Longitudinal Training and Workload Assessment in Young Friesian Stallions in Relation to Fitness: Part 1.
Authors: Siegers Esther, van Wijk Emma, van den Broek Jan, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan Marianne, Munsters Carolien
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Training Intensity and Fitness in Young Friesian Stallions Young Friesian stallions undergoing the mandatory 70-day studbook approval test face a rigorous combined dressage and driving programme, yet little is known about whether this workload optimises or compromises their developing fitness. Researchers monitored 16 stallions (average age 3.2 years) across nine weeks of preparation and the full 70-day test, using standardised exercise tests at three time points to measure heart rate and blood lactate responses at walk, trot and canter, whilst simultaneously tracking external workload data. Counterintuitively, horses demonstrated increased heart rate and lactate concentrations during canter work in weeks 6 and 10 compared to week 1—a pattern consistent with fatigue rather than fitness improvement—despite external workload intensifying during the approval test with progressively longer training sessions. These findings suggest that the current approval protocol may be driving overtraining rather than building functional fitness in young stallions, with clear implications for breeding stallion welfare and long-term soundness. Practitioners involved in young Friesian conditioning should advocate for workload reassessment in approval programmes, considering periodised training approaches and adequate recovery phases to maintain both welfare standards and genuine fitness gains.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Monitor fitness objectively using standardized exercise tests (heart rate and lactate) rather than assuming progressive training equals fitness gains—these stallions became less fit despite more training
- •Be alert to signs of overtraining in young horses under intensive programs: if lactate and heart rate responses worsen over time despite continued training, reduce workload rather than increase it
- •For stallions in structured approval or performance programs, balance training duration and intensity with recovery periods; current 70-day test workload appears excessive for 3-year-old Friesians
Key Findings
- •External workload was significantly higher during the 70-day test compared to the 9-week preparation period, with longer training session durations
- •Heart rate and plasma lactate concentration increased after canter in weeks 6 and 10 compared to week 1, indicating greater fatigue despite progressive training
- •Fitness of Friesian stallions decreased during the 70-day approval test, suggesting overtraining rather than fitness improvement
- •Current training program workload requires adjustment to optimize both training adaptations and horse welfare