International Equestrian Federation Research Articles

Long-term performance of show-jumping horses and relationship with severity of ataxia and complications associated with myeloencephalopathy caused by equine herpes virus-1.

Equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) has severe impact on the sport horse population. Study the influence of EHM on the likelihood of affected horses to return to their previous performance and investigate the association of clinical variables with prognosis. Twenty-six horses positive for equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) were admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital (VTH) during a natural EHM outbreak at an international jumping event. Data collected from the VTH, the International Equestrian Federation, and surveys completed by the riders and horse owners were retrospectively analyzed. Horses affected by EHM had 68% chance of returning to exercise, and 52.9% were able to achieve their preoutbreak performance level. Horses with an ataxia grade at admission ≥4/5 had an increased fatality rate (P < .05) and 10% chance of reaching their preoutbreak performance level. None of the horses with both vascular and urinary complications returned to their previous performance level. Finally, horses vaccinated against EHV-1 and those with urinary complications had a 71.4% and 43.7% fatality rate, respectively. Horses affected by EHM were able to return to their previous performance levels, but certain clinical variables were negatively associated with postoutbreak performance. Ataxia grade upon admission and the development of systemic signs of vasculitis and urinary complications were potential poor prognostic indicators in sport horses. Variables linked to fatality included prior vaccination against EHV-1, ataxia grade upon admission, and the development of urinary complications.

Comparison of head–neck positions and conflict behaviour in ridden elite dressage horses between warm-up and competition

The use of specific head–neck positions (HNPs) in horse riding have been identified to directly affect wellbeing of horses. In the rulebook of the International Equestrian federation (FEI), HNPs with the nasal plane in front of the vertical are mandatory, as well as ensuring horses to be “happy athletes”. Deviations from this should be reflected in the scoring of dressage competitions. We investigated ridden elite dressage horses in warm-up areas and during competition, and hypothesised a relationship between the HNP, behavioural indicators and the scores. Forty-nine starters (83%) of an international dressage competition (Grand Prix Special (CDIO5*) at CHIO (Aachen (Germany) in 2018 and 2019) were examined. We analysed HNPs (angle at vertical, poll angle and shoulder angle) as well as conflict behaviour (CB), e.g. unusual oral behaviour (OB) and tail swishing (TS), in the warm-up area and during competition in 3 min-videos (6571 frames). Conflict behaviour was evaluated using the Observer XT with the focus animal method according to an ethogram. Scores given by judges in the competition were noted. Data were analysed with six linear mixed effects models, where phase of competition and year (both factors with two levels) were fixed effects, and the horse was a random effect. Dependent variables were poll angle, angle at vertical, shoulder angle, TS, OB and total CB. Further, we evaluated another three models to evaluate if the vertical angle affected the response variables (TS, OB or CB). Hereby, angle at the vertical (continuous) and year (factor with two levels) were fixed effects, and the horse was considered as a random effect. The horses’ nasal plane was behind the vertical more often during warm-up than during competition (−11° vs. −5°; P<.01). Further, the poll angle was larger during competition than during warm-up (28° vs. 24°; P<.01). Horses showed more total CB and OB during warm-up than during competition (count: 163 and 107 vs. 120 and 78; P<.01). Horses tended to show more CB and OB when their nasal plane was behind the vertical. Tail swishing was not affected by angle at the vertical. Scores given by the judges correlated with HNPs during competition (R = 0.38; P<.05). These results undermine animal welfare concerns during world class dressage competitions.

