Teams compete in a chuckwagon race at the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Monday, July 12, 2010. A University of Calgary study measuring heart rates and electrical activity could eventually reduce deaths of chuckwagon horses. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
July 04, 2012 - 11:19 AM
CALGARY - A University of Calgary study measuring heart rates and electrical activity could eventually reduce deaths of chuckwagon horses.
Lead researcher Renaud Leguillette (reh-NOH' lah-GEE'-ett) says the study uses electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment to monitor horses before, during and after their morning exercise.
It will continue with selected horses competing in evening chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede.
Leguillette says there have been several cases over the years where horses have died from heart attacks after competing.
He says it's possible data from the study could lead to ways of reducing the risk by determining when it's best to run and rest a horse.
Leguillette says he has studied horses at other chuckwagon races and says the animals are extremely fit and their stress levels remarkably low.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012