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Research: Riding Equivalent To Jogging, Soccer In Energy Expenditure

Despite the fact that horseback riding is a popular sport, there is little information available on horseback riding as a physical activity. The objective of this experiment, conducted at Texas A&M University, was to quantify energy expenditure of participants during three riding tests: a 45 minute walk-trot-canter ride, a reining pattern ride and a cutting simulation ride while wearing a telemetric gas analyzer.

Average metabolic equivalents of task and heart rate responses were greater for riders during the long trot portion of the walk-trot-canter and cutting rides compared to the overall walk-trot-canter ride. When the walk-trot-canter ride was evaluated by gait, average metabolic equivalents of task increased as gait speed increased. Riders engaged in cutting and reining experienced more-intense exercise in short durations, while walk-trot-canter riders has a greater overall total energy expenditure due to the duration of the activity. Interestingly, all three riding activities were similar in peak metabolic output compared to activities like jogging, and playing soccer and rugby.

This study highlights the importance of horseback riding as a viable tool to support health through physical activity. As gait speed increased so did the intensity of work output by the rider, suggesting it is possible for health benefits to be achieved through horseback riding, particularly if riding at the more intense gaits.

For more information, read the abstract at the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

The post Research: Riding Equivalent To Jogging, Soccer In Energy Expenditure appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Bisphosphonate Use In Young Horses The Focus Of Texas A&M Study

Texas A&M researchers have created a study to evaluate off-label bisphosphonate use in horses. Originally meant to mitigate navicular pain in mature horses, off-label use of the drug in younger horses may promote bone degradation.

Though the number of equine fatalities from horse racing is decreasing, California, Kentucky, and New York have seen increased racing fatalities in 2018. Lead researcher Dr. Jessica Leatherwood says that a primary concern regarding these breakdowns is the off-label use of bisphosphonates; the study will assist in determining the effects of the drug on developing skeletons.

There is currently no scientific data exploring the effects of bisphosphonate use on young, exercising horses. The study, “Bisphosphonate Pharmacokinetics and Comprehensive Effects on Juvenile Cartilage, Bone Growth and Healing: Implications for Animal Welfare,” received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The particular bisphosphonate that will be studied is clodronate disodium, which is easy to administer and popular.

Racing commissions acknowledge the off-label use of bisphosphonates, but laboratories are unable to reliably test for the drug, limiting the ability to regulate off-label use.

Radiographs are often a key to racehorse sales, particularly in young horses where they expose skeletal health. Off-label use of bisphosphonates may mask potential flaws and cause microdamage accumulation, which could lead to breakdowns. The concern over bisphosphonate use isn't limited to racing; some sport horse disciplines are also limiting or restricting their use.

Horse and sheep models will be used in the study. As sheep are typically processed before they are two years old, they will offer insight into the potential changes in bone and biomechanical properties. The team hypothesizes that younger animals will clear the bisphosphonates more rapidly than older animals, that the drug alters bone in young, exercising horses, and that it will also have anti-inflammatory effects on the joint.

The findings could help shape new regulatory policies on bisphosphonate use in young horses.

Practice Owners From Texas And Montana Appointed AAEP Officers

Drs. Rob Franklin and Amy Grice have been appointed officers of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and will assume their respective positions when installed during the December 8 President's Luncheon at the 66th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nev. Dr. Franklin has been named 2021 vice president and will assume the role of AAEP president in 2023; Dr. Grice has been named treasurer and will serve a three-year term.

Dr. Franklin is a partner in Fredericksburg Equine Veterinary Services in Fredericksburg, Texas, and a strong advocate for equine-humanitarian efforts through his support of working equid welfare. A founding director of the Equitarian Initiative, Dr. Franklin has led more than 15 veterinary medical trips to Central America since 2012 to administer care to the region's working equids and education to caretakers. He is also co-founder of animal nutritional supplement company Animal Stewards International, whose pay-it-forward model helps animals in need in underdeveloped countries.

An AAEP member since 1998, Dr. Franklin chairs the Wellness Committee and previously served on the board of directors from 2015-2017. In addition, he has volunteered as a member of the Educational Programs and Nominating committees.

Dr. Franklin received his veterinary degree in 1999 from Texas A&M University and became board certified in large animal internal medicine in 2003. His avid support of organized veterinary medicine extends beyond his AAEP service: He is co-founder and past president of the Texas Equine Veterinary Association, past president of the Marion (County, Fla.) Veterinary Medical Association and a former director of the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners. In addition, Dr. Franklin has published numerous book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles, and he has presented at national and international veterinary conferences.

Dr. Grice is a veterinary business consultant in Virginia City, Mont., who after 25 years as an ambulatory equine practitioner with Rhinebeck Equine in Rhinebeck, N.Y., resigned as managing partner of the large referral practice in 2015 to launch her consulting practice, which helps veterinarians navigate challenging practice environments to lead more successful and satisfying lives.

Dr. Grice received her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990 and her MBA from Marist College School of Management in 2014. She frequently speaks at educational seminars for veterinarians and contributes veterinary business articles to AAEP Media Partner EquiManagement. In addition, she facilitates regional Decade One networking groups for early-career veterinarians and serves on the AVMA Veterinary Economics Strategy Committee.

An AAEP member since 1990, Dr. Grice currently serves on the Wellness Committee. She previously served on the board of directors from 2016-2018, the Foundation Advisory Council, and the Educational Programs, Leadership Development, Nominating and Owner Education committees. She received the 2017 AAEP President's Award for her central role in the development of the AAEP-AVMA Economic Survey.