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Can A Mechanical Device Improve Equine Lung Function?

Humans who have chronic lung or heart disease often breathe through a device that resists inhalation to increase muscle strength. Called inspiratory muscle training (IMT), this therapeutic technique trains both the diaphragm and the upper airway muscles to become stronger, improving respiratory strength, according to EQUUS magazine.

Dr. Kate Allen of the University of Bristol wanted to see if the technique could be applied to horses. In people, respiratory performance is limited by cardiovascular capacity; in horses, athletic performance is limited by respiratory function. Using IMT to improve the fitness and function of the respiratory muscles allows them to work more efficiently.

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Allen and a study team acclimated 10 Thoroughbreds in steeplechase training to wearing a mask fitted with valves that control the level of resistance to each inhalation. The horses underwent IMT training five days a week for nine weeks. During each session, the horse took 30 resistant breaths, was rested for two minutes, then took 30 more resisted breaths, all while standing still. The resistance was increased every four days, but the trial allowed for an increase or decrease in resistance depending on how the horse tolerated the change. The horses continued normal racing and training schedules during the study, and tests of each horse's respiratory strength were made before and after the IMT.

The scientists found that horses had no issues adapting to IMT training and that it can be used on horses in competition. The next study will look at IMT training and its impacts on physiologic and performance changes in the horses.

COVID-19: Prairie Meadows Reinstitutes Mask Mandate

Effective Aug. 1 at 8 a.m., Prairie Meadows' guests and employees must wear a face mask or covering while on property. Prairie Meadows will be continue to do their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Prairie Meadows safety measures include:

• Face masks or coverings are required to be worn at all times on property.
• 100% of the air is exchanged every 15 minutes through a two-stage filtration process that includes an anti-microbial treatment.
• High-grade disinfectants and electrostatic sprayers are used on a rigorous cleaning schedule to sanitize the property daily.

To review Prairie Meadows entire health and safety measures plan, visit https://www.prairiemeadows.com/safety.

About Prairie Meadows
Prairie Meadows began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989 with the goal of promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa. Through taxes, grants, and charitable donations, Prairie Meadows has given more than $1.9 billion to the state of Iowa, Polk County, City of Altoona, City of Des Moines, and Polk County Schools, and numerous other local and state charities. Prairie Meadows offers slot machines, table games, sports wagering, live and simulcast racing, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.

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A Different Point Of View: Mask Recreates Equine Vision

It's easy to get frustrated when a horse spooks at something he's seen literally hundreds of times, but it's important to remember that equine vision is drastically different from human sight.

As humans, it's often hard to see things from a perspective other than our own – including the optics of other species. A new tool created by Alan Hook, who works in the School of Communication and Media at Ulster University in Ireland, is designed to raise consciousness about communication between humans and horses. Hook hopes the device will promote awareness, empathy and non-violence for animals that process the world differently than humans.

Hook purchased a mask from Etsy and added two 180-degree, high-definition cameras placed where a horse's eyes sit on its skull. These cameras allow for a nearly 360-degree field of vision (horses cannot see directly behind them) and remove red from the images being displayed, mimicking a horse's dichromatic vision.

The mask wearer is often disconcerted by the wide range of vision when they first put on the mask. Hook notes that if the wearer crosses his eyes, he can see forward — sort of.

There are no images available of what a person sees through the headset. Hook says this is intentional to encourage people to try on the headset and experience how a horse sees. A wireless version of the headset should be available in July.

Hook is hopeful that this mask will assist designers in creating goods that are better designed for the species they are working with.

Read more and see the mask at HorseTalk.

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Churchill Downs Issues Reminder Of Kentucky Derby Health And Safety Protocols For Spectators

In advance of the 147th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade 1) on Saturday, Churchill Downs Racetrack is reminding guests of the health and safety protocols in place to host America's greatest race. The Kentucky Derby, first staged in 1875, is the longest continually-held major sporting event in the United States.

Owing to physical distancing protocols and other safety measures in place, Churchill Downs is limiting the number of reserved seats to 40 to 50 percent capacity and up to 60 percent in certain private premium areas that allow social distancing. Additionally, Infield-Only general admission ticket sales are limited to approximately 25 to 30 percent of capacity in the spacious, outdoor 22-acre Infield.

Churchill Downs' Kentucky Derby Week Health and Safety Operations Plan was developed in close collaboration with public health experts and adheres to the industry-specific guidance for “Venues and Event Spaces,” “Restaurants and Bars” and “Retail Businesses.” Current CDC recommendations guided the formation of the plan. Advice and counsel from the Louisville Metro Health Department along with key elements of Kentucky's Healthy at Work guidance are incorporated throughout the document.

“We've received an exceptional level of guidance from medical experts and public health authorities, and this plan will allow the reduced number of spectators in attendance to celebrate Kentucky Derby 147 in a safe and responsible way,” Churchill Downs Racetrack President Mike Anderson said.

All attendees should perform a health self-assessment prior to their arrival at Churchill Downs. Anyone with an elevated temperature or illness should refrain from attending.

Although the Kentucky mask mandate was lifted for outdoor events of less than 1,000, state mask requirements still apply for guests of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby due to attendance in excess of 1,000. Protective face coverings/masks are required for all guests unless seated while actively eating or drinking. Guests will be encouraged to socially distance themselves from others when possible.

In addition, Churchill Downs has implemented a Compliance Ambassador program to drive awareness and adoption of public safety measures. Signage is placed throughout the facility, including the Infield, to remind guests to wear masks and practice social distancing. Messaging also will be programmed on television monitors including the 171' x 90' Panasonic TV Screen known as the “Big Board.”

Compliance of Churchill Downs' public safety measures is a condition of admittance. Offenders will receive a warning; repeat offenders will be escorted from the property without a refund.

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