The application of the pyramidal training model for conditioning thoroughbred horses

Article

Davie, Allan, Beavers, Rosalind and Denham, Joshua. 2025. "The application of the pyramidal training model for conditioning thoroughbred horses." Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105567
Article Title

The application of the pyramidal training model for conditioning thoroughbred horses

ERA Journal ID5519
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsDavie, Allan, Beavers, Rosalind and Denham, Joshua
Journal TitleJournal of Equine Veterinary Science
Journal Citation149
Article Number105567
Number of Pages5
Year2025
PublisherElsevier
Place of PublicationUnited States
ISSN0737-0806
0739-9065
0890-0140
1542-7412
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105567
Web Address (URL)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0737080625002254
AbstractThe purpose of this review was to analyze the scientific background and practical application of a very successful human training methodology, the pyramidal training model, to the Thoroughbred racehorse. Despite years of research and accumulated knowledge on human training methods to enhance endurance performance, Thoroughbred training programs have lacked significant change. This review introduces the pyramidal training model, explains the science that underpins this training concept and outlines one approach to translate this science into the equine field. It also discusses the importance of training load and provides insight into the monitoring of the load and psychophysiological stress level of the horse during training. The use of heart rate and blood lactate responses to exercise is encouraged to guide exercise training sessions. These responses are the best indices of internal load, and the most accurate measure of effort in horses. Applying this information can help provide the desired training stimulus and overall training workload to maximize endurance performance.
KeywordsAerobic training; Blood lactate; Performance; Periodization; Racehorse
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 20204207. Sports science and exercise
Byline AffiliationsAustralian Equine Racing and Research Centre, Australia
Southern Cross University
School of Health and Medical Sciences
Centre for Health Research
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