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Context: Racing structure and focus for racehorses differs across jurisdictions and is poorly described. In New Zealand and Australia, jumps racing accounts for a small proportion of total Thoroughbred races each year, as opposed to the larger jumps-racing (National Hunt) industry with purpose-bred horses found in the UK and Ireland. Aims: This study aimed to describe the career profile and pattern of racing for Thoroughbred jumps-racing horses in New Zealand. Methods: Metrics from every horse with a full jumps-racing career (n = 1276, 89% geldings) between the 2005/06 and 2021/22 racing seasons (n = 40,302 starts) were examined. Descriptive statistics, box plots and heat maps were used to describe the data, by using horse age as a proxy for career progression. Key results: Jumps-racing horses had a median of 17 flat starts (IQR 9–30) before their first jumps-racing start. The median career of a jumps-racing horse was 3.7 years (IQR 2.3–5.2) and 29 starts (IQR 16–44). Older horses had a decreasing number of flat-racing starts and an increasing proportion of steeplechase-racing starts. However, the majority of horses still had at least one flat-race start per calendar year, often prior to the first jumps race. Most horses had one spell each season (length 194 days, IQR 124–259), and a condensed preparation length over the winter months, with a median of 14 days (IQR 10–21) between starts. Conclusion: The career pattern for jumps-racing horses in New Zealand reflects the industry retention of horses with a prior career in flat racing into a secondary jumps-racing career. Successful horses have increased focus on preparation for the winter jumps-racing season. Implications: Jumps racing provides a secondary racing career for some flat-racing horses, particularly geldings. This strategy reduces wastage of horses from the industry. Jumps racing in the southern hemisphere is unique and poorly described. This study aimed to describe the career profile and pattern of racing for jumps-racing horses in New Zealand by using industry race data. All jumps-racing horses in New Zealand had a primary career in flat racing, before repurposing in a jumps-racing career for a further 2 years, increasing specialisation as the horse aged. This strategy results in a decrease in wastage from the racing industry. This article belongs to the Collection Equine Science Part II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Jumps racing is a form of Thoroughbred horse racing that involves hurdles and steeples and typically longer distances and heavier weights compared with flat racing, which does not incorporate obstacles. The continuation of jumps racing remains contentious due to the higher risk of fatalities, falls and injuries for horses, compared with flat racing. In Australia, jumps racing is carried out only in the state of Victoria after a legislated ban on jumps racing in South Australia in 2022. Jumps races account for only 1.8% of Thoroughbred horse races in Victoria. This study compared the incidence of fatalities, falls and injuries in horses participating in hurdle and steeplechase races with those participating in flat races at the same race meets, for all jumps races in the 2022 and 2023 Thoroughbred horse jumps racing seasons in Victoria, Australia. Overall, horse fatalities, falls and injuries occurred at higher rates in jumps races compared with flat races during the study period. Jumps racing is a form of Thoroughbred horse racing that involves hurdles and steeples and typically longer distances, and heavier weights compared with flat racing, which does not incorporate obstacles. In Australia, jumps racing is carried out only in Victoria, one of eight states and territories. The continuation of jumps racing is contentious due to the higher risk of fatalities, falls and injuries for horses, compared with flat racing. While measures have been introduced by the industry to improve the safety of riders and horses, the rates of fatalities, falls and injuries in horses participating in jumps races have not been collectively reported in Australia since the 2012 to 2014 race seasons. Although information on individual horse fatalities, falls and injuries is published by Racing Victoria in Stewards' Reports, the data are not aggregated, and so cannot readily be used to assess trends or evaluate the efficacy of safety measures introduced by the industry. The aim of this study was to determine the fatality, fall and injury rates for horses participating in hurdle and steeplechase races in Victoria in the 2022 and 2023 Thoroughbred horse jumps racing seasons