Abstract: In human sports medicine exercise tests are normally used to check training progression. Correlation tests between blood lactate concentration and exercise speed are often used for this purpose. Studies have been done to adjust exercise tests for athletic horses using the same principle. The aim of this work was to verify the practical possibility that the anaerobic threshold in elite endurance horses could be calculated by adjusting a submaximal exercise field test in order to obtain reference parameters for endurance horses. Ten selected horses from the Italian National Endurance Team were used for this study. The tests were conducted on an 800 meters grass oval. Horses performed three steps (800 meters every step), at increasing speed with two minute intervals between each step. Riders were informed of the ideal speed for every step (5, 7.5, 10 m/s) and the real velocity was calculated on the basis of time taken to finish a single step. Blood samples were obtained via venipuncture from the jugular vein, immediately before the beginning of the test and 60 seconds after the end of each step. The following parameters were evaluated for each horse: individual anaerobic threshold (VSI), anaerobic threshold (V4) and exercise velocity corresponding to a lactate concentration of 2 mM/I (V2). Analysis of results indicate that lactate concentration is exponentially related to exercise speed for the entire test. VSI, V4, V2, were (mearttsd): 25.7±5.1; 30.5±2.5; 21.1±2.9 km/h respectively.

Abstract: Describes the behavior of wild horses living in the Great Basin Desert of Nevada and discusses the role of the horses in the area's ecology

Abstract: A group of experienced riders who qualified for the German riding badge 9.5 years ago answered a questionnaire pertaining to injuries during jumping, dressage and cross-country riding, as well as handling the horse. During riding 69% of the persons had had 187 injuries and while handling the horse 52% had had 124 injuries. Fractures and contusions were the most-frequent injuries; most riding injuries were located in the upper extremities and shoulder while handling mainly in the hands and feet. The number of injuries was comparable in jumping, dressage or cross-country riding. The time engaged in jumping was about one-third of the other types of riding, but the injuries were more severe. While handling the horse the number of injuries relative to the time spent during the activity were higher but less complicated. No change in safety precautions had been implemented by 67% of the persons injured. The injury rate for equestrians is relatively low both in handling the horse and during riding. The frequent fractures and contusions may be reduced by following the required safety regulations.