New Years Resolution: Learn About Internal Conformation

re: New Years Resolution: Learn About Internal Conformation

Moodygirl — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:30:03 GMT

Perhaps this link to the October blog where this is an actual dissection of a thoroughbred should have been added to this article to demonstrate the science behind behind the article. thoroedge.wordpress.com/.../literally-dissecting-thoroughbred-performance

Scientific research with proper methodology, held up to peer review starts with someone making observations and asking questions and gathering the current information.

The training of race horses is largely anecdotal, experience and opinion passed down to others. Successful trainers are copied. Mr. Pressey's blog is one of the few that does examine the science behind the training trying to determine if the training methods hold up to scientific scrutiny. I'm glad the BloodHorse shared the information with a broader audience. I encourage others to read the blog to read all the information there before a "rush to judgement."

re: New Years Resolution: Learn About Internal Conformation

Karen in Texas — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:41:44 GMT

sceptre--- Apparently Mr. Pressey has a B.S. in Exercise Science. I'd like to see the actual studies on the correlation of blood chemistry norms/variations as they relate to exercise and maximum performance in equines, too. Where is the basis for what is being said? Are there clinically controlled examples? Just cite a few sources, please, Mr. Pressey.

re: New Years Resolution: Learn About Internal Conformation

El Cab — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:44:25 GMT

hmmmmm...sceptre seems to have an axe to grind here.

"...you don't have any meaningful answers as to how these "inside" variabilities-the various "numbers" for true norms, etc.- translate to individual performance in the horse" How do you know?

"This will prove nothing, and is not responsive to my point." I believe if one were to look back over history, probably all theories proven scientifically began with anecdotal examples.

I've been reading this blog for a while now, and it seems sceptre wants to throw out the baby with the bathwater in the name of "science".

I'd like to know what your (sceptre) qualifications and experience are with regards to this topic...I would especially be interested in reading any scientific papers you have published; or even any 'anecdotal' opinions you have expressed with your real name attached.

re: New Years Resolution: Learn About Internal Conformation

fb0252 — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:29:38 GMT

possibly what the OP refers to--in human athletics exercise physiology can make certain measurements, e.g. stroke volume as it refers to cardiac output/heart lung function and efficiency, etc. and predict athletic performance. Elite human distance runners show superior measurements, though I'm unable to say what they are. Likewise elite human sprinters consistently show, by my understanding, superior fast twitch muscle percentages. Some of this results from training, but some is genetic and measureable and definitely relates to performance and injury prevention. I'd personally doubt the OP invalidates itself because horse racing is still in the dinosaur age in this regard and lacks "studies".

re: New Years Resolution: Learn About Internal Conformation

Terry M. — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:26:38 GMT

You should also consider hoof structure and how the horse is (or isn't) shod and how that affects the inside of the foot. Take a look at this video: www.youtube.com/watch and the other videos posted by this group.

Sceptre, I think the whole point that Bill is making is that you have to consider everything, not just what you can see on the outside, when evaluating a horse's "conformation". He is posting observations and comments to make you think, not to try and prove something for scientific peer review.

re: New Years Resolution: Learn About Internal Conformation

sceptre — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:27:58 GMT

Objective data-for example, what you label as "inside"-that is not adequately analysed/"tested" for its realtionships to end result function/ex. performance is worthless. What do I mean by adequately analysed?-By a strict scientific method, followed by peer review. Correct me if I'm mistaken, and then offer your evidence to the contrary, but I strongly doubt that your assertions meet that threashold. For starters, how about offering your credentials, degrees, etc. You know what's said about a little bit of knowledge. I'm not for one minute suggesting that the biology/biochemistry/physiology of each individual horse isn't crucial to their performance. My point is that you don't have any meaningful answers as to how these "inside" variabilities-the various "numbers" for true norms, etc.- translate to individual performance in the horse. I guess you'll now attempt to cite a few anecdotal "studies" of small pieces of this. This will prove nothing, and is not responsive to my point.