compared between jockeys in short (1–2 years), middle (3–9 years) and long (>10 years) career cohorts with descriptive statistics and Kaplan–Meier survival curves. The median career length for jockeys was 2 years (IQR 1–6). Long career cohort jockeys (11%) had lower carried weights (IQR 56–57 kg, p = 0.03), 40 times the median number of rides per season (248, IQR 61–434, p < 0.001), half the rate per 1000 rides of falling (1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.2, p = 0.009) and 1.3 times the rate of winning (100, 95% CI 99–101, p < 0.01) than jockeys in the short career cohort. Jockeys who rode over 200 races per season had careers three times longer than jockeys with fewer races per season (p < 0.001). Half of the 40% of jockeys who failed to complete their apprenticeship were lost from the industry in their first year of race riding. In conclusion, most jockeys had short careers where the workload of a jockey and their ability to obtain rides had greater impact on career longevity than their performance.

Barriers to entering race training before 4 years of age for Thoroughbred horses born in the 2014 Australian foal crop

Currently, there is a paucity of data on the barriers for Australian Thoroughbred horses transitioning from stud farm to racetrack. This paper reports the reasons why horses failed to enter race training and documents their exit destinations. Biographical records of Australian Thoroughbred horses born in 2014 were investigated to determine the number of horses that had not officially entered race training by the start of the 4-year old racing season (1 August 2018). Of the 13,677 foals born in 2014, 66% had commenced training and 51% had raced before the beginning of their 4-year-old season in Australia. A sampling frame based on the post code of the premises where foals were born and records from Racing Australia were used to select a geographically representative sample of the 2014 Australian Thoroughbred foal crop (n = 4,124). From the population eligible for sampling 1,275 horses that had not entered training were enrolled in the survey and their breeders were sent an online questionnaire with follow-up phone calls for those who had not responded. Of the 633 responses (50% of 1275) the most frequent outcomes for horses were: death (38%, n = 239), participation in the racing industry in their 4-year old racing season (24%, n = 154) and retirement (16%, n = 100) either as Australian Stud Book (ASB) bloodstock (n = 17), or as horses rehomed outside the Thoroughbred industry (n = 83). Illness or injury was the most frequent reason for horses not entering race training that were ASB bloodstock, rehomed or deceased. There was a loss of traceability at the point of sale with most horses sold at 1 year of age. This study provides important information on the reasons, alternative outcomes and gaps in traceability for horses not entering training prior to the 4-year-old racing season.

Exploring Perceptions of Equine Welfare Scenarios Using a Positive Approach

Horse welfare is a sensitive topic that often results in a variety of strong feelings when discussed in the horse-owning public. This study used a scenario-based questionnaire in a positive psychology approach to assess the public's feelings and discussions about horse welfare. Results indicated themes in important welfare qualities such as turnout, shelter, and ability to express natural behaviors, as well as a positive discussion about welfare. This study provides future implications for further research techniques in this area as well as communicative strategies surrounding equine welfare practices.

Patterns of Racing and Career Duration of Racing Greyhounds in New Zealand

Simple Summary

There is limited information on the career length and patterns of racing for greyhounds. Performance outcomes, including number of racing starts, career length and the age at which greyhounds finish racing, provide insight into causes of attrition in the greyhound racing industry. To investigate trends in greyhound racing careers a baseline is required. This paper presents results from a retrospective cohort study exploring career duration and patterns of racing of greyhounds in New Zealand.

Abstract

The welfare and wastage of racing greyhounds is a topic of public concern. Little is published about the racing patterns of these dogs in New Zealand. The aim of this study is to describe the pattern of greyhound racing in New Zealand. Data on all race starts between 1 August 2011 and 25 March 2018 were supplied by Greyhound Racing New Zealand. A cohort was created containing dogs that had a racing career between 1 August 2013 and 31 July 2017. Data were collated within a customized Microsoft Access database from electronic records of all racing starts for every dog within the 2013–2016 racing seasons. For this cohort of racing dogs, there were 97,973 race starts across 22,277 races involving 2393 individual greyhounds. The median number of days between racing starts was 7 days (inter-quartile range (IQR): 4–10 days). The median career length was 424 days (IQR: 206–647 days) and the median number of racing starts throughout a racing career was 35 (IQR: 16–59 starts). Dogs of similar ability finished their career at a similar age.

