Equine Exercise Physiology: A Literature Review on the Cardiology of the Racehorse & Performance-based Abnormalities

Abstract

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.