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Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability Are Affected by Age and Activity Level in Athletic Horses
Thita Wonghanchao1, Kanokpan Sanigavatee1, Soontaree Petchdee1
1Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand.
Veterinary Sciences
|July 25, 2025
Summary
Geriatric horses show reduced autonomic regulation during structured dressage training compared to younger adults. Careful management of physical activity is crucial for older horse welfare.
Area of Science:
- Equine physiology
- Animal welfare science
- Veterinary sports medicine
Background:
- Physiological capabilities in horses typically decline after 15 years of age.
- Some older horses continue demanding sports careers, raising welfare concerns.
- Objective measures of autonomic regulation are needed to assess geriatric horse welfare during exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare resting heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in geriatric and adult horses under different training regimens.
- To evaluate the impact of structured dressage training versus school riding on equine autonomic regulation.
- To identify potential welfare indicators in older horses engaged in athletic activities.
Main Methods:
- Forty-six horses were divided into adult (<15 years) and geriatric (15-20 years) groups.
- Horses participated in either structured dressage training (AL-1) or school riding (AL-2) for 30-minute periods.
- Resting heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) metrics (pNN50, SDANN, SDNNI, DC, SD2) were recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Adult horses in AL-1 showed decreased HR and increased RR interval compared to AL-2.
- Adult horses exhibited increased HRV (pNN50) during AL-1.
- Geriatric horses showed decreased HRV (SDANN, SDNNI, DC, SD2) during AL-1 compared to AL-2.
Conclusions:
- Adult horses demonstrate superior autonomic regulation during structured dressage training compared to geriatric horses.
- Geriatric horses may experience compromised autonomic function under similar training conditions.
- Findings highlight the need for tailored physical activity management to ensure the welfare of aging equine athletes.
Keywords:
autonomic regulationdressageexercise volumegeriatrichorseschool ridingsympathetictrainingvagalwelfareMore Related Videos
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