Racing performance after surgical repair of medial condylar fracture of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone in thoroughbred racehorses

OBJECTIVE

To report the performance of thoroughbred racehorses after surgical repair of a medial condylar fracture of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Forty-three horses surgically treated for medial condylar fractures, 30 with previous racing experience, 13 without previous racing experience (nonexperienced).

METHODS

Medical records (2009-2017) were reviewed for signalment, radiographic fracture characteristics, repair technique, and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Each experienced horse was matched with two horses randomly selected from its most recent race to serve as healthy controls. Racing performance parameters (race rating, competitive level, speed rating, performance index) and career racing statistics were compared with multiple regression models between injured experienced horses and controls. The career racing statistics for nonexperienced horses were evaluated. Reasons for nonreturn to racing were obtained.

RESULTS

The median duration of follow-up was 6 years (minimum 2, maximum 10). Twenty-one of 43 (49%) horses raced again as well as 18 of 30 (60%) experienced horses and three of 13 (23%) nonexperienced horses. Experienced horses were five times more likely than nonexperienced horses to return to racing (95% confidence interval = 0.07-0.58, P = .003). Higher preoperative racing performance parameters were associated with return to racing. Racing performance parameters were lower after the date of fracture in injured horses compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

Experienced horses were more likely to return to racing after medial condylar fracture repair, although their performance was generally lower than that of comparably uninjured horses.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Owners should be aware that horses with medial condylar fractures likely will race at a lower level than their uninjured peers.

Thoroughbred Racehorse Welfare through the Lens of ‘Social License to Operate—With an Emphasis on a U.S. Perspective

This review addresses the question of whether Thoroughbred horse racing is sustainable in the context of current social values. A recently acknowledged framework, known as ‘Social License to Operate’ (SLO), provides us with a lens through which to view and assess racehorse welfare. In multiple surveys of the general public, the horse owning public, and university students, the primary topics of concern regarding Thoroughbred racing show considerable concordance: concern about catastrophic injuries—particularly as related to track surfaces, concern over the racing of two-year-olds, whip use by jockeys, drug/medication policies, and aftercare opportunities for retired Thoroughbred racehorses. Legitimacy of an industry, consent from industry stakeholders, and trust between the community players, are all essential to have and maintain SLO. In the current era of 24/7 global media access, and the proliferation of social media providing an interactive platform for all interested parties, a dramatic change has occurred in commentary related to racehorse welfare concerns. The situation at Santa Anita (California, USA) from late December 2018 through mid-November 2019 demonstrated just how tenuous the SLO for horse racing is. This article will provide a brief review of what ‘Social License to Operate’ is, along with a brief literature review of five of the areas of primary concern voiced by stakeholders.

A Cross-Sectional Survey of the Training and Management of a Cohort of 2-Year-Old Standardbred Racehorses in New Zealand

There are limited data on the training and management practices of Standardbred trainers in New Zealand. The aims of this study were to describe the 2-year-old training practices of Standardbred trainers and to examine if there were differences in the production process between public (commercial) and amateur (licensed-to-train) trainers. An online Qualtrics survey was conducted after the 2016/7 racing season and completed by 154 Standardbred trainers, 88 (57%) of which had 2-year-olds in training. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data stratified by public and licensed-to-train trainers. Most of the 2-year-old horses in work were homebred (bred by the trainer), with public trainers more likely to break in their horses themselves (85% vs. 64%, P = .04). The training pattern of 2-year-olds was similar for public trainers and licensed-to-train trainers, and was influenced by either convenience or the physical maturity of individual horses. Most trainers were reluctant to retire any 2-year-old. The prevalence of involuntary breaks for 2-year-olds was low (9.1%, 95% CI 6.6%-12.4%). Most trainers used 800 m (½ mile) oval, crusher dust ("all-weather") or sand tracks, with most public trainers using tracks with banked corners (88% vs. 59%, P < .01) and recording the times of horse workouts (79% vs. 45%, P < .01). The cross-section of trainers surveyed reflected the nature of the Standardbred industry in New Zealand with a high bias toward amateur owner/breeder/trainers, with few horses in work than public trainers who had a more commercial focus.

