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This page lists the top ten most read articles for this journal based on the number of full text views and downloads recorded on Cambridge Core over the last 90 days. This list is updated on a daily basis.
The effects of training aids on the longissimus dorsi in the equine back
- Suzanne Cottriall, Pattama Ritruechai, James M Wakeling
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- 01 November 2008, pp. 111-114
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This study aimed to determine whether training aids (side reins and a Pessoa) increased the use of the longissimus dorsi when horses are being lunged. Horses were lunged on a circle under four different conditions on the left and right reins in walk and trot, and electromyographic (EMG) and speed measurements were taken using surface EMG at T16 and GPS, respectively. The EMG intensity was substantially greater for the longissimus dorsi on the inside of the circle. Differences occurred in both the timing and the intensity of the EMG between the conditions. At walk, the EMG intensity was the greatest for the control condition and at trot the EMG intensity was the greatest for the control and Pessoa control conditions. It is concluded that the training aids of side reins and a Pessoa do not increase the use of the longissimus dorsi to stabilise the back.
Current management and training practices for UK dressage horses
- J M Walters, T Parkin, H A Snart, R C Murray
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- 01 May 2008, pp. 73-83
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There are many instructional texts for dressage management and training, but little scientific knowledge of these practices. It was hypothesized that there would be an effect of horse competition level on management and training. The objectives were to record rider, horse, management and training information from UK dressage horses and to investigate relationships between the variables. A questionnaire-based study was undertaken in all the UK-registered dressage horses. Data from 2554 respondents showed most riders in groups 7/6 with horses competed at novice medium and trained one level higher. Horses were 164–171 cm and warmbloods were the predominant breed. Age and time in competition increased in training and competing from Preliminary to Prix St George. Horses competed twice per month except at Grand Prix (once per month). Most horses had 15–30 h turnout per week. Ninety-five per cent of horses received non-dressage exercise; hacking was the most common, then lunging and jumping. Non-elite horses were significantly more likely to be hacked/jumped than elite. Horses received dressage training three to four times a week, mean warm-up of 16 min and cool-down 11 min at all levels. Mean training duration was 36 min: 21% walk, 45% trot and 32% canter. Preliminary, Novice, Intermediare I and Grand Prix horses trotted most and cantered least in training. Overall, time spent in transitions (30–39%), specific movements (30–39%), working paces (40–49%), collected (10–19%) and extended (0–9%) varied between levels; elite horses spent more time in collected and less time in working than non-elite. Overall, there were differences in training and management practices between competition levels. This information provides baseline data on which to provide future advice.
A comparative study of interval and continuous incremental training in Thoroughbreds
- Laura L Bronsart, Raymond H Sides, Warwick M Bayly
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- 19 October 2009, pp. 49-57
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Few equine studies exist comparing the effects of different forms of training. This study tested the following hypothesis: interval training (IT) results in similar or better fitness parameters in Thoroughbreds when compared to continuous incremental training (CT) of the same workload with fewer galloping strides. Two groups of five horses underwent 6 weeks of IT or CT. Fitness levels were established before and following training. Both groups showed significant increases in VO2max (P < 0.05), lactate threshold (P < 0.05), work rate corresponding to 100% VO2max (P < 0.05) and work to fatigue during an incremental and sprint exercise test (P < 0.05). The interval-trained group had a significant increase in peak lactate values (P < 0.05) and a significant decrease in body weight (P < 0.05). The increase in VO2max of the interval group was greater than the increase in VO2max of the continuous incremental group (P = 0.10), increasing 27.38 ± 8.44 and 14.64 ± 2.66%, respectively. The interval group took significantly fewer galloping strides than the continuous incremental group for all weeks of training (P < 0.05). It is considered that supramaximal IT improves equine fitness as well as CT of the same workload with fewer galloping strides.
