Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 74, Issue 5 2325-2329, Copyright © 1993 by American Physiological Society
Development of conditioning programs for dressage horses based on time-motion analysis of competitions
H. M. Clayton
Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
The time-motion characteristics of Canadian basic- and medium-level
dressage competitions are described, and the results are applied in
formulating sport-specific conditioning programs. One competition was
analyzed at the six levels from basic 1 to medium 3. Each test was divided
into a series of sequences based on the type and speed of activity. The
durations of the sequences were measured from videotapes. The basic-level
tests had fewer sequences, and they were shorter in distance and duration
than the medium tests (P < 0.10), but the average speed did not differ
between the two levels. It is recommended that horses competing at the
basic levels be conditioned using 5-min exercise periods, with short (10-s)
bursts of lengthened trot and canter included at basic 2 and above. In
preparation for medium-level competitions, the duration of the work periods
increases to 7 min, 10- to 12-s bursts of medium or extended trot and
canter are included, and transitions are performed frequently to simulate
the energy expenditure in overcoming inertia.
