Contributions of equine exercise physiology research to the success of the 1996 Equestrian Olympic Games: a review

Abstract

Following public concern about the weather conditions for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta an international research programme was initiated. The primary objective of this effort was to identify strategies for ensuring welfare of horses competing in the heat. Field observations of horses during the endurance test of 3-day events in Europe, Canada, and the USA characterised the work effort of this form of competition; laboratory treadmill studies assessed limitations to performance of heat and humidity, explored the relationships of thermoregulatory demands to the phases of the competition and documented fluid and electrolyte losses. Estimates of energy expenditure and heat production during the endurance test were made. Strategies for facilitating heat dissipation were also studied in depth. Assessment of the effect of environmental conditions was based upon intensive climate monitoring using a modification of the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature index. Studies of heat acclimation provided a basis for recommendation of acclimatization times for horses before the Games. The results of all these studies guided the management of equine athletes at the 1996 Olympic Games and significantly advanced knowledge of thermoregulation in competitive horses.