Feeding management practices and supplement use in top-level event horses
- A O Burk, C A Williams
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- 01 May 2008, pp. 85-93
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The objective of this study was to characterize the nutrition and feeding management practices, including concentrate and supplement use, of three-day event horses prior to and during high-level competition. Subjects were horses competing in one of two divisions at the Jersey Fresh Three-day Event in Allentown, NJ, in 2006 and/or 2007. Body weight and condition score of horses, and feeding management surveys, were completed prior to the start of competition with weight of hay and concentrate taken in 2007. Two sample t-tests were used to compare the data between divisions within each year of the study. For both years, the majority of horses were of the male gender and Thoroughbred breed, aged 11.1 ± 0.3 years. There were no differences between divisions within the year for any of the variables measured. The average numbers of supplements fed on a regular basis to horses competing in the 2006 Concours Complet d'Equitation International (CCI**), 2006 CCI***, 2007 CCI** and 2007 CCI*** events were 4.2 ± 0.4, 4.2 ± 0.3, 4.2 ± 0.5 and 4.3 ± 0.7, respectively. In both years, the most administered type of oral supplement was electrolytes, followed by plain salt and oral joint compounds. The majority of horses in both years did not have any change in their forage and concentrate feeding prior to being transported to the show facility. Feeding practices before and after cross-country varied between years and divisions, but most horses had feed withheld for about 2–4 h prior to the event. The majority of feeding management practices followed research-driven recommendations. However, the relatively high average supplement use per horse raises questions about over-supplementation and/or nutrient interactions in these horses.
A comparison of the metabolic cost of the three phases of the one-day event in female collegiate riders
- Marcus Roberts, Jeremy Shearman, David Marlin
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 09 February 2010, pp. 129-135
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Few studies exist regarding the physiological responses of equestrian riders during actual or simulated competition. Interest has proliferated in recent years on the responses of riders, which is mainly due to the fatal tragedies that occurred in eventing in the late 1990s. More emphasis is also being placed on the importance of riders, fitness in order to improve athletic performance at the international level. The aim of the present study was to investigate the fitness and exercise capacity of female equestrian athletes, and to relate this to the metabolic requirements of dressage (DR), showjumping (SJ) and cross-country (XC) phases of the one-day event. Sixteen female collegiate riders (age = 24.5 ± 7.7 years; height = 166.6 ± 3.8 cm; weight = 60.4 ± 6.0 kg) competed in a simulated Horse Trials Pre-Novice competition riding either their own horse or one familiar to them. Anthropometric data were obtained for each rider (body mass index (BMI) = 21.7 ± 1.9; % body fat (BF) = 23.4 ± 5.3; lean body mass (LBM) = 48.5 ± 3.6). Each subject successfully completed all three phases of the event. There was a progressive increase in oxygen consumption (VO2) during the three phases (DR, SJ and XC) from a mean value of 20.4 ± 4.0 ml kg− 1 min− 1 (DR), 28.1 ± 4.2 ml kg− 1 min− 1 (SJ) to 31.2 ± 6.6 ml kg− 1 min− 1 (XC) (P < 0.001). Heart rate data showed a similar trend from a mean value of 157 ± 15 beats min− 1 (DR), 180 ± 11 beats min− 1 (SJ) to 184 ± 11 beats min− 1 (XC) (P < 0.001). Mean lactate concentration increased progressively from resting values: rest 2.5 ± 1.3 mmol, DR 4.8 ± 1.8 mmol, SJ 7.8 ± 2.4 mmol and XC 9.5 ± 2.7 mmol (P < 0.001). Urine osmolality was significantly (P < 0.001) increased from a pre-competition mean of 0.488 ± 0.270 mOsmol l− 1 to a post-competition mean of 0.684 ± 0.230 mOsmol l− 1. Mean hand grip strength was observed to decrease significantly (P < 0.01) from a pre-value of 32.3 ± 6.3 kg to a post-value of 29.8 ± 5.5 kg. Mean weight loss pre- to post-competition was 1.6 ± 1.1% body weight (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the study emphasises the variability in metabolic cost between riders performing in the same simulated competition but riding different horses, and highlights the difference in metabolic demand between the different phases.
