Applied Equine Physiology

Dear Colleagues,

Equestrianism is popular worldwide, with millions of horses and riders participating in competitive horse sports and noncompetitive leisure riding. Horse riders, owners and trainers are responsible for the management of their horses, and have a duty of care to engage in practices which optimize equine health and welfare and that promote positive quality of life. To achieve optimum management and ensure equine athletes are sufficiently prepared to meet the demands of the workload or competition expected by riders and trainers, a fundamental knowledge and understanding of equine physiology and how intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including how the environment and horses’ health status can affect equine physiology, are essential. This Special Issue aims to showcase emerging practice in this field related to the management, training, health and nutrition of the horse, including how human decision making can impact equine physiology.

Original manuscripts, research, or review papers that relate to any aspects of equine physiology, including emerging methods, protocols and technology to evaluate equine physiology, the influence of equine management, performance, rehabilitation, sport and training on the horse’s physiology, the effects of environmental challenges, disease, injury or pain on equine physiology, or which consider the dynamic relationship between horses and riders and how this impacts the horse’s physiology, are welcomed for this Special Issue.

Topics of interest include evidence-based studies that increase existing knowledge and understanding of equine physiology, including how the horse responds to the challenges presented during modern management, stress and the impact of disease, pain and injury. Applied studies that evaluate the impact of the demands of equestrian sport, training and the impact of environmental challenges to the horse, or which showcase how an increased understanding of equine physiology can enhance equine health, performance and quality of life, are encouraged. Alongside this, we invite studies relating to specific physiology systems, including, but not limited to, respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological, endocrine, gastrointestinal and thermoregulatory systems in the horse.  Studies which consider the influence of the human on equine physiology will also be considered, as well critical systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Experimental studies must use objective measurement to ensure reliable and valid evaluation of outcomes.

Dr. Jane M. Williams
Dr. David Marlin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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