Infrared Thermography Applied to Monitoring Musculoskeletal Adaptation to Training in Thoroughbred Race Horses

Infrared thermography has been used to help in diagnosing lameness. It is hypothesized that, if used in a routine basis, it could help in understanding musculoskeletal modifications during race training. This study aimed to evaluate thermal variation in the musculoskeletal regions of young Thoroughbred (TB) horses during their initial months of race training. Thermographic examinations were performed once every 2 weeks on 16 (10 male, 6 female) two-year-old TB racehorses, from arrival to the racetrack in June 2016, until January 2017, for a total of 16 evaluations. Thermographic imaging was performed using the appropriate protocol. Temperature (°C) was measured at the dorsal and palmar/plantar aspects of specific regions of interest (fetlock, metacarpal, metatarsal, carpal, tarsal, thoracolumbar, sacroiliac spine, and both hips). Initially, we found a thermal balance and all regions demonstrated a positive correlation with one another. However, a significant difference was noted between the left and right sides as training progressed. Four horses were withdrawn from the study after 50% of evaluations because of metacarpal conditions associated with training. Thermographic examination revealed changes before the clinical manifestation of these conditions. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that infrared thermography is an image technique that can facilitate understanding of musculoskeletal system modifications to race training and should be further investigated as a predictive tool to anticipate the occurrence of lesions.

Commercial equine production in New Zealand. 2. Growth and development of the equine athlete

During the past 20 years, there has been a contraction in the New Zealand Thoroughbred industry and, to a lesser extent, within the Standardbred industry. These changes have seen an increasing proportion of the market being associated with fewer larger commercial farms. Many of these farms manage their own mares, and the mares and foals of several clients. This, in turn, has increased the similarity of the management of breeding and young stock within New Zealand. The temperate climate allows the majority of the management of breeding and young stock to be pasture based. The predominant pasture is ryegrass–clover mix that has been demonstrated to provide adequate nutrition for growth and development. The temperate climate also permits management of horses at pasture year round, which is proposed to stimulate development of the musculoskeletal system. Apart from a brief period during weaning, most young stock remain at pasture from birth until the start of yearling preparation. Free access to pasture exercise provides the opportunity to stimulate the musculoskeletal system for the future challenges as a racehorse. The export focus of many of the equine industries heavily influences the management decisions. Despite the availability of good-quality pasture post-weaning, many foals receive up to 50% of the daily dietary energy requirement as concentrates, possibly reflecting the emphasis on early sales as yearlings and the drive to optimise growth. The observations of drench resistance of common internal parasites presents an emerging problem for pasture-based production systems. A large proportion of the Thoroughbred foal crop is exported as yearlings or ready to run 2-year-olds. There is an increasing trend for Standardbreds to be sold as yearlings and this has resulted in changes in the management of Standardbred young stock.

Equine musculoskeletal development and performance: impact of the production system and early training

The welfare debate around horse racing appears to be focussed on musculoskeletal injury and the racing of 2-year-olds. Much of this debate appears contrary to the evolutionary history of the horse as a cursorial animal and the capability of the equine musculoskeletal system to respond to the demands of race training. Epidemiological studies have reported that 2-year-old racehorses have a longer time period from entering training to the first race and a greater number of lost training days than older horses. However, this is, in part, due to the time taken to learn to train and the impact of dorsal metacarpal disease, which is due to loading of naïve as opposed to immature tissue. Across several racing jurisdictions and codes, it has been demonstrated that horses that train and race as 2-year-olds have longer, more successful, careers than those that start racing later in life. This positive trend has also been observed with horses starting in equestrian sport at an early age. The literature on the growth and development of the horse indicates that the musculoskeletal system is primed for activity and loading from an early age. Additional exercise for the young horse has a positive rather the negative effect, with many tissues having a sensitive period for ‘priming’ when the horse is a juvenile. This implies that under many modern management systems, the challenge to horse welfare is not ‘too much exercise too soon’ but ‘too little too late’. The current limitation in our understanding is the lack of knowledge of what is the correct exercise dose to optimise the musculoskeletal system. Modern management systems invariably provide too little exercise, but is the exercise data from feral horses the ‘gold standard’, or more a reflection of what the horse is capable of if resources such as food and water are limited? Further research is required to refine our understanding of the optimal exercise levels required and development of greater precision in identifying the sensitive periods for priming the musculoskeletal system.

