Physiological response to training and competition in 1-star to 4-star eventing horses

Abstract 034 – Physiological response to training and competition in 1-star to 4-star eventing horses – Post Review
Authors’ names and affiliations
Author 1: Katharina Kirsch* (German Olympic Committee for Equestrian Sports, Germany and PhD Student, University of Liège, Belgium)
Author 2: Michael Düe (German Equestrian Federation, Germany)
Author 3: Hermann Holzhausen (Olympic Support Center Westphalia – Warendorf, Germany)
Author 4: Stephanie Horstmann (German Olympic Committee for Equestrian Sports, Germany)
Author 5: Markus Scharmann (German Equestrian Federation, Germany)
Author 6: Charlotte Sandersen (University of Liège, Belgium)
*Address of the presenting author: Katharina Kirsch, Freiherr-von-Langen-Str. 15, 48231 Warendorf, GERMANY
E-mail of the presenting author: kkirsch@fn-dokr.de
Abstract
Physiological response to training and competition in 1-star to 4-star eventing
horses
To prepare horses for the requirements of international eventing competitions and
simultaneously maintain their health and welfare, appropriate training is mandatory. Specific
training and competition management necessitates information about exercise intensities
and fitness, which are usually assessed by standardized exercise tests. Our purpose was to
identify parameters whose measurement can be largely integrated in the daily training and
competition routine and which provide information on fitness and adequacy of applied
training. Further, we evaluated training and competition intensities of eventing horses, based
on data generated by a proportionally large group of horses over several years.
Data of 187 horses from 1-star to 4-star level over a time period of six years were collected
during 410 training sessions and 916 Cross Country rides, including measurement of covered
distance and speed (GPS, Fidelak EquiPILOT), continuously recording of heart rate (HR)
(Polar T52H) and determination of blood lactate concentrations (BLC) (Dr. Lange
photometer). Characteristics of the track, altitude profile, ambient temperature and humidity
were recorded at each session.
The results of the one-way ANOVA indicated a significant effect of competition level on HR
(F3,373=23.29; p<0.001) and BLC (F3,763=46.12; p<0.001). Under competition conditions,
HR and BLC increased from 1-star to 3-star level (1-star: HR=194±9 bpm, BLC=7.7±5.6
mmol/l; 2-star: HR=198±9 bpm, BLC=9.6±6.2 mmol/l; 3-star: HR=205±10, BLC=15.6±9.8
mmol/l; 4-star: HR=207±2 bpm, BLC=12.4±9.3 mmol/l), while under training conditions,
they decreased with increasing competition level (1-star: HR=184±29 bpm; BLC=18.9±11.1
mmol/l; 2-star: HR=182±19 bpm; BLC=12.1±9.0; 3-star: HR=174±25 bpm; BLC=6.9±7.1
mmol/l; 4-star: HR=161±24 bpm, BLC=4.0±5.6 mmol/l). On 1-/2-star level, BLCs after
training exceeded those after competition. Reverse applied for 3-/4-star level. On 3-star level,
the percentage of HRs above 200 bpm during Cross Country was considerably greater than
on lower levels (1-star: 33%; 2-star: 54%; 3-star: 94%). The competition format (CCI/CIC)
had no significant effect on the progress of HR. The altitude profile however, had a significant
effect on HR (F1,201=26.72, p<0.001) and BLC (F1,89=25.56; p<0.001).
Evaluation of physiological response to training and competition through implementation of
measurement technology allows an assessment of the different impacts on exercise
intensities and should be more commonly used to assess appropriateness of training and
competition management in eventing horses. It should be further investigated if the detected
discrepancies in the response to training and competition between levels are a result of
different fitness ore varying training strategies.
LP
To meet the demands of international Eventing competitions, a systematic training of horses
is necessary. Close monitoring of physiological response to exercise during training and
competition can help to improve training.
Keywords
Exercise physiology; training; eventing; heart rate; lactate.