Treatment of racehorse superficial digital flexor tendonitis: A comparison of stem cell treatments to controlled exercise rehabilitation in 213 cases.

Background: Overstrain of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is a common Thoroughbred racehorse limb injury requiring treatment.

Objectives: To determine whether treatment of SDFT lesions in flat Thoroughbred racehorses with autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) or allogenic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (A-MSCs) is associated with improved likelihood of returning to racing, when compared to racehorses managed with a controlled exercise rehabilitation program (CERP) alone.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study combining clinical treatment records with race records.

Factors associated with completion of Fédération Équestre Internationale endurance rides (2012-2019): Modelling success to promote welfare-oriented decisions in the equestrian sport of endurance.

Endurance riding is a popular equestrian sport organised at the international level by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). The sport involves prolonged exercise at speed over significant distances, which puts a substantial load on equine athletes' musculoskeletal systems and metabolism and contributes to the risk of injuries and other veterinary problems. The FEI employs a system of in-ride veterinary inspections aimed at early detection of such problems and elimination of horses unfit to continue in the ride.