Horses, Lactate, and the Science of Steady Running

Scientists have discovered innovative ways to predict how much lactate a horse can handle during exercise without becoming overly fatigued. This critical point is known as the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS).

The Study

To explore this, researchers conducted a series of treadmill tests on ten teaching horses. They aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two methods—DMAX and DMAXC—in predicting the MLSS.

Methodology

1. Treadmill Tests
   • Horses ran at varying speeds to create a lactate-speed curve.
   • The DMAX method identifies the farthest point from the start and end of the curve.
   • The DMAXC method uses mathematical calculations to find the point farthest from a straight line connecting the start and end of the curve.

2. Objective
   • Both methods estimate the speed at which a horse's lactate levels remain stable.

Results

• The average lactate levels at MLSS, DMAX, and DMAXC speeds were different.
• MLSS speed was the slowest.
• DMAXC speed was next.
• DMAX speed was the fastest.
• The differences between these speeds were small but significant, indicating that both methods can effectively predict the MLSS.

Conclusion

• The DMAX methods showed no constant or proportional biases compared to the MLSS, proving their reliability.
• Researchers concluded that DMAX approaches are valuable tools for determining the lactate threshold and estimating the MLSS in teaching horses.