Metabolism And Mind-Set Both Quarter Horses and Thoroughbred racehorses, says Loving, also need bodies that run efficiently during anaerobic exercise. Some aspects of metabolic efficiency are heritable, making it easier for some horses to condition and compete to their fullest genetic potential. Endurance horses demonstrate metabolic efficiency by rapid heart rate recoveries. On the other hand, some horses which are less well-endowed genetically can be trained to develop excellent metabolic capabilities through strategic conditioning practices and consistent training for the intended exertion. Unlike equine track stars, endurance horses also must be able to make a rapid metabolic recovery after exertion, says Loving.
Many horses win simply by having a faster recovery rate at vet checks.
They arrive and almost immediately meet the pulse criteria, get shuttled through the exam, and end up passing other horses whose progress has been delayed because they've taken longer to reach the pulse criteria. This is heritable in that tem-perament and disposition are often heritable. For one thing, this adaptability helps the horse maintain good body condition, something important for racehorses as well. An endurance horse needs those reserves to pull on during competition, while a racehorse needs the reserves in order to recover and not lose condition after a tough competition. Too much fat negates the heritable abilities to dissipate heat from the body and places an added load on the musculoskeletal structures.