The association between clinical parameters recorded at vet gates during Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) endurance rides and the imminent risk of elimination

BACKGROUND: Endurance competitions over distances of 80 to 160 km are required by Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules to be divided into between three and six stages, known as "loops". Veterinary inspections, designed to ensure horse welfare, are conducted at the end of each loop, with details recorded on a separate "vet card" for each horse. OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors recorded on vet cards that were associated with elimination at subsequent loops. Study design Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Data relating to 3,213 horse starts worldwide in international (CEI) events during 2014 were analysed. Descriptive statistics and univariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for potential inclusion in the final multivariable logistic regression models. Models were constructed stepwise using backwards-removal and assessed using the Bayesian information criterion. RESULTS: Risk factors were identified, which would allow an "in-ride" risk profile to be constructed for each horse which evolves as the horse progresses through the ride. Some risk factors such as abnormal gait and high heart rate were found to be repeatedly associated with imminent failure to qualify. Main limitations This is a relatively small study in terms of cohort size, based on the data that were available at the time of the study. Although comprehensive ride history data were also available for each horse via the main FEI database, training data was not. CONCLUSIONS: By identifying risk factors observed during the veterinary inspections at the end of a loop that are strongly associated with elimination at the end of the next or subsequent loops, these results provide an evidence-base for educational initiatives and regulatory changes that will inform the way veterinary delegates use veterinary inspections to help identify horses at risk of imminent FTQ.