Introduction

Question 1

Evolution of the Horse

Answer 1

Developed from mare mitogenome ~153,000 years ago; no less than 17 different mare lines were involved in formation of the modern horse, but there were relatively fewer stallions

Question 2

Domestication

Answer 2

Domestication of the horse led to selection, specifically of traits humans found important - speed, stamina, etc.
“Form equals function”

Question 3

Genetic Plateu

Answer 3

In recent history, winning times and records have remained the same over multiple years; the theory is that there is little genetic selection that can occur anymore to improve equine stock

Question 4

Training and Nutrition

Answer 4

Training and nutrition are an important component to equine success in racing/showing/etc., especially considering genetic improvements are slower to develop

Question 5

Training

Answer 5

Training is necessary to induce physiological adaptations necessary to perform high level actions with minimal risk of injury, and to provide appropriate behavioral and psychological forces essential for competition.
Increase the body’s capacity to maintain homeostasis.
Training Principles: Repetition, summation, duration

Question 6

VO2-Max

Answer 6

The maximum amount of oxygen consumption per kg of body weight, measured at the velocity where the VO2 no longer increases as speed increases

Question 7

Q (cardiac output)

Answer 7

The amount of blood pumped through the body in one minute

Question 8

O2 Transport Capacity

Answer 8

The amount of oxygen the blood (hemoglobin) can carry; horses can contract their spleen to deposit extra RBC into their blood stream, increasing carrying capacity by 50%

Question 9

Energy Stores

Answer 9

Glycogen stored in muscles, fat and lipid reserves; all used in the production of ATP
(only 10% of glucose used comes from the blood stream; the remained comes from glycogen stored in the muscles)