Effects of trait anxiety and direction of pre-competitive arousal on performance in the equestrian disciplines of dressage, showjumping and eventing
- Inga A. Wolframm, Dominic Micklewright
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 05 May 2011, pp. 185-191
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Recent research has shown that more successful performers interpret pre-competitive symptoms of anxiety as more facilitative than less successful performers. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of both trait anxiety and pre-competitive arousal intensity and direction on intermediate riding performance in the disciplines of dressage, showjumping and eventing, including whether differences exist between male and female riders. Sixty-two German equestrian riders competing in the equestrian disciplines of dressage (N = 21), showjumping (N = 25) and eventing (N = 16) were asked to complete a revised version of the ‘Wettkampf–Angst-Inventar-State’, which included directional scales for all items and the ‘Wettkampf–Angst-Inventar-Trait’ prior to competing. Final placings were used as performance indicators. Most important findings revealed that the correlation between direction of somatic state arousal and competitive placing was nearing significance (rs = − 0.23, P =0.07) and loss of focus was positively correlated to competitive placing (rs = 0.26, P < 0.05). Conclusions may be drawn that in equestrian sports positive interpretation of physical symptoms of arousal as well as the ability to remain focused on the task at hand may lead to more successful ridden performance.
Overtraining syndrome in horses
- C M McGowan, D J Whitworth
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- 01 May 2008, pp. 57-65
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Overtraining is a significant cause of poor athletic performance in both human and equine athletes. In humans, overtraining syndrome has been defined as an imbalance between training and recovery manifesting as a syndrome of chronic fatigue and poor performance that may be accompanied by physiological and psychological changes. A similar syndrome has been described in horses using both cross-sectional observations and longitudinal studies with progressively increasing training loads until signs of overtraining were observed. The original cross-sectional studies of overtraining in horses linked the syndrome to increased red cell volume. However, more recent longitudinal studies revealed that overtraining is not always associated with increased red cell volume. Once other causes of poor performance have been ruled out, overtraining syndrome should be suspected in horses with evidence of sustained decreased performance in association with one or more physiological or psychological (behavioural) signs. While no single physiological marker is able to identify the syndrome, accompanying physiological signs in horses may include a decrease in body weight, elevated heart rates during exercise, lower plasma cortisol response to exercise, or elevated muscle enzymes or gamma glutamyl transferase concentrations. Behavioural signs were consistent and an early marker of overtraining syndrome in longitudinal studies in horses, and more research on developing behavioural scores to assist in early detection of overtraining syndrome in horses -as has been achieved for humans- is warranted. Two successful models of overtraining syndrome in horses have been developed, both of which appear to meet the criteria of overtraining syndrome rather than overreaching. Overtraining syndrome in horses is real, reproducible and future research should ensure the criteria for diagnosis of overtraining syndrome are met.
Comparison of Polar® heart rate interval data with simultaneously recorded ECG signals in horses
- Matthew Parker, Deborah Goodwin, Rachael A Eager, Edward S Redhead, David J Marlin
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 09 February 2010, pp. 137-142
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Human heart rate monitors (HRMs) are frequently used in equine studies to measure heart rate (HR) and interbeat intervals (IBIs). However, to date, the most commonly used HRM (the Polar® system) in horses has not been validated against simultaneously recorded electrocardiogram (ECG) signals during a range of ambulatory conditions. Polar® S810i and ECG IBIs were simultaneously recorded from six horses under three conditions commonly included in behavioural observation: standing at rest, loose in the stable and at liberty in a field. Following recording, Polar® IBI data were corrected for error processing in cardiac data. Corrected and uncorrected Polar® data were then compared with simultaneously recorded ECG data using a variety of commonly measured time and frequency domain parameters (e.g. HR variability (HRV)). Polar® data collected while horses were stabled or in the field were significantly different from ECG data, even following correction of the data, and therefore, it may not be possible for the two systems to be used interchangeably. This study indicates the need for caution while using Polar® S810i for collecting HRV data, unless horses are stationary, and even when the IBI data are corrected for measurement error.
