Biological markers and metabolic energy indexes of show jumping horses during a field exercise test in Portugal

Abstract

Background

Show jumping is a popular and complex equestrian modality practiced by a athletes of different levels. However, most studies focus on elite athletes.

Aims/objectives

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of a show jumping test (SJT), designed for novice athletes, on the physiological biomarkers and energy indexes of a group of horses, bred and trained in Portugal.

Methods

In this prospective cross-sectional study, thirteen horses and their riders performed a SJT with obstacles set at 80 cm height using a heart rate monitor (M430 with H10 sensor). Physical examination and blood samples, for complete blood count and sera biochemical analysis (total protein, albumin and muscle enzymes), were performed at four timepoints. Metabolic energy indexes – energy expenditure (EE), cost of transport (CoT) and metabolic power (Pmet) – were estimated based on heart rate and speed registered during the SJT.

Results

Exercise affected the animals’ heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, glycaemia, lactatemia, albuminemia, and the number of white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes and erythrocytes, and also haemoglobin and haematocrit values (P ≤ 0.05). Estimated energy expenditure was 431.0 ± 222.5 J/kg/min, CoT was 0.10 ± 0.05 beats·kg·m·103 and Pmet was 0.02 ± 0.01beats/min/kg.

Conclusion

The SJT significantly influenced some of the studied biomarkers and the animals performed a submaximal effort and maintained an aerobic metabolism during exercise. This work offers some references for future assessment of novice showjumping horses, which can be used for future comparative analysis and for optimizing training programs.