Fisiologia do Exercício Equino: Implicações Fisiológicas nas Modalidades de Três Tambores e Enduro

Abstract

Exercise physiology is an important tool for understanding the organic adaptations of equine athletes subjected to different sporting modalities. Barrel racing and endurance riding present distinct characteristics regarding intensity, duration, and metabolic demand, resulting in specific physiological responses and different predispositions to injuries and systemic impairments. This study aimed to review the main aspects of exercise physiology applied to barrel racing and endurance riding, highlighting the physiological, metabolic, and musculoskeletal alterations associated with the sport. Barrel racing is characterized by short-duration, high-intensity exercise, with a predominance of anaerobic metabolism, a marked increase in heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and blood lactate concentration, as well as a greater occurrence of musculoskeletal overload. In contrast, endurance riding is characterized by prolonged effort and aerobic predominance, requiring high cardiovascular, respiratory, and thermoregulatory efficiency, and is mainly associated with dehydration, metabolic alterations, and injuries resulting from accumulated physical exertion. It was also found that monitoring physiological parameters helps in assessing physical conditioning, planning training, and preventing injuries. It is concluded that the modalities analyzed impose distinct physiological challenges on equine athletes, and knowledge of these responses is essential to optimize athletic performance, preserve health, and promote animal welfare.