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Is a 6-week training protocol effective in preparing young Lusitano horses in early athletic life?

In: Comparative Exercise Physiology
Authors:
C. Coelho Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusofona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusofona University, 376 Campo Grande, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal

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A. Silva Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusofona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal

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A. Santos Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusofona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal

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C. Vintém Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusofona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal

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C. Santos Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusofona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal

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J. Fonseca Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusofona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal

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J. Prazeres Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusofona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5423-2910
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V. Souza Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusofona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal

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https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9041-7579
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A. Gola Center for Studies, Extension and Research in Equidae, Universidade Federal da Bahia (NEEPEq-UFBA), Salvador-BA, Brazil

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H.C. Manso Filho Núcleo de Pesquisa Equina, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife-PE, Brazil

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J. Simões Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusofona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusofona University, 376 Campo Grande, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4632-1569
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Abstract

A 6-weeks training program, aimed at improving the physical conditioning of dressage horses, was assessed to determine its’ effectiveness. The training program comprised of 40-80 min of daily preparatory exercises for dressage competition (transitions, circles, extended walk, trot or canter, stride length variation, diagonals, straight lines and serpentines) which were performed six times per week. Thus, nine (4 year old) Lusitano horses were evaluated before (M1) and six weeks after (M2) the introduction of the new training routine. On both occasions animals were physically examined and blood samples were collected before (T0), immediately after (T1) a dressage simulation test (DST) and at 30 min (T2) and 240 min (T3) of recovery. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (BT), erythrogram, blood lactate and glucose, serum proteins, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) values were recorded and the obtained variables were analysed using ANOVA and Tukey tests ( P < 0.05). The training protocol produced significant changes in the measured biomarkers. Speed of work during the DST (5.8 vs 7.36 m/s; P = 0.0161) significantly increased, though no changes were observed in the HRpeak (∼158.1 beat/min; P = 0.3766), HRmean (∼113.9 beat/min; P = 0.3021) and distance (∼220 m). Additionally, at M1 significantly ( P < 0.05) lower values of RR and of blood lactate were recorded and at M2 low values of HR, BT, glucose, AST and CK were observed, the latter suggesting a cardiometabolic improvement. The biomarkers returned to basal levels 30 min post DST on both M1 and M2. The training regimen successfully improved the athletic conditioning of the Lusitano horses, preparing them for the practice of dressage without compromising their welfare.

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