Module Identifier RS10410  
Module Title FOUNDATIONS OF EQUINE PERFORMANCE PHYSIOLOGY  
Academic Year 2003/2004  
Co-ordinator Dr John H Harries  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Sarah Pinnell  
Course delivery Lecture   20 Hours 20 x 1 hour lectures  
  Practical   3 Hours 1 x 3 hour practical  
  Other   4 Hours 1 x 4 hour visit  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam1.5 Hours  100%
Supplementary Exam1.5 Hours  100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Understand the physiology of training

2. Investigate the selection and training of the equine athlete

3. Recognise how the equine athlete can compete safely under differing conditions

Brief description

This module will provide an understanding of exercise physiology and the effects of training in the successful management of the performance horse. It will also focus on the design of appropriate fitness regimes with due regard for the adaptive responses required by different activities.

Content

? The structure and function of the cardiovascular system in relation to exercise and training.
? Muscle physiology in relation to exercise.
? The structure and function of the skeleton in relation to training.
? The energetic basis of exercise.   
? The suitability of various fitness regimes for different horse types.
? Equine fitness programmes to meet set performance requirements.
? Adaptations to allow the horse to perform under various climatic conditions
? The reasons why horses break down
? The welfare of the performance horse

Reading Lists

Books
Frandson, R.D. (1992) The Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals Lea and Febiger
Hodgson and Rose (1994) The athletic horse W B Saunders and Company
Hodges, J and Pilliner, S (1991) The equine athlete Blackwell Publishing
Jones, W E (1989) Equine sports medicine Lea and Febiger
Marlin D and Nankervis K (2002) Equine exercise physiology Blackwell Pulishing

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4