Commercial equine production in New Zealand. 3. The racing and sport industries

The present review examines the commercial production of racing and sport horses in New Zealand, describing the size and scope of the industries, the management and feeding, and the training and wastage of race (Thoroughbred and Standardbred) and sport horses. The number of horses per head of population in New Zealand (30/1000 people) is high by international standards and the main equine industries generate ~2% of national gross domestic product. In New Zealand the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry dominates organised equestrian activity (economically and numerically). Furthermore, this Thoroughbred bias has an influence on equestrian culture and may explain, in part, the high proportion of Thoroughbred sport horses registered for eventing in New Zealand, which is in contrast to other international sport-horse populations. An understanding of the production, management and structure of the racing and sport industries in New Zealand is paramount to ensure the health and welfare of the equine athlete and the continuing success of the industries.

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

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in racehorses are commonly due to bone fatigue, a function of the number of cycles (strides) and the magnitude of load applied to the limb. These parameters can be estimated using speed and distance, with greater than 6000 m/month at a gallop (>14 m/s), in combination with canter distances greater than 44,000 m/month, reported to increase fracture risk. Despite their importance, there are limited data on the distances and speeds horses are exposed to during training.

OBJECTIVES

Estimate training volume at different speeds undertaken by Australian Thoroughbred racehorses.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Registered trainers (n = 66) in Victoria, Australia were surveyed. Questions were designed to assess the full training workload from initial pre-training to training performed to achieve and maintain race fitness, as well as information on rest periods. Descriptive analyses were stratified by trainer- and horse-level factors, with assessment of variance within and between groups. Cluster analyses were used to identify similar workload intensity groups.

RESULTS

Horse-level factors (age, targeted race distance) were associated with workload (younger<older, sprinters<stayers). Trainer categorisation did not influence workload, but there was significant variation in volume of total gallop exercise between trainers (median gallop distance 8000 m/month [IQR 6400-12,000]). Cluster analyses identified four workload programmes (medians): low-intensity (4800 m/month), medium-volume (8000 m/month), medium-volume with a higher proportion of high-speed workouts (12,800 m/month) and high-volume programmes (19,200 m/month), with 23, 50, 17 and 9% of trainers predominately training racehorses under each of the respective programmes. Horses 3-years and older were rested twice yearly for 6.3 (95% CI 5.7, 6.8) weeks, with more experienced trainers resting horses for shorter periods (P = 0.03).

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Possible selection bias, subjective reporting of workloads by trainers.

CONCLUSIONS

Australian Thoroughbred training programmes include high volumes of galloping with more than half exceeding previously reported risk levels for MSI.

The Effect of Training on Stride Duration in a Cohort of Two-Year-Old and Three-Year-Old Thoroughbred Racehorses

Simple Summary

Objective gait monitoring via GPS and motion sensors is becoming increasingly popular with racehorse trainers. This has the potential to assist in early detection of lameness and performance issues. This study sought to identify normal changes in gait in a population of two and three-year-old racehorses in order to inform future studies. We found that horses decrease their stride duration at a given speed over time with training. Stride duration appears to increase with increased distance galloped, but this effect is reduced over a training season and presumably increased fitness, so this may serve as a useful indicator for fatigue.

Abstract

Objective gait monitoring is increasingly accessible to trainers. A more comprehensive understanding of ‘normal’ gait adaptations is required. Forty two-year-old thoroughbred racehorses were recruited when entering training and followed for 22 months. Gait analysis was performed by equipping each horse with an inertial measurement unit with inbuilt GPS (GPS-IMU) mounted on the dorsum. Horses were exercised as per their regular training regimen. Data were analysed using a linear mixed model. For two-year-old horses, there was a non-linear pattern of stride duration (SD) over time (p < 0.001) with SD decreasing initially and then ‘flattening off’ over time (linear and quadratic coefficients −0.29 ms/week and 0.006 ms/week²). Horses showed an increase in SD of 2.21 ms (p < 0.001) per 100 m galloped, and over time, SD decreased by 0.04 ms (p < 0.001) with each 100 m galloped per week. Three-year-old horses overall showed no change in SD over time (p = 0.52), but those that had a period of time off showed a decrease in SD of −0.59 ms per week (p = 0.02). They showed an increase in SD of 1.99 ms (p < 0.001) per 100 m galloped, and horses that had a period of time off showed an increase in stride duration of 1.05 ms per 100 m galloped (p = 0.01) compared to horses which did not have time off. Horses demonstrate an adaptation to high-speed exercise over time. SD decreases with training when other factors are controlled for in naïve horses.

