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Proudman, C., Pinchbeck, G., Clegg, P., & French, N. (2004). Equine welfare: risk of horses falling in the Grand National. Nature, 428(6981), 385–386.
Abstract: As in other competitive sports, the famous Grand National steeplechase, which is held at Aintree in the United Kingdom and is watched by 600 million people worldwide, sometimes results in injury. By analysing data from the past 15 Grand National races (consisting of 560 starts by horses), we are able to identify several factors that are significantly associated with failure to complete the race: no previous experience of the course and its unique obstacles, unfavourable ground conditions (too soft or too hard), a large number of runners, and the length of the odds ('starting price'). We also find that there is an increased risk of falling at the first fence and at the jump known as Becher's Brook, which has a ditch on the landing side. Our findings indicate ways in which the Grand National could be made safer for horses and illustrate how epidemiological analysis might contribute to preventing injury in competitive sport.
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Marlin, D. J., Schroter, R. C., White, S. L., Maykuth, P., Matthesen, G., Mills, P. C., et al. (2001). Recovery from transport and acclimatisation of competition horses in a hot humid environment. Equine Vet J, 33(4), 371–379.
Abstract: The aims of the present field-based study were to investigate changes in fit horses undergoing acclimatisation to a hot humid environment and to provide data on which to base recommendations for safe transport and acclimatisation. Six horses (age 7-12 years) were flown from Europe to Atlanta and underwent a 16 day period of acclimatisation. Exercise conditions during acclimatisation (wet bulb globe temperature index 27.6+/-0.0 [mean +/- s.e.]) were more thermally stressful compared with the European climate from which the horses had come (22.0+/-1.8, P<0.001). Following the flight, weight loss was 4.1+/-0.8% bodyweight and took around 7 days to recover. Water intake during the day was significantly increased (P<0.05) compared with night during acclimatisation. Daily mean exercise duration was 72+/-12 min and the majority of work was performed with a heart rate below 120 beats/min. Respiratory rate (fR) was increased (P<0.05) throughout acclimatisation compared with in Europe, but resting morning (AM) and evening (PM) rectal temperature (TREC), heart rate (fC) and plasma volume were unchanged. White blood cell (WBC) count was significantly increased at AM compared with in Europe on Days 4 and 10 of acclimatisation (P<0.01), but was not different by Day 16. In conclusion, horses exposed to hot humid environmental conditions without prior acclimatisation are able to accommodate these stresses and, with appropriate management, remain fit and clinically healthy, without significant risk of heat illness or heat-related disorders, provided they are allowed sufficient time to recover from transport, acclimatisation is undertaken gradually and they are monitored appropriately.
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