The potential role of training programmesin reducing injuries

Abstract

SummaryHorses have always been used because of the huge potential of their musculoskeletal system and associated locomotor performance. Consequently, disorders of the musculoskeletal system rank first in causes of wastage. Within these musculoskeletal disorders problems related to articular cartilage and (flexor) tendons are of special importance, because of the notorious bad healing capacity of these tissues in mature individuals. There is increasing evidence for an important role of exercise in the juvenile phase in the conditioning of tissues and hence physical capacities and injury resistance of the horse (as in humans), including articular cartilage and (to a lesser extent) tendons. It is likely, therefore, that husbandry systems that limit the possibility to exercise at young age are detrimental for the development of a strong, injury-resistant musculoskeletal system whereas promoting physical exercise at young age can be expected to have a protective effect and hence may be an effective way to prevent musculoskeletal injury later in life.

Associations between turn out practices and rates of musculoskeletal disease and injury in Thoroughbred foals and yearlings on stud farms in the United Kingdom

“…Thoroughbred foals complete the period of most rapid infantile growth at around 4-6 months of age, when they reach around 40% of their adult body weight. 39,40 During this period, as demonstrated by a number of experimental studies, 6,13,[40][41][42] musculoskeletal tissues, particularly articular cartilage and tendon but also muscle and bone, display their greatest capacity for modulation of developmental processes and functional adaptation in response to locomotor activity. Observational studies utilising GPS trackers of mares and foals kept 24/7 at pasture also demonstrate that, over this seemingly critical period, despite foal's total workload (distance  speed) at pasture decreasing with age as more time is spent grazing, the intensity and vigour of bouts of locomotor play activities increase.…”