The Effect of Long Slow Distance Training on Aerobic Work Capacity in Young Thoroughbred Horses

Abstract

We investigated the effect of long slow distance training on aerobic work capacity in eleven 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses. Eight weeks of training (5 days/week) was performed on a track at a slow canter, 6 horses were cantered 3,200 m for 3 weeks, and then increased to 4,800 m for 5 weeks (Group L), while the other 5 horses were cantered 800 m throughout the same training period (Group S). Each horse performed an incremental exercise test on a treadmill before (Pre-test) and after (Post-test) the training period. In the Pre-test, there were no significant difference between Group L and Group S regarding [formula omitted] (152.6±13.2 ml/kg/min in Group L vs 149.9±17.1 ml/kg/min in Group S) or the slope of the regression line for [formula omitted] and running speed. Peak heart rates (HR peak; 221.8±6.7 beats/min in Group L vs 225.6±7.7 beats/min in Group S), and peak blood lactate concentrations (LA peak; 14.4±3.3 mmol/l in Group L vs 13.0±3.5 mmol/l in Group S) were not significantly different between the two groups. In the Post-test, there were no significant differences between groups in [formula omitted] (156.1±11.5 ml/kg/min vs 152.6±5.4 ml/kg/min in Groups L and S, respectively), slope for [formula omitted] and speed, HR peak (224.0±6.4 beats/min vs 227.2±6.8 beats/min in Group L and Group S, respectively), or LA peak (15.2±3.2 mmol/l in Group L vs 13.6±3.1 mmol/l in Group S). These results indicate that, in the case of low intensity cantering of 8-week training, differences in training distance do not significantly affect the degree of improvement in aerobic work capacity in the young Thoroughbred horse. © 1995, Japanese Society of Equine Science. All rights reserved.