The effect of breaking a horse on its metabolism

The effect of the breaking period on metabolic balance in thirteen Arabian yearlings was investigated. The first group (7 horses) was trained accordin g to the common breaking program. The second one (6 horses) was schooled ac cording to an intensive program shortened to two weeks. Blood samples were taken at rest in the consecutive periods of training. Blood haemoglobin (Hb ), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol with HDL and LDL components, gluco se, total serum proteins, lactate dehydrogenase (LDR) and creatine kinase ( CK) were measured and registered. In group I a significant increase in Hb and HDL-cholesterol during the seco nd and tenth week of investigation was observed. Activity of serum LDH was increased in the tenth week. In group II, the serum level of TG, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and glucose was significantly higher after two weeks of intensive training. The breaking period lasting 10 weeks was best for the adaptation of the ani mal's body to exercise, The attempt to shorten and intensify this process c an lead to disturbances in the metabolic balance of the body.