Risposta corticosurrenalica nel Cavallo Quarter horse in corso di sedute di allenamento d di gara simulata di Barrel racing

Cortisol changes of 12 Quarter horses utilized in both training and not competitive Barrel Racing sessions were examined before and after both activities. The subjects in the study were divided into 2 groups, group A (control) and group B (exercise). From the comparison between cortisol basal levels of both groups, the statistical analysis showed a significant training effect on cortisol (F=8.86; P=0.011) changes. In the comparison between the last training session (the 6th) and the race simulation, statistical analysis showed a significant effect of not competitive race on cortisol (F=10.91; P=0.02) levels. One-way RM-ANOVA showed a significant effect of exercise on cortisol changes during both all-training weeks and not competitive sessions, with significant (F=10.91; P=0.02) higher levels in the not competitive session compared to the last training session.