13 Detection time following administration of cannabidiol applied as an oral emulsified solution in Thoroughbred horses

Cannabidiol (CBD) is now classified as a controlled medication by the International Equestrian Federation and Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority, therefore detection and withdrawal times are meaningful for use in competition horse exercise recovery. This study aimed to determine the detection time of CBD and its main metabolites, 7-hydroxy-cannabidiol (7-OH-CBD) and 7-carboxy-cannabidiol (7-COOH-CBD) after 2 doses of a CBD solution. The solution was a 4 mL oral emulsified solution that contained 250 mg of CBD in a medium of organic coconut oil. A convenience sample of 8 healthy Thoroughbred horses with a mean age of 3.6 ± 1.5 years and weight of 446.0 ± 16.2 kg was used. Horses maintained their normal daily training to replicate practical use in competition horses. A detailed physical exam was performed by a veterinarian on d 1 before the first administration of the solution. Horses received the first administration of CBD at 18:00h on d 1, followed by the second administration at 06:00h on d 2 to mimic a post-competition recovery protocol. The dose was given orally by syringe under the horses’ tongue. Blood samples were collected on d 1–10 from the jugular vein. Urine samples were collected on d 7 by free catch. Concentrations of CBD and each metabolite were measured using liquid chromatographyand tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in an analytical pharmacology laboratory. Descriptive statistical analysis was completed using R version 4.2.2. The limit of quantitation (LoQ) of CBD is 0.10 ng/mL in serum and 0.25 ng/mL in urine. The LoQ of 7-OH-CBD and 7-COOH-CBD is 0.10 ng/mL in both serum and urine. On d 7, serum CBD was 0.054 ± 0.03 ng/mL, serum 7-COOH-CBD was 3.525 ± 2.28 ng/mL, and serum 7-OH-CBD was not detected after d 1. On d 10, serum CBD was 0.041 ± 0.02 ng/mL and serum 7-COOH-CBD was 0.788 ± 0.56 ng/mL.On d 7, urine CBD was 0.013 ± 0.02 ng/mL and urine 7-OH-CBD was 0.083 ± 0.01 ng/mL. Concentrations of 7-COOH-CBD were not detected in the urine on d 7. Due to the variability in cannabinoid products, these results may be specific to this product formulation. Variables that will cause differences in clearance time include the manufacturing process, pellets or oil formulation, emulsion process, dose, and method of absorption. All 3 compounds had concentrations below the urinary LoQ and therefore not quantifiable in urine on d 7. Serum CBD was not quantifiable after d 7, serum 7-CBD-COOH was quantifiable on d 10, and serum 7-OH-CBD was not detectable after d 1.

Cobalt as a Banned Substance in Racehorses

Kobalt mikro besin olmasının yanında, eritropoetik bir ajan olarak kabul edilmektedir. Uluslararası At Yarışları Federasyonu (IFHA), Uluslararası Binicilik Federasyonu (FEI), Dünya Anti-Doping Ajansı (WADA) gibi yarış otoriteleri, kobaltın eritropoetik etkisinin bilimsel çalışmalarda gösterilmiş olması sebebiyle kullanımını yasaklamış ancak vücutta doğal olarak bir miktar bulunması sebebiyle plazma ve idrar örnekleri için eşik limit belirlemiştir. IFHA paydaşları tarafından da eşik limit belirlemek amacıyla çeşitli çalışmalar yürütülmüş ve idrar için 100 ng/ml, plazma için 25 ng/ml eşik limit belirlenmiştir. Eşik limitin belirlendiği 2015 yılından bu yana yarışlarda kobalt ihlallerin çoğalması, konu ile ilgili yaptırımların artmasına neden olmuştur. Bu ihlaller Dünyada olduğu gibi, Türkiye'de de önemli sorun teşkil etmektedir. Kobalt ihlaline yol açabilecek uygulamaları araştırmak amacıyla kobaltın oral ve parenteral uygulamalarına dair bilimsel araştırmalar yürütülmüş, muhtemel riskler ortaya konulmaya çalışılmıştır. Bunun yanı sıra, kobaltın eritropoezis üzerine etkileri gösterilmiş ve geçmişte anemi tedavisinde kullanılmış olsa da belirli doz ve sıklıkta uygulandığında istenmeyen etkilerin meydana gelmesi nedeniyle kullanımından vazgeçilmiştir. Ayrıca, insan ve deney hayvanlarında yapılan çalışmalarda görülen eritropoetik etkiler, atlarda yapılan çalışmalarda net olarak ortaya konulmamış, performans üzerine etkileri bildirilmemiştir. Kobaltın farmakolojik özellikleri, toksik etkileri, atlarda kobalt gereksinimleri, kobalt eşik limitlerinin belirlenmesi ve kobalt ihlallerine yol açabilecek uygulamalar bu çalışmada sunulmaya çalışılmıştır.