A Study of Traveller Horse Owners' Attitudes to Horse Care and Welfare Using an Equine Body Condition Scoring System

Traveller horses are often perceived to be exposed to poor welfare due to Travellers' traditional way of horsemanship. However, few studies have investigated Traveller horse welfare. Hence, the present study aims to explore Traveller horse owners' attitudes to horse care and welfare. Semi-structured interviews and discussion groups examined 14 Irish Traveller horse owners' attitudes and approach to horse ownership. Additionally, a body condition scoring (BCS) instrument was assessed for its accuracy and ease of use when applied by Traveller horse owners. Additionally, the BCS system was used to assess 18 horses. Results show that Travellers have a good understanding of horses' natural behaviours and environment, which is reflected in their management practices. However, barriers to improved welfare are land availability, since landowners are often reluctant to lease to Travellers, and the impoundment of horses as a consequence of fly grazing, under the Control of Horses Act 1996 (Ireland). Furthermore, Travellers regarded the BCS as a useful tool, but would require training to apply the scoring successfully. The results suggest that attitudes and management practices are favourable, but Travellers have limited means to overcome barriers. Therefore, it is necessary to increase capacity building and assist with the acquisition of land.

Ontario Racehorse Death Registry, 2003-2015: Descriptive analysis and rates of mortality

BACKGROUND

The Province of Ontario maintains a registry of racehorse deaths occurring within 60 days of a race or trial entry that provides insight into mortality rates and costs of competition.

OBJECTIVES

To characterise and quantify mortality and identify breed differences.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective annualised cohort study.

METHODS

The Ontario Death Registry for 2003-2015, containing 1713 cases, was audited and information on the relationship between death and official work added. Race and trial data from industry performance databases were used to determine mortality rates according to breed, year, age, sex and circumstances of death.

RESULTS

Breed differences in mortality rate and individual risk were found. Thoroughbreds (Tb) had the greatest exercise-associated mortality (EAM) rate and risk by all measures (2.27 deaths/1000 race starts, 0.95-1.0% annual individual risk), followed by Quarter horses (Qh, 1.49, 0.60-0.69%). Rate and risk were lowest for Standardbreds (Sb, 0.28, 0.23-0.24%). Nonexercise annual individual risk was highest for the Sb (0.45%, vs. Tb 0.33%, and Qh 0.32%). Pattern and type of EAM mirrored the characteristics of competitive activity in each industry, with high Tb and Qh mortality being associated with exercise and involving musculoskeletal injuries, dying suddenly and accidents. Low Sb EAM reflected the more extensive nature of training preparation and racing for this breed.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Available data provided no information on morbidity, mortality beyond the 60-day horizon or for horses not racing. Numbers for the Qh were low.

CONCLUSIONS

Race-intensity exercise is clearly hazardous for horses, with hazards varying widely between breeds and showing parallels with industry cultural and management norms. Breed differences provide insights concerning strategies that could reduce mortality, while improving welfare and reducing costs of participation. For all breeds, musculoskeletal injury was the major contributing cause of mortality.

Genetic contributions to precocity traits in racing Thoroughbreds

Adaptation to early training and racing (i.e. precocity), which is highly variable in racing Thoroughbreds, has implications for the selection and training of horses. We hypothesised that precocity in Thoroughbred racehorses is heritable. Age at first sprint training session (work day), age at first race and age at best race were used as phenotypes to quantify precocity. Using high-density SNP array data, additive SNP heritability (hSNP2) was estimated to be 0.17, 0.14 and 0.17 for the three traits respectively. In genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for age at first race and age at best race, a 1.98-Mb region on equine chromosome 18 (ECA18) was identified. The most significant association was with the myostatin (MSTN) g.66493737C>T SNP (P = 5.46 × 10^-12 and P = 1.89 × 10^-14 respectively). In addition, two SNPs on ECA1 (g.37770220G>A and g.37770305T>C) within the first intron of the serotonin receptor gene HTR7 were significantly associated with age at first race and age at best race. Although no significant associations were identified for age at first work day, the MSTN:g.66493737C>T SNP was among the top 20 SNPs in the GWAS (P = 3.98 × 10^-5 ). Here we have identified variants with potential roles in early adaptation to training. Although there was an overlap in genes associated with precocity and distance aptitude (i.e. MSTN), the HTR7 variants were more strongly associated with precocity than with distance. Because HTR7 is closely related to the HTR1A gene, previously implicated in tractability in young Thoroughbreds, this suggests that behavioural traits may influence precocity.

