DEVELOPMENT OF CONDITIONING PROGRAMS FOR DRESSAGE HORSES BASED ON TIME-MOTION ANALYSIS OF COMPETITIONS

The time-motion characteristics of Canadian basic- and medium-level dr essage competitions are described, and the results are applied in form ulating sport-specific conditioning programs. One competition was anal yzed at the six levels from basic 1 to medium 3. Each test was divided into a series of sequences based on the type and speed of activity. T he durations of the sequences were measured from videotapes. The basic -level tests had fewer sequences, and they were shorter in distance an d duration than the medium tests (P < 0.10), but the average speed did not differ between the two levels. It is recommended that horses comp eting at the basic levels be conditioned using 5-min exercise periods, with short (10-s) bursts of lengthened trot and canter included at ba sic 2 and above. In preparation for medium-level competitions, the dur ation of the work periods increases to 7 min, 10- to 12-s bursts of me dium or extended trot and canter are included, and transitions are per formed frequently to simulate the energy expenditure in overcoming ine rtia.