Monitoring Training Load in Thoroughbred Racehorses

Abstract

Methods of monitoring training load are widely practiced amongst today’s elite, sub-elite and amateur athletes. Monitoring training load can range from simple, cost effective methods to complex, expensive methods. The aim of this research was to investigate different methods of monitoring training loads in young Thoroughbred racehorses in pre-training. Simple, cost effective measurements of proximal hoof circumference and hoof toe angle were investigated as a tool to monitor how the hoof responses to the loads experienced in the first two pre-training preparations in young Thoroughbred racehorses. Left and right proximal hoof circumference (n = 42) and hoof toe angle (n = 39) measurements ..