Physiological response to an experimental 100 m flying pace race in Icelandic horses and effect of rider

This study evaluated the physiological response to an experimental 100 m flying pace race (EPR) in Icelandic horses with pace-competition experience, and whether there was an effect of rider. A cross-over design with nine horses and two riders was used. The EPR was performed twice (once with each rider) with four days of rest in-between. The EPR consisted of two runs (I and II), of which at least 100 m was in pace at full speed according to international competition rules. Plasma lactate concentration increased and was greater after pace run II than I (18.5±1.3 vs 11.9±0.7 mmol/l; P<0.001). Heart rate was higher during pace run I than II (207±3 vs 205±3; P=0.02). Heart rate and Lact had not recovered 30 min post exercise but Hct was back to resting level after 30 min recovery. Speed did not differ between riders and pace runs (pooled mean ± standard deviation of pace runs: 10.4±0.7 m/s, range 9.2-12.1 m/s) but HR and Lact were higher from warm-up and until 30 min recovery with rider 1 than 2 (P<0.001). There was a negative correlation between post EPR Lact with rider 1 and previous best record (r2=0.72, P=0.032). To conclude, a 100 m flying pace race in the Icelandic horse is a high-intensity exercise and anaerobic metabolism is crucial for performance. The rider had an effect on the physiological response but it is unclear if it was due to body weight, riding style or both. The practical relevance of the differences observed between riders remains to be proven but our results indicate that they may have limited impact on single day competitions since the speed was the same with the two riders.

Analysis of Failure to Finish a Race in a Cohort of Thoroughbred Racehorses in New Zealand

The objective was to describe the incidence of failure to finish a race in flat-racing Thoroughbreds in New Zealand as these are summary indicators of falls, injuries and poor performance. Retrospective data on six complete flat racing seasons (n = 188,615 race starts) of all Thoroughbred flat race starts from 1 August 2005 to 31 July 2011 were obtained. The incidence of failure to finish events and binomial exact 95% confidence intervals were calculated per 1000 horse starts. The association between horse-, rider- and race-level variables with the outcomes failure to finish, pulled-up/fell and lost rider were examined with a mixed effects Poisson regression model. A total of 544 horses failed to finish in 188,615 race starts with an overall incidence of 2.88 per 1000 horse starts (95% CI 2.64-3.12). The incidence of failure to finish horses across each race year showed little variability. In the univariable analysis race distance, larger field size, season, and ratings bands showed association with failing to finish a race. The overall failure to finish outcome was associated with season, race distance and ratings bands (horse experience and success ranking criteria). In the multivariable analysis, race distance and ratings bands were associated with horses that pulled-up/fell; season, apprentice allowances and ratings bands were associated with the outcome lost rider. The failure to finish rate was lower than international figures for race day catastrophic injury. Racing and environmental variables were associated with failure to finish a race highlighting the multifactorial nature of race-day events. Further investigation of risk factors for failure to finish is required to better understand the reasons for a low failure to finish rate in Thoroughbred flat races in New Zealand.

Descriptive statistics and the pattern of horse racing in New Zealand. 1. Thoroughbred racing

The aim of the present study was to describe the pattern of flat and jump races and starts, including temporal trends, in Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand. Data on all race starts between 1 August 2005 and 31 July 2011 were supplied by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data at both race and start level, stratified by flat and jumps races. In total, 96% of races run were flat races and most races and starts occurred in the Northern region. There was an even distribution of flat races across season of the year, whereas most (60%; 514/863) jumps races were run in winter followed by autumn (21%; 183/863), with no races run in summer. Irrespective of region or season, most flat races were run on Good (37%; 7505/20 091) tracks and most (45%; 384/863) jumps races were run on Heavy tracks. There was no change in the number of horses per race or starts per horse across the years studied, and the median number of starts per trainer was 14 (interquartile range 6–38) for flat races and 3 (interquartile range 2–6) for jumps races. The results showed there is a relatively consistent product offered for Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand, which is primarily focussed on flat racing. The study provided baseline data on the pattern of Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand, which can be used as background for future industry-related studies.

