The use of exercise testing to assess training efficacy in sport horses

Summary Training programmes for horses must be tailored to the physiological demands of each Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) discipline to optimise performance and welfare. Standardised exercise tests (SETs) have emerged as essential tools for evaluating equine fitness by measuring physiological responses to controlled workloads. This review evaluates the use of different training programmes across the FEI disciplines and which SET protocols and fitness indices can be used to guide appropriate training load (intensity, frequency and duration), monitor progression and prevent injuries. Evidence supports the use of SET‐derived metrics to inform training decisions, with improvements in fitness observed when training load is appropriate for the individual athlete. However, gaps remain in research on disciplines such as vaulting and driving, and the relationship between SET outcomes and actual competition performance requires further exploration. The findings underscore the importance of individualised, data‐driven training strategies that incorporate regular fitness and workload assessments and recovery planning. Adoption of SETs and wearable technologies in routine training to accurately evaluate training can enhance both performance and welfare outcomes in sport horses.