Basic HTML Version
E ND U R ANC E
Peak Performance:
Endurance
Matt Fernandez MRCVS,
608 Farm & Equine Veterinary Surgeons
We asked the experts for top tips on achieving peak
performance in endurance riding.
Endurance riding is
the racing over long
distances (up to
160km). The total
length is divided into
loops at the end of
which there is a
compulsory rest
period. Before the
race, at the end of
each loop and at the end of the race, the
horse has to undergo a veterinary inspection
to assess the fitness to continue the race and
therefore avoid potentially more severe injuries.
Horses will be eliminated from the race,
mainly, for two reasons: lameness or metabolic
reasons. The horse has to be sound on a trot
up and with a heart rate no higher than 64
beats per minute.
Lameness problems
Endurance horses train and compete over
the widest variations of terrain and that has
a bearing on the type of injury and the
structures affected.
As a general rule, a race over rocky, hard
grounds will produce more eliminations for
sole bruising and forelimb concussion
leading to coffin joint pain and laminitis.
Soft and sandy ground is more likely to cause
suspensory ligament injuries and superficial
flexor tendon strains.
Muddy, sticky surfaces will result in,
proportionally, more muscle fatigue-based
injuries mainly in the hind limbs.
Exhausted horse
syndrome (overheating)
This condition is an emergency which can
prove fatal if not quickly identified and
correctly treated. It is most frequently seen in
hot and humid environments and in these
conditions the correct action by the crew to
prevent the condition is crucial. There are
many causes that can contribute to the
condition but in particular horses who are
unfit, ill-prepared, lame, unwell or in season
are more at risk.
The heart rate doesn't decrease as normal
following rest and the horse will usually refuse
food and water and appear depressed. As
the condition progresses signs of tying-up and
colic will be seen.
The goal of treatment is to cool the horse
down and restore fluid loss with an intravenous
drip. Mild cases may respond to fluids
given by stomach tube if there is good gut
movement. Pain killer anti-inflammatory
drugs should be avoided until the horse is
fully rehydrated.
Training (horse and rider):
●
fitness will reduce fatigue;
Careful selection of type of horse:
●
conformation;
●
breed: Arab better than Welsh Cob;
●
lean better than overweight.
●
hill work (up, down and more importantly
across) will improve the full range of
motion of lower limb joints, synovial
structures and collateral ligaments.
Nutrition:
●
has to include water and electrolytes;
Crew:
●
should be well trained in heat management.
●
has to provide a continuous supply of
energy for the duration of the competition.
Shoeing:
●
pads to reduce localised trauma from
stones and overall bruising;
●
has to be specific to the discipline;
●
might require x-ray guidance.
Prevention of problems
17
EQUINE MATTERS
How do veterinary problems impact on endurance peak
performance and how can they be prevented?