Use of Thermography in Clinical and Sports Evaluations of Equine Animals: A review

Thermography in equine medicine is applied in the prevention, diagnosis and prognosis of diseases, as it can detect changes in peripheral blood flow. It can also act in the treatment by monitoring the instituted therapy. Skin infrared imaging thermometry is a method that detects, records, and produces images reflecting the microcirculatory dynamics of the skin surface in real time. The technique emerged from the studies of Hippocrates and has since gone through several advances, reaching significant milestones in the period of World War II, when it was effectively used in the tank's night vision system. In the 1970s, there was a big leap when it was possible to generate an image in five minutes. Several scientific studies point out its functionality both in human medicine and veterinary medicine with precision and practicality. It has been applied in equine sports medicine to clinical practice to assess musculoskeletal injuries as an indicator of physiological stress, assess resistance, be part of the anti-doping program of the International Equestrian Federation. It is an easy to apply, safe, and affordable method It proves to be an excellent non-invasive diagnostic method for athlete horses.

Correlation of the pulse rate in horses at the start with the results of endurance ride

The study aimed to study the relationship between endurance ride and the pulse rate in sports horses. Well‐trained horses have low heart rates. The research was carried out in 2021 at the World Championships for young riders and juniors in equestrian races in the Netherlands; the distance was 120 km. The competition was attended by 76 horses, mainly of the Arab breed, of different sexes. The rules of equestrian sport strictly limited the age of the animals. Horses no younger than 7 years old took part in the competition. The pulse counting was carried out at the start according to the rules described in the regulations of the International Equestrian Federation using a pulse oximeter. Heart rate data were compared between the two groups of horses ranked in the first and last 10 places. Statistical processing was performed with BioStat, AnalystSoft Inc., version 7, and the Mann‐Whitney U test were used. At the preliminary veterinary control at the start, the pulse rate of the animals that took the first 10 places was in the reference range of 24‐42 beats per minute, and the horses that took the last 10 places at the finish line had a heart rate in the field of 40‐48 beats per minute. Based on the research, it was found that the successfully finishing horses that took the first 10 places had a pulse rate of 37.2 ± 0.5 beats per minute, and the horses that took the last 10 places had a pulse rate of 44.4 ± 0, 93. When comparing two samples using the Mann‐Whitney U Test, we got P=0.0026. Thus, the difference between the pulse rates in the horses of the compared groups is statistically significant. Horses whose pulse rate at the preliminary veterinary inspection was in the reference interval of 24‐42 beats per minute and averaged 37.2±0.5 showed the best result and took first places. On primary veterinary control, horses with a pulse rate of 40‐48 beats per minute with an average of 44.4 ± 0.93 took the last places in equestrian distance race competitions.

Аналіз стану благополуччя коней

The article presents an analysis of the basic concepts of animal welfare, which is a prerequisite for quality and successful innovative animal husbandry. The horses welfare should be considered from the standpoint of the concept of the "five freedoms", which should be reflected in the lives of animals. The aim of the article is to analyze the state of the horses welfare and the prospects of development and implementation at the national and European levels. The analysis indicates the need to develop a system for assessing the welfare of horses and its implementation in Ukraine, while, taking into account objective and subjective indicators, the system for assessing the welfare of horses should include owners, veterinarians (horse care) and experts. To assess the welfare of sport horses, the Veterinary Regulations (BP) of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) must be used during the competition, which must be observed during the event. Methods for assessing the degree of welfare, characterize the condition of the animal in both external and internal indicators, but the dominant is stress, which through the nervous and endocrine systems adversely affect all parts of the immune system. In Ukraine, the horse population has tripled reduce in thirty years and continues to decline, but the analysis of horse welfare in Ukraine is either not conducted at all, or is sporadic and mainly aimed at assessing individual animal health indicators (assessment of body condition, lameness, etc.). Therefore, in Ukraine it is necessary to establish criteria and develop a system for assessing the welfare of horses, improving the legal framework and implementation in practice. A plan of recommended action for stakeholders (federations, veterinarians, horse owners, government services, etc.) was presented, and it was recommended to develop and implement criteria for assessing the welfare of horses that could be used to study animal welfare. We believe that the system of horse welfare assessment as a consulting tool is necessary for the standardization of survey and analysis of welfare, to develop measures to optimize the management of horses, which should be the main document of equestrian associations of Ukraine. In addition, legislation on the welfare of horses is crucial, but there is no legislation acts in the field of welfare. Undoubtedly, in combination with the welfare of horses, it is important to develop an algorithm for biosecurity in the horses management with an emphasis on the epizootology of diseases, vaccination conditions, disinfection and analysis of critical points of admission to animals, which should be the basis for the development of the National Standard for Welfare and Biosecurity at the level of horse farms in Ukraine.

