The impact of the mandatory rest period in Fédération Equestre Internationale endurance events

Bennet, E. and Parkin, T. D.H. (2020) The impact of the mandatory rest period in Fédération Equestre Internationale endurance events. Equine Veterinary Journal, 52(2), pp. 268-272. (doi: 10.1111/evj.13148) (PMID:31234225)

Abstract

Background: Endurance riding competitions are increasingly popular, with a corresponding awareness of the frequency of Failure to Qualify (FTQ) due to lameness or metabolic problems. Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules require a minimum number of days between competitions, known as a mandatory rest period (MRP). Objectives: To analyse the impact on FTQ outcomes of MRPs which applied between January 2014 and December 2016, and model potential changes to MRPs to establish which rule change could lead to the largest further reduction in the number of FTQ outcomes. Study design: Retrospective cohort study and predictive model using a subset of data collected by the FEI of every horse start worldwide in Concours de Raid d’Endurance Internationale (CEI) competitions between 2010 and 2017. Methods: Descriptive statistics followed by predictive/retrospective modelling of potential scenarios. Scenarios involved extended MRP for all horses and/or for only the fastest ridden horses. Results: There were clear direct benefits demonstrated from the introduction of MRPs. Among directly affected horses, current MRPs could have prevented 2.3% of FTQ outcomes. Further benefits could be gained by extending MRPs. The ‘best‐value’ impact could be found in a 1‐week extension for all horses plus a 1‐week extension for the fastest ridden horses – which could result in a reduction of up to 11.5% of FTQ outcomes among directly affected horses. Main limitations: The data set covers all FEI competitions but no National Federation events. The data set is geographically comprehensive but it does not include every competition started by every individual horse. Training data for each horse were not available. Conclusions: Mandatory rest periods for horses between endurance competitions have had the intended impact of reducing numbers of FTQ outcomes in CEI events. Further benefits could be gained by extending rest periods for all horses and/or for horses ridden at the highest average speeds.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was funded by a research grant from the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Parkin, Professor Tim and Bennet, Dr Euan
• Authors: Bennet, E., and Parkin, T. D.H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Equine Veterinary Journal
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0425-1644
• ISSN (Online): 2042-3306
• Published Online: 24 June 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 EVJ Ltd.
• First Published: First published in Equine Veterinary Journal 52(2):268-272
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy