Physiological responses to the endurance test of a 3‐day‐event during hot and cool weather

Abstract

Physiological data were collected during two 3‐day‐event competitions: one (H) held in hot and the other (CL) in cool conditions. During H, ambient temperature and relative humidity were 2.5°C‐35°C and 74‐36% respectively, while during CL, ambient temperature and relative humidity were 7.8°C‐8.3°C and 46%‐41%, respectively. Rectal temperature, heart and respiratory rates were recorded on arrival at the event, at the end of Phase C and 6 min later, at the end of Phase D and for 30 min at 10 min intervals after each horse finished Phase D (Recovery Period). Because of the heat, the rest‐pause during the Endurance Test was extended from 10 to 15 min for horses competing in H, and horses at H we..