An innovative derivatization-free IC-MS/MS method for the detection of bisphosphonates in horse plasma.

Bisphosphonates are prohibited drugs according to Article 6 of the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). These compounds are used for the treatment of lameness, navicular and bone diseases in horses and are divided into two groups: non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate drugs (e.g. clodronic acid) and nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate drugs (e.g. zoledronic acid). Their hydrophilic properties and the high affinity for the bone matrix make the control of their use quite difficult. Current analytical strategies to detect such compounds often rely on a solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by detection by means of UHPLC-MS/MS after methylation with chemical reagents. To improve the analysis throughput and to eliminate the need for chemical derivatization, an innovative 96-well SPE followed by ion chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed. Analyses are conducted on an ICS-6000 HPIC system coupled to a TSQ Altis™ (Thermo Scientific™). The use of a 96-well SPE allowed 5-fold sample increase and a 6-fold throughput improvement. While preliminary results conducted on horse plasma exhibited similar performances to the method for the detection of non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, the analytical performances of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates were greatly improved.

Challenging the international residue limit concept for feed contaminants in equine doping analytics

Last summer, the showjumper Le Vio tested positive for caffeine and theophylline after a competition at the Central America and Caribbean Games in Bogota, Colombia. Due to their performance-enhancing actions,...

Genealogical and morphological analysis of Lusitano Purebred horses participating at international Dressage competitions

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) ranks horses participating in dressage tests resulting in a prestigious list where equestrians would like to see their horses ranked.The main objective of this study was to analyze morphological and genealogical differences between Lusitano horses (LPB) participating at international events and those ranked by FEI, considering pedigree information.For this study, 324 LPB participating in dressage competitions were analyzed. Thirty-two were ranked at FEI. The pedigree was reconstructed up to 1148 animals. For analyses, the complete pedigree (CP) and 2 subpopulations were used: PARTIC for animals participating in FEI competitions and RANK for animals ranked by FEI. Ten morphological parameters, obtained during the breeding process, were analyzed. A multivariable analysis was developed, with sex, age and sex*age interaction as factors and morphological parameters as the outcome variables. For variables showing statistically significant differences, Least Square Means and Tukey post-hoc tests were performed. Furthermore, the 10 most influential founders were calculated for each population studied and their morphological parameters were compared with the rest of the pedigree's, using a T-Test for independent samples.In general, the CP showed the highest mean values for all morphological parameters, except for “Back”, “Croup” and “Height”, suggesting an evolution in the morphological selection. Regarding the factors studied, a sexual dimorphism was found, with oldest males scored the highest for most morphological parameters. Finally, different founder lines were found in the RANK population, suggesting different selection trends. Thus, LPB breed standards should reconcile with performance parameters to improve genetic progress.

Horse tourism and features of its organization

The article provides material on the organization and characteristics of equestrian tourism. The popularity of equestrian tourism is now growing rapidly throughout the world. Everywhere, campsites are built to service riders, horse-riding routes are laid. Equestrian tourism squeezes into the background many traditional types of travel. Considering the huge interest shown to equestrian tourism by various strata of the population in many countries of the world, the International Equestrian Federation has paid serious attention to this issue in recent years. Within the framework of the Federation, a special commission has been set up under the supervision of the Italian professor Vittorio de Sanctis, who has begun working out rules for conducting international horse-riding tours, hikes and runs. Horse tourism is an integral part of eco-tourism. For the organization of equestrian tourism, a proper base is needed, horses are properly trained for horse riding and saddlery, a school of instructors and methods for training tourists to care for horses and handling them, arranging training for hikers, working out routes with halts, and preparing feed for horses. Equestrian tourism in Ukraine is developing, winning more and more supporters. This type of active tourism enjoys well-deserved popularity among horseback riding enthusiasts of natural, ethnic, historical, extreme, pilgrimage, hunting, fishing, and mountain destinations. Equestrian tourism is an attractive way of spending time and studying from inside the life of the inhabitants of the country. Any rest on horses is interesting and fascinating, and everyone can take with them a positive impression. In addition, the horse is a unique live simulator. It is thanks to this ability that a method of medical riding, or hippotherapy, has emerged, which has become one of the effective ways to rehabilitate the disabled.

