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This study investigates the athletic performance of humans, particular equine athletes like Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, and canines such as greyhounds and huskies. We explore record speeds, endurance capabilities, muscle fiber composition, and the biomechanics of sprinting and endurance in various species. Key factors influencing performance include genetics, training methodologies, and environmental aspects. Understanding these elements provides insights into the comparative advantages of each species in athletics, highlighting the fascinating capabilities of different animals in running and endurance events.
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INTRODUCTION • human athlete • 100 meter sprints • 100 km ultramarathon • top speeds • human sprinters • 22 mph • ultramarathon • 10mph • up to 100 km
equine athlete • Thoroughbreds • 1000-3000 m • endurance horses • 80-160 km (50-100 miles) • Quarter Horses • over 400 m tracks • top speed 44 mph
racing dogs • greyhound • 250 m sprints to long distance races of 600-1000 m • 37 mph during races up to500 m • husky • Iditarod (Fairbanks to Nome) • 1049 miles in 12-14 days • racing camel • 4-10 km • 22 mph
Muscle Fiber Composition • human athlete • sprinters type II • 75% • endurance type I • > 75% • Thoroughbred racehorse • sprinters type II • > 80% • endurance type I • ~ 30%
Athletic Ability • genetics • environment • athletic nutrition • track surfaces • shoes • jockey • training • training methodology
Hemoglobin concentration Mechanics Gas exchange ATHLETIC PREFORMANCE Anaerobic capacity Heart size Skeletal muscle properties
Techniques for Research of the Athletic Species • treadmill • respiratory gas analysis • heart rate • blood samples • muscle biopsies
Form and Function • built to cover terrain quickly and easily • efficiently refuel with relatively low-energy food sources • body structure and shape conducive to carrying man • natural saddle over center of mass: rider and mount are in balance • rider can easily influence motion of horse by shifting their weight • center of mass high off ground; horse can lose balance if not in tune with the rider • long neck for easy grazing; head for balance of weight • head and neck provide steering for rider • horse typically follows its head • gallop: rocking horse motion • requires less energy • little motion for the rider
horse can speed over a distance to outrun predators • can attain top speed in a short period of time (7-10 sec) • can run 2 times as fast as a human • stride can be 4 times the length of its body • legs are not to long they will interfere • legs operate like springs due to tendons and ligaments • large body mass hinders sudden movements for the rider • hoof • replaces itself continuously in response to demand • hoof wall is hard - resistant to injury • structurally provides easy attachment of a shoe for further protection • nervous system has self-protective responses
Magnificent Machinery • endurance level to outlast predators due to aerobic capacity • respiratory system has superior ability to deliver O2 to muscles • breathing directly correlates to stride frequency • heart rate 30-40 bpm to 240 bpm • spleen provides more RBC (hemoglobin) to carry O2 to muscles; initiated by epinephrine due to excitement or exercise • horse is more effective at recycling lactic acid than man • efficient cooling system due to sweat and respiration
Behavior • Herd instinct - mentally better to work with • safety in numbers • willing to follow the leader of the herd (person)
Dysfunction • digestive system • developed to graze continuously, not “stable” life • lungs • have primitive internal structure • have only a few “sentinel cells” to defend against foreign invaders • joints • force on limbs - bone can adapt, but cartilage is not as resilient • lower legs have not muscle “fine line” between conditioning and breakdown • back • stronger than most animals, but still need a saddle for extended use • instinct • horse may shy and bolt due to natural instincts
