Training practices, speed and distances undertaken by Thoroughbred racehorses in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in racehorses are commonly due to bone fatigue, a function of the number of cycles (strides) and the magnitude of load applied to the limb. These parameters can be estimated using speed and distance, with greater than 6000 m/month at a gallop (>14 m/s), in combination with canter distances greater than 44,000 m/month, reported to increase fracture risk. Despite their importance, there are limited data on the distances and speeds horses are exposed to during training. Objectives: Estimate training volume at different speeds undertaken by Australian Thoroughbred racehorses. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Registered trainers (n = 66) in ..