Accreditations to BETA NOPS Code continue to grow

Equine HealthVol. 2015, No. 25 News ReportAccreditations to BETA NOPS Code continue to growClaire WilliamsClaire WilliamsSearch for more papers by this authorClaire WilliamsPublished Online:9 Sep 2015https://doi.org/10.12968/eqhe.2015.25.8AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 September 2015Volume 2015Issue 25ISSN (print): 2047-9867ISSN (online): 2052-2967 Metrics History Published online 9 September 2015 Published in print 2 September 2015 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

Genetic analysis of kinematic traits at the trot in Lusitano horse subpopulations with different types of training

The possibility of using quantitative kinematic traits as indirect selection criteria for sport performance could be beneficial to perform an early genetic evaluation of the animals. The genetic parameters for objectively measured kinematic traits under field conditions have been estimated for the first time, in order to potentially use these traits as indicators of gait quality in future selection of the Lusitano breed. The repeatability within three different types of training (dressage, bullfighting and untrained) was also discussed. A total of 176 males (4 to 14 years old) were recorded at trot in hand using a 3D videographic system. The speed and 10 kinematic traits were studied (one temporal, two linear and seven angular variables). The genetic parameters of the kinematic variables were estimated using VCE software. The heritability estimates were moderate to high (0.18 to 0.53). The stride length and the forelimb angular variables presented the highest heritabilities (0.49 to 0.53), whereas the hindlimb angular variables revealed the lowest values (0.18 to 0.40). More than half of the genetic correlations were moderately to highly positive (mostly 0.20 to 0.70; up to 0.88 between hindlimb traits). The dressage and bullfighting groups presented the highest repeatabilities (over 0.6) in the majority of the traits, maybe because of the acquired gait regularity expected in animals subjected to specific training, and suggesting a greater influence of the individuals over the kinematic traits studied in these two subpopulations than in the untrained subpopulation. The longer swing phase duration and the larger range of motion of the elbow, hock and pelvis joints observed in the dressage group may indicate a better gait quality of this group, according to FEI (International Equestrian Federation) standards. The bullfighting and untrained groups were more similar to each other in terms of kinematic traits. Selection of young horses for characteristics such as stride length and the hindlimbs traits can apparently contribute to further genetic improvement of the performance of Lusitano breed.

Dressage scoring patterns at a selected Pre-Novice event

The assessment of dressage tests within equine competition is undertaken via a judge (or panel of up to three judges at the higher levels of the sport). Judges assess and award marks for a series of pre-determined movements; such marks are given in line with criteria laid down by relevant governing equestrian organisations. Additionally, judges undergo training and assessment designed to enable them to adhere to the required guidelines as closely as possible. The equestrian sport of eventing is a three phased sport consisting of the completion of a dressage test, speed and endurance test (cross country) and round of show jumps. The speed and endurance phase is considered the most important and influential phase of competition; the sport's governing body, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), describe it as the ‘major test’ (FEI). Various authors (Duell and Russek-Cohen, 1995; Whitaker et al, 2004; Whitaker and Hill, 2005) have demonstrated that the dressage phase contributes to the largest percentage of penalty points within the overall final penalty score from all the phases of competition.

Welfare of competition horses.

In the large majority of cases and circumstances, horses benefit from their association with man. However, abuse of horses can occur, due to neglect or through the pressures of competition. The welfare of all animals, including competition horses, has become increasingly topical over the past ten years. Equestrian sport is coming under closer public scrutiny due to reports of apparent abuse. The bodies responsible for regulating these sports strenuously endeavour to protect the welfare of horses which compete under their rules and regulations. The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI: International Equestrian Federation) is the sole authority for all international events in dressage, show-jumping, three-day event, driving, endurance riding and vaulting. The FEI rules illustrate the ways in which the welfare of competing horses is safeguarded.