Module Identifier
RS10410
Module Title
FOUNDATIONS OF EQUINE PERFORMANCE PHYSIOLOGY
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr Deborah M Nash
Semester
Semester 2

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 2 x 1 hour lectures per week
Practical 1 x 3 hour practical during the semester
Other 1 x 4 hour visit during the semester
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment ASSIGNMENT  60%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   40%
Supplementary Assessment ASSIGNMENT  60%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   40%

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 module will consider the following:

Structure and function of the cardiovascular system in relation to exercise and training
Muscle physiology in relation to exercise
Structure and function of the skeleton in relation to training
The energetic basis of exercise
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
Reasons why horses break down
Welfare of the performance horse

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Communication Writing skills will be developed and assessed through the examination.
Subject Specific Skills The ability to evaluate the potential performance of a given horse
Team work The incorporation of an element of group work during practicals will develop students' ability to work as a team

Reading List

Recommended Text
Back, W and Clayton, H M (2001) Equine locomotion W B Saunders Primo search Clayton, H (1991) Conditioning sport horses Sport Horse Publications Primo search Hodgson, D R and Rose, R J (1994) The athletic horse W B Saunders Primo search Jeffcott, L B (1999) Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement 30 Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Equine Exercise Physiology Primo search Jones, W E (1989) Equine sports medicine Lea and Febiger Primo search Loving, N S and Johnston, A M (1995) Veterinary manual for the performance horse Blackwell Science Primo search McArdle, W D, Katch, F I and Katch, V I (2000) Essentials of exercise physiology Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins Primo search Persson, S G B, Lindholm, A and Jeffcott, L B (1991) Equine exercise physiology III ICEEP Publications Primo search Powers, S K and Howley, E T (2001) Exercise physiology. Theory and application to fitness and performance 4th McGraw-Hill Primo search Wilmore, J H and Costill, D L (1999) Physiology of sport and exercise 2nd Human Kinetics Primo search Robinson, N E (1995) Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement 18 Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Equine Exercise Physiology Primo search
Frandson, R.D. (1992) The Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals Lea and Febiger Primo search Hodges, J and Pilliner, S (1991) The equine athlete Blackwell Publishing Primo search Hodgson and Rose (1994) The athletic horse W B Saunders and Company Primo search Jones, W E (1989) Equine sports medicine Lea and Febiger Primo search Marlin D and Nankervis K (2002) Equine exercise physiology Blackwell Pulishing Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4