Equine Exercise Physiology: A Literature Review on the Cardiology of the Racehorse & Performance-based Abnormalities
Absztrakt
The success of the Irish Thoroughbred in racing is largely attributed to its remarkable
cardiovascular system, amongst other advantages. Compared to other racehorse breeds, they
have superior basic cardiac and haemodynamic parameters including heart weight, stroke
volume and blood volume at rest, and during exercise, they are greatly able to increase their
cardiac output whilst having the ability to call upon a huge splenic reserve and divert blood
for increased pulmonary flow. The correct training plans and methods are crucial for horses to
develop their cardiovascular system sufficiently and Ireland has a great reputation and history
for breeding superior racehorses, developing some of the best facilities, trainers and personnel
in the world.