Antioxidant Status in Three-Day Eventing Horses Studied
Researchers found that antioxidant levels in upper level three-day eventing horses appear to be challenged during the competition. | Photo: Erica Larson/The Horse
Rigorous competition, such as three-day eventing, affects the equine athlete physiologically in many ways, but how does it affect an animal’s antioxidant status?

Recently, researchers from Rutgers University and the University of Maryland set out to answer this question, and their study results showed that antioxidant levels appear to be challenged during the competition, but effects can vary depending upon the horse’s diet, as well as its competition and fitness level.

Oxidation is the natural process that occurs when oxygen is combined with various other elements in the body during metabolism.   “In animals and humans, the rate of oxidation depends on the amount of activity that’s occurring,” reported study leader Carey Williams, PhD, extension specialist in equine management at Rutgers University, in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

“Antioxidants … have protective action against excessive damage,” she added

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