Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2395198 | Journal of Equine Veterinary Science | 2014 | 6 Pages |
Abstract
Gymkhana is an equestrian event consisting of speed pattern racing and timed games for riders on horses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of gymkhana competition on total cortisol and total and free iodothyronine changes in 23 Arabian purebred horses, by taking into account the effects of previous sport experience on gymkhana riding events. Compared with pre-competition values, an increase of total cortisol concentration has been observed in experienced horses at 30Â minutes (P < .001) after exercise and in inexperienced horses both at 5Â minutes (P < .05) and at 30Â minutes (P < .01) after exercise. Compared with pre-competition values, an increase of total triiodothyronine (T3) concentration has been observed in experienced horses at 5Â minutes (P < .05) after exercise. Data obtained showed that gymkhana riding events induced differential adrenocortical and thyroid responsiveness according to previous experience of sport horses. Hence, cortisol and iodothyronine patterns may provide additional information for the monitoring of gymkhana riding performance.
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Authors
Esterina DVM, Pietro DVM, PhD, Cristina DVM, PhD, Piergiorgio DVM, Adriana BSc, MSc, PhD,