Heart rates of horses during competitive dressage
- Rachel J. Williams, Rachael E. Chandler, David J. Marlin
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 02 June 2009, pp. 7-15
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An understanding of the physiological and metabolic demands of competition is essential for the development of training regimens that elicit adaptations appropriate for the sport being participated in. Despite the fact that dressage is a major sport and one of only three equestrian Olympic disciplines, to date there appear to be no studies that have described the heart rate of horses performing competitive dressage in any detail. The present study was therefore undertaken to describe the physiological demands of dressage competition. Thirty-five horses competing in a total of 50 dressage tests, 36 of which were at British dressage (BD) elementary level and 14 at BD medium level, were studied. The horses studied were predominantly Warmblood or Thoroughbred cross geldings with an age range from 6 to 17 (mean ± SD age of 10.0 ± 2.5 years). The average durations of warm-up for all horses competing were 31.3 ± 15.4 min at elementary level (n = 36) and 31.4 ± 10.0 min at medium level (n = 14; P>0.05). The mean and mean peak heart rates for horses warming up for elementary level were 91 ± 13 and 146 ± 35 bpm (beats min− 1), respectively, and were not different to that for horses warming up for medium level (mean 91 ± 10 bpm; peak: 144 ± 32 bpm; P>0.05). The mean and mean peak heart rates for all horses while competing at elementary level (n = 36) were 102 ± 13 and 132 ± 20 bpm, respectively, and 107 ± 8 and 132 ± 10 bpm, respectively, for medium level (n = 14), and were not significantly different (P>0.05). Mean heart rates during competition were significantly higher compared with that during warm-up for both elementary and medium levels (P < 0.001). Mean heart rate during competition (elementary and medium data combined) was significantly correlated with mean heart rate during warm-up (r2 = 0.503; n = 50; P < 0.001). There was no association between heart rate, warm-up duration and score or placing. These observations suggest that competitive dressage at BD elementary and medium levels is only moderately aerobically demanding.
Pre-competitive levels of arousal and self-confidence among elite and non-elite equestrian riders
- Inga A Wolframm, Dominic Micklewright
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 November 2008, pp. 153-159
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Research into other sports has shown that excessive levels of anxiety can undermine motor function during performance. This study aims to investigate the effects of anxiety and self-confidence on equestrian performance. Forty riders (12 male, 28 female; 15 elite, 25 non-elite; 12 dressage, 17 showjumping, 11 eventing) completed the Revised Competitive Sport Anxiety Inventory 2 (CSAI-2R), which measures the levels of somatic and cognitive anxiety (arousal) as well as levels of self-confidence. Two-way between-subjects MANOVA tests were used to examine competence-by-discipline interactions and gender-by-discipline interactions in CSAI-2R scores. Post hoc analysis was conducted using one-way univariate ANOVA tests. Spearman's rank correlation tests were conducted between each of the CSAI-2R subscales according to competence, discipline and gender. Most important findings include lower somatic arousal and higher self-confidence in elite compared with non-elite riders, with 15.2 ± 4.4 vs. 19.0 ± 5.0, F1,34 = 5.8, P < 0.05; 31.5 ± 4.8 vs. 25.1 ± 7.4, P < 0.01, respectively. Negative correlations between cognitive arousal and self-confidence were found among elite riders, non-elite riders, showjumpers and female riders (r = − 0.69, P < 0.005; r = − 0.41, P < 0.05; r = − 0.52, P < 0.05; r = − 0.33, P < 0.05). Greater riding-specific skills in the elite rider may result in increased self-confidence. Lower levels of somatic anxiety may further increase fine motor skills in elite riders. Practical implications are that non-elite riders would benefit from sport psychological interventions increasing levels of self-confidence and reducing symptoms of somatic arousal to improve performance.