Endurance riding is a very popular equine sport around the world. In fact, Dr. Todd Holbrook from Oklahoma State University, who recently wrote a review on this sport, indicates that over 22,000 horses competed in the United States last year alone in rides sponsored by the American Endurance Ride Conference. Veterinarians play a key role in this sport and over the next several programs we are going to discuss some health problems that can affect endurance horses. 

At these rides, veterinarians are present not only before and after competition but also during the event at veterinary check points. These veterinary check points are usually every 10 to 20 miles and vets at these check points perform a physical and lameness exam. The exam checks the hydration status, heart rate, gut sounds, attitude, evidence of pain, and character of gait. The vet works for the welfare of the horse and any horse deemed unfit to continue is referred to another vet for treatment. Most rides employ one vet per 15 to 20 horses and there are multiple metabolic and lameness issues that can occur during these rides. Dr. Holbrook indicates the speed of these horses may range from 5 to 11 miles per hour and at an international competition last year the horses averaged 14 miles per hour. The metabolic demands of sustained exercise of this magnitude are great and can really push the limits of these horses. Problems can occur when horses speed and duration of exercise exceeds their level of fitness. Join us on our next program when we discuss problems including overheating, dehydration, electrolyte and acid base abnormalities, and fatigue that can occur in endurance horses.