Performance selection for Thoroughbreds racing in Hong Kong

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Different indicators of racing performance are commonly used in the racing industry to assess the genetic superiority of racing Thoroughbreds. However, how well these indicators predict the performance of future progeny or siblings varies depending on the population and circumstances in which the indicators were recorded or achieved.

OBJECTIVES

To identify heritable indicators of racing performance for horses racing in Hong Kong.

STUDY DESIGN

Heritability analysis of racing performance traits.

METHODS

Performance data on the population of Thoroughbreds racing in Hong Kong between 3 September 2000 and 12 March 2011 (n = 4947) were acquired and used to estimate the heritabilities and probability values of fixed effects and covariates for a range of racing performance traits. Heritabilities for all performance traits were estimated using a single trait animal model. Each model included, as a minimum, the effects of sex, region of origin and trainer.

RESULTS

Heritability estimates for traits relating to finish position ranged from 0.01 to 0.06. Average handicap weight had a heritability of 0.07 ± 0.03. The effects of sex (fixed) and trainer (random) were significant (P<0.05) for all performance traits relating to earnings measures, handicap weights and finish positions. The heritability of win time at 1600 m was 0.52 ± 0.06 and was the only significant estimate of heritability for win time in the current study.

CONCLUSIONS

Although significantly affected by multiple environmental factors, certain indicators of Hong Kong racing performance can be reliably used to predict the performance of the individual's progeny or siblings. However, despite Hong Kong's controlled racing environment, these indicators appear to be no more heritable than in other less controlled racing environments.

Horse-, training- and race-level risk factors for palmar/plantar osteochondral disease in the racing Thoroughbred

Reasons for performing study Palmar/plantar osteochondral disease (POD) is a common, debilitating condition in Thoroughbred racehorses; however, training- and racing-related factors associated with this disease are unknown.

Objectives To determine horse-, racing- and training-related risk factors for POD. The general hypotheses were that early training and racing, and increased intensity of racing and training, lead to increased severity of POD.

Methods The metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joints of 164 Thoroughbred racehorses were examined at post mortem and graded for third metacarpal and metatarsal POD. The relationships between training- and racing-related factors and grade of POD in each condyle were determined using multilevel, multivariable, ordinal logistic regression models.

Results A total of 1288 condyles were graded. Factors associated with higher grades of POD were the total lifetime number of races, an increase in gallop sessions in the previous season, racing before import to Hong Kong and an increase in the number of short (8–16 weeks) between-race intervals per season. Horses in their first racing season were more likely to have lower POD grades, while horses that had a long between-race interval (greater than 16 weeks) in the season prior to euthanasia were also more likely to have lower POD grades. Lower POD grades were significantly more likely as days since last race increased up to 400 days. Age at first race was not significantly associated with grade of POD.

Conclusions and potential relevance Cumulative racing exposure and training intensity in the previous season were associated with higher grades of POD, supporting the hypothesis that the disease is due to repetitive loading. Longer between-race intervals and increased time since racing were associated with lower POD grades, which may indicate that lesions heal. Further work is required to enable optimisation of racing and training programmes to reduce the frequency and severity of this disease.

Proactive Management of the Equine Athlete

Simple Summary

The athletic career of a horse is relatively short. Career length can be positively influenced by the trainer and the age at which the horse starts competition. There are opportunities for a team approach of health professionals and changes in management to improve functional/competition life. The ability to improve the tolerance of the tissue to exercise load via the introduction of early exercise, which reflects the horse’s evolutionary cursorial lifestyle, could provide a proactive mechanism to attenuate injury risk.

Abstract

Across many equestrian disciplines the median competition career of a horse is relatively short. One of the major reasons for short career length is musculoskeletal injury and a consistent variable is the trainer effect. There are significant opportunities within equestrian sport for a holistic approach to horse health to attenuate musculoskeletal injury. Proactive integration of care by health professionals could provide a mechanism to attenuate injury risk and the trainer effect. However, the limited data available on current exercise regimens for sport horses restricts interpretation of how management and exercise volume could be modified to reduce injury risk. Early exercise in the juvenile horse (i.e., pre weaning) has a positive effect on stimulating the musculoskeletal system and primes the horse for an athletic career. The early introduction to sport competition has also been identified to have a positive effect on career length. These data indicate that management systems reflecting the cursorial evolution of the horse may aid in attenuating loss from sport due to musculoskeletal injury.