How Much Energy Vaquejada Horses Spend in a Field Simulation Test?

Area of Science:

• Equine Sports Science
• Animal Physiology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Vaquejada is a demanding equestrian sport involving intense, short-duration exercise.
• Helper horses (HH) and pull horses (PH) perform different roles within the Vaquejada competition.
• Understanding the physiological differences between HH and PH is crucial for optimizing athlete well-being and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify and compare energy expenditures (EE), transport costs (COT), and metabolic energy requirements (Pmet) in Vaquejada horses.
• To differentiate the physiological profiles of helper horses (HH) and pull horses (PH) during a simulated Vaquejada test (VST).

Main Methods:

• Eight Quarter Horses participated in a Vaquejada simulation test (VST) comprising three 130-150m races with 5-minute intervals.
• Horses were equipped with integrated heart rate (HR) and GPS monitoring systems to calculate EE, COT, and Pmet.
• Blood lactate levels were analyzed at rest, post-race, and during recovery.

Main Results:

• Helper horses (HH) exhibited higher energy expenditure (EE) and heart rate (HR) during trot phases.
• Pull horses (PH) showed higher EE and HR during canter phases.
• Overall VST results indicated higher EE and COT in PH, while HH displayed higher Pmet. Lactate levels were elevated in PH.

Conclusions:

• Helper horses (HH) and pull horses (PH) function as distinct athletic types within Vaquejada.
• Physiological demands differ significantly between HH and PH, impacting their energy utilization and metabolic responses.
• Tailored physical conditioning and nutritional strategies are essential for each horse type to enhance performance and ensure welfare.