Comparison of the training and gait parameters of sport and leisure warmblood horses using the Seaver device

Every form of horse riding requires an appropriate level of fitness and physical
preparedness, enabling work without symptoms of fatigue. The study aimed to compare the
training effort and gait parameters of horses in leisure and sport riding using a monitoring
device (IMU with heart rate monitor). Training and gait characteristics of jumping (10 horses)
and leisure (9 horses) warmbloods at three training centres were investigated. Daily routine
training was monitored using a commercial device. The following training parameters were
analysed: duration, distance, intensity of training based on heart rate, and time spent at each
gait. Gaits were characterised by stride frequency and elevation specific to walk, trot, and
canter. The influence of the type of use (sport vs. leisure), equestrian centre (three centres), and
the horse’s age (as regression) on training parameters was estimated using analysis of variance.
The effect of the type of use (leisure vs. sport) was significant for three training parameters and
two gait characteristics. Sport horses were trained with greater mean velocity (p = 0.03) and
more time spent in canter (p = 0.05). Gait parameters were influenced only for walk and trot
frequency (p < 0.05). The Pearson and Spearman correlations between parameters were
calculated. Negative correlations between stride frequency and body elevation in the gaits were
detected in both groups. Even the overall characteristics of the training require much more
data, as the groups studied provide only preliminary information.