compared with horses participating in flat races at the same race meets. Data on horse fatalities, falls and injuries were extracted from the published Racing Victoria race results and Stewards' Reports for the jumps races (n = 150) and corresponding flat races (n = 157) held at the 38 jumps race meets in Victoria in 2022 and 2023. Overall, horse fatalities, falls and injuries occurred at higher rates in jumps races compared with flat races during the study period. The rate of horse fatalities in jumps races was 3.3 per 1000 starts, with no fatalities in flat races. The rate of horse falls in hurdle races was 24 per 1000 starts and 41.6 per 1000 starts in steeplechase races, comparable with rates previously reported in the 2012 to 2014 seasons. There were no falls in flat races. Horse injuries occurred at a rate of 68.9 per 1000 starts in jumps races compared with 18.8 per 1000 starts in flat races. In hurdle and steeplechase races, veterinary clearance being required following horse injury was 5.4 times (OR 5.4, 95% CI 2.8–10.2) and 7.2 times (OR 7.2, 95% CI 3.3–15.6) more likely, respectively, compared with flat races. The risk of trauma was 4 times more likely in hurdle and steeplechase races (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.7–13.3 and OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.2–13.4, respectively) and the risk of lameness was increased by 2.5 times in hurdles (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2–5.2) and 5.1 times in steeplechase races (OR 5.1, 95% CI 2.3–11.5), compared with flat races. These findings support concerns about the welfare of horses involved in jumps racing and of the need for further safety measures to reduce these risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jumps racing is a form of Thoroughbred horse racing that involves hurdles and steeples and typically longer distances, and heavier weights compared with flat racing, which does not incorporate obstacles. In Australia, jumps racing is carried out only in Victoria, one of eight states and territories. The continuation of jumps racing is contentious due to the higher risk of fatalities, falls and injuries for horses, compared with flat racing. While measures have been introduced by the industry to improve the safety of riders and horses, the rates of fatalities, falls and injuries in horses participating in jumps races have not been collectively reported in Australia since the 2012 to 2014 race seasons. Although information on individual horse fatalities, falls and injuries is published by Racing Victoria in Stewards’ Reports, the data are not aggregated, and so cannot readily be used to assess trends or evaluate the efficacy of safety measures introduced by the industry. The aim of this study was to determine the fatality, fall and injury rates for horses participating in hurdle and steeplechase races in Victoria in the 2022 and 2023 Thoroughbred horse jumps racing seasons compared with horses participating in flat races at the same race meets. Data on horse fatalities, falls and injuries were extracted from the published Racing Victoria race results and Stewards’ Reports for the jumps races (n = 150) and corresponding flat races (n = 157) held at the 38 jumps race meets in Victoria in 2022 and 2023. Overall, horse fatalities, falls and injuries occurred at higher rates in jumps races compared with flat races during the study period. The rate of horse fatalities in jumps races was 3.3 per 1000 starts, with no fatalities in flat races. The rate of horse falls in hurdle races was 24 per 1000 starts and 41.6 per 1000 starts in steeplechase races, comparable with rates previously reported in the 2012 to 2014 seasons. There were no falls in flat races. Horse injuries occurred at a rate of 68.9 per 1000 starts in jumps races compared with 18.8 per 1000 starts in flat races. In hurdle and steeplechase races, veterinary clearance being required following horse injury was 5.4 times (OR 5.4, 95% CI 2.8–10.2) and 7.2 times (OR 7.2, 95% CI 3.3–15.6) more likely, respectively, compared with flat races. The risk of trauma was 4 times more likely in hurdle and steeplechase races (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.7–13.3 and OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.2–13.4, respectively) and the risk of lameness was increased by 2.5 times in hurdles (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2–5.2) and 5.1 times in steeplechase races (OR 5.1, 95% CI 2.3–11.5), compared with flat races. These findings support concerns about the welfare of horses involved in jumps racing and of the need for further safety measures to reduce these risks.

