United States Eventing Association

USEA Cardiopulmonary Research Study Picks up the Pace

Thank you to those who participated in our Cardiopulmonary Research Group studies at Waredaca 2014, Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials I, 2015 and Fair Hill Horse Trials, 2015. Without your continued support, this study would not be possible. So far we have instrumented 65 horses in the Beginner Novice through Intermediate levels. We will be at the Plantation Field International CIC in September and the Fair Hill International Three-Day in October and still need volunteers at all levels. If you are willing to volunteer please email Catherine Kohn, DVM. At the event, look for our banner and signs.

Who are we and what are we doing? The Cardiopulmonary Research group was put together by the USEA in response to a perceived increase in sudden deaths associated with the cross-country phase of Eventing. Sudden deaths that occur in Eventing are presumed to be arrhythmogenic in origin (caused by severe irregularities in heart rhythm), when no other cause is identifiable. The main study goals are to characterize heart rhythms prior to, during and immediately after cross-country in healthy horses competing in various levels, gather data on heart rate during cross-country and compare types of arrhythmias and heart rates across the different levels of competition. The research group is composed of volunteers (veterinarians, riders and others) who donate their time and expertise to collect and analyze data.

What’s involved? The success of this endeavor depends on you as riders, trainers and owners to volunteer your time and your horses to be instrumented with recording devices. These devices record the heart rhythm (ECG) and heart rate. (Currently available heart rate monitors used for fitness training obtain heart rates, but do not obtain heart rhythm information.) It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to listen to the horse’s heart for any murmurs and apply the recording device underneath the saddle prior to cross-country (and prior to stadium depending on event). The horse’s usual saddle, girth and pad(s) are used. Following cross-country, the device is easily removed along with the saddle and the digital data is then downloaded to a computer for review. ECGs are read for significant arrhythmias at the event and will be later reviewed in detail for more subtle arrhythmias. Riders will be informed of any heart murmurs at the time of the physical examination and of any concerning heart arrhythmias as soon as possible (usually same day as the Event). Benign arrhythmias will not be reported to riders individually, but will be summarized at the conclusion of the study. (All information pertaining to specific horses/riders/owners is kept confidential.)

To donate to this important study visit www.useafoundation.org.