Predictive Value of Fitness Tests and Reasons for Withdrawal in Horses/Ponies Selected for the European Eventing Championship 2010–2011

Abstract

IntroductionEventing is a challenging equestrian discipline. Insight into causes of wastage and withdrawal from competition is essential for animal welfare and economic reasons.MethodsTwenty‐nine animals selected for the European Championship (EC) in 2010 (9 ponies) and 2011 (20 horses) were followed prospectively monitoring fitness using standardized exercise tests. Causes of withdrawal were noted. Data were analyzed using logistic‐regression, likely‐ratio‐tests, Fisher‐exact‐test, general‐linear‐model and Chi‐square tests as appropriate.ResultsSeventeen weeks before EC 17 horses and 9 ponies were tested: mean VLa4 was 10.3 ± 0.4 m/s and 7.8 ± 0.9 m/s respectively, and V200 was 11.4 ± 0.8 m/s and 9.6 ± 0.7 m/s respectively. Six weeks before EC 16/20 horses and 6/9 ponies were withdrawn, mainly for locomotor injury: 9/16 horses (P<0.001), 4/6 ponies (P = 0.011). Other reasons were ‘not‐meeting‐competition‐criteria’ (4/16 horses, 2/6 ponies) and ‘being sold’ (3/16 horses). Divided on the basis of VLa4 and ‘recovery‐HR‐during‐SET‐I’ into good (GP) and average performers (AP), AP were more likely to be injured (50%) than GP (0%, P = 0.05). In a subpopulation (n = 10, all condition training sessions evaluated for HR and speed) HRpeak was significantly lower in horses staying sound (186 ± 9 beats/min) compared to horses withdrawn because of injury (201 ± 5 beats/min; P = 0.016).ConclusionsFor the European Championship 45% of national selection horses were unavailable because of locomotor injuries. GP at the beginning of the season were less likely to become injured than AP. HRpeak during condition training showed predictive value for future injuries.Ethical Animal ResearchOwners gave consent for horses to participate in the study. Sources of funding: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Dutch National Equestrian Federation. Competing interests: none.