As of recent date, performance sports and especially track and field have undergone numerous changes and transformations due to the new technological developments, in the absence of which it cannot possibly evolve. We feel that it is our duty to bring a contribution to the improvement of performance quality. In this respect, we believe that technical events such as hurdles and steeplechase must benefit from updates including the latest trends in their path towards glory.The objective of this study is to highlight the main differences related to approach technique in hurdles and long-distance steeplechase.Hypothesis. We start from the idea that the two races are identical in what concerns the technical elements, that they have many common particularities, but that we must point out certain aspects as being different, which makes them distinct. The differences identified in the study through the technical analyses conducted has led to the identification of shortcomings in both hurdles and steeplechase. They are worth assessing in the practice of each athlete in order to improve the hurdle and barrier clearance technique, respectively.Consequently, we believe that the particular differentiating technical aspects of the two racescannot possibly be brought to a common denominator, given the specifics of each race, but they can be improved and developed in their own directions, by personalising the working techniques characteristic to each race.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a shift in anatomy education forcing institutions to find innovative ways to teach and assess online. This study details the development of an online spotter across multiple modules that allowed students to sit the examination at home whilst still maintaining the integrity of the assessment. The online spotter consisted of individual, Zoom calls between students and examiners whereby slides with images and questions were screen shared. To examine the viability of this spotter in non-lockdown scenarios several parameters were considered. Mean marks were compared to traditional versions and Pearson's r correlation coefficients were calculated between online and traditional spotters and between online spotters and overall performance in anatomy modules. A survey was carried out to determine the students' view of the assessment. Pearson's r was between 0.33 and 0.49 when comparing online spotters to the traditional format, and between 0.65 and 0.75 (p < 0.01) when compared to a calculated anatomy score. The survey indicated overall student satisfaction as 82.5% reported that it was a fair way to test their knowledge and 55% reported the same or lower levels of anxiety when compared to traditional spotters. However, there was nothing to indicate that the students preferred this format over laboratory-based spotters. These results indicate that this new exam format would be useful for small cohorts who are undertaking online or hybrid courses, or in circumstances when running a full spotter is too costly, and represents a fair and robust way to assess practical anatomical knowledge online., (© 2023 The Authors. Clinical Anatomy published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Association of Clinical Anatomists and British Association of Clinical Anatomists.)

The aim of the program is to draw the primary school children's attention to the phenomenon of climate change, including its causes, consequences, and to key options of climate conscious life-style. Meanwhile, changes in knowledge of the children who participate in the program are measured. We have developed a program to raise awareness, which can be realised in an afternoon session at any public school.. In the first step we describe the substance of climate change by a film and a short lecture, then we further deepen the children's knowledge by playful exercises in a steeplechase consisting of six different ‘stations’. The paper describes the tasks at the ‘stations’ and the results of knowledge tests before and after the program.

Thoroughbred jump racing sits in the spotlight of contemporary welfare and ethical debates about horse racing. In Australia, jump racing comprises hurdle and steeplechase races and has ceased in all but two states, Victoria and South Australia. This paper documents the size, geography, composition, and dynamics of Australian jump racing for the 2012, 2013, and 2014 seasons with a focus on debate about risks to horses. We found that the majority of Australian jump racing is regional, based in Victoria, and involves a small group of experienced trainers and jockeys. Australian jump horses are on average 6.4 years of age. The jump career of the majority of horses involves participating in three or less hurdle races and over one season. Almost one quarter of Australian jump horses race only once. There were ten horse fatalities in races over the study period, with an overall fatality rate of 5.1 fatalities per 1000 horses starting in a jump race (0.51%). There was significant disparity between the fatality rate for hurdles, 0.75 fatalities per 1000 starts (0.075%) and steeplechases, 14 fatalities per 1000 starts (1.4%). Safety initiatives introduced by regulators in 2010 appear to have significantly decreased risks to horses in hurdles but have had little or no effect in steeplechases. Our discussion considers these Animals 2015, 5 1073 data in light of public controversy, political debate, and industry regulation related to jump horse safety.

The aim of the program is to draw the primary school children's attention to the phenomenon of climate change, including its causes, consequences, and to key options of climate conscious life-style. Meanwhile, changes in knowledge of the children who participate in the program are measured. We have developed a program to raise awareness, which can be realised in an afternoon session at any public school. In the first step we describe the substance of climate change by a film and a short lecture, then we further deepen the children's knowledge by playful exercises in a steeplechase consisting of six different 'stations'. The paper describes the tasks at the 'stations' and the results of knowledge tests before and after the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colheu-se sangue de 13 eqüinos competindo na prova de Fundo do Concurso Completo de Equitação, categoria internacional três estrelas, e dosou-se lactato sangüíneo na manhã antes da prova, antes e imediatamente depois das fases B e D e 10 minutos após a fase D. Foi observado aumento significativo nas concentrações de lactato apenas após o término da fase D, demonstrando que os animais foram submetidos a um grande esforço físico, com desenvolvimento de acidose metabólica decorrente do acúmulo de lactato. Houve diminuição significativa dos valores dez minutos após o término do cross-country, exceto para o eqüino de número 12, único animal a completar o percurso dentro do tempo estipulado, o qual apresentou sinais clínicos de exaustão.

Thoroughbred jump racing sits in the spotlight of contemporary welfare and ethical debates about horse racing. In Australia, jump racing comprises hurdle and steeplechase races and has ceased in all but two states, Victoria and South Australia. This paper documents the size, geography, composition, and dynamics of Australian jump racing for the 2012, 2013, and 2014 seasons with a focus on debate about risks to horses. We found that the majority of Australian jump racing is regional, based in Victoria, and involves a small group of experienced trainers and jockeys. Australian jump horses are on average 6.4 years of age. The jump career of the majority of horses involves participating in three or less hurdle races and over one season. Almost one quarter of Australian jump horses race only once. There were ten horse fatalities in races over the study period, with an overall fatality rate of 5.1 fatalities per 1000 horses starting in a jump race (0.51%). There was significant disparity between the fatality rate for hurdles, 0.75 fatalities per 1000 starts (0.075%) and steeplechases, 14 fatalities per 1000 starts (1.4%). Safety initiatives introduced by regulators in 2010 appear to have significantly decreased risks to horses in hurdles but have had little or no effect in steeplechases. Our discussion considers these data in light of public controversy, political debate, and industry regulation related to jump horse safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the incidence of, and risk factors for race-day horse falls in Thoroughbred jumps (hurdle and steeplechase) racing in New Zealand. Incidence rates for race-day horse falls in jumps races from 2005/6 – 2018/19 racing seasons (n = 13,648 race day starts) were calculated per 1000 starts. Univariable and multivariable analyses of race-, horse- and jockey-level risk factors for horse falls were conducted using Poisson regression in a generalised linear mixed model. The incidence rate of horse falls in jumps races was 42 (95 % confidence intervals [CI], 39 – 45) per 1000 starts. Horse falls in steeplechase races were 1.6 (95 % CI, 1.4 – 1.9) times more likely than hurdle races. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) for horses falling at the last three jumps in comparison with the first three jumps was 3.1 (95 % CI, 2.8 – 3.5) for hurdle and 4.4 (95 % CI, 3.9 – 5.0) for steeplechase races. Greater jockey (age, P = 0.02) and horse experience (P = 0.001) were associated with a lower IRR of falls (P = 0.05). Longer races (P = 0.02) and those held in autumn compared to winter (IRR 1.4; 95 % CI, 1.0 – 1.8; P = 0.05) were associated with a higher rate of falling in steeplechase races. A regulatory change enhancing discretionary ability of jockeys to pull up 'in-race' was associated with reduced horse falls (IRR 0.65; 95 % CI, 0.51 – 0.82; P = 0.001). Pragmatic rule changes within the industry can have a positive effect on reducing risk and improving equine welfare. • Horse fall incidence rates (IR) 1.6 times greater in NZ steeplechase than hurdle races. • Longer or early season races were associated with higher IR ratio (IRR) of horse falls. • The last three jumps in a race had higher fall rates than the first three jumps. • Greater jockey and horse experience were associated with lower IRR of horse falls. • An increasing number of horses pulled up resulted in a decreased IR of horse falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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An intervention was carried out with an aerobic endurance athlete in order to enhance his performance in the fourth segment of the 3000 metre steeplechase race. The three-phase intervention consisted of implementing segmentation and instructional self-talk strategies. Results of the second biomechanics video-analysis showed a substantial increase in the athlete's performance in the 4th segment (t = 1.21 seconds). The manipulation check protocol showed a high usage of self-talk (85.8% in the first 3 segments; 100% in the fourth segment). It is concluded that self-talk can mediate cognitive processes in order to enhance aerobic endurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to detect Thoroughbred mare families and sire lines, in France, in the United Kingdom and Ireland, whose offspring may be successful in steeplechase races and can be recommended therefore for sport horse breeding. Race results were collected from all steeplechase races in these countries between 1998 and 2003, which contained the results of 17 355 horses from 12 861 dams and 2452 sires. In France, non-Thoroughbred horses were also included in the analysis because they race and mate together with Thoroughbreds. Performance was measured with two criteria: earnings and ranks after mathematical transformation. The effects of year, sex, age and race were considered as fixed, animal, permanent environment and maternal environment as random. Precorrection for the effect of race was done to avoid computational difficulties. Maternal environmental components for ranks were 0.02 in France and zero in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Estimated heritabilities for the ranking criteria were 0.18 (repeatability 0.33) in France and 0.06 (repeatability 0.19) in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The high genetic correlation between the two criteria of measurement (0.94 and 0.97 respectively) gives the opportunity to choose the most suitable criteria for breeding value estimation. The ranking value, after statistical normalization has a great advantage for comparison between the countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]