Altitude Training
Overview
The 1968 Mexico Olympics forced the professional sporting world to sit up and acknowledge the advantages conferred by altitude training. Then, in 1971, the benefits of altitude training came to the attention of the horse racing industry when an outsider, Canonero II, won the Kentucky Derby with ease following preparation at high altitude in Venezuela. Since then, many studies have categorically proven the benefits of altitude training. The most recent studies now concentrate on identifying the best regimes to maximise these benefits. Altitude training is now used by virtually all world class human athletes and by an increasing number of professional sports teams to not only attain peak performance, but also to reduce recovery periods and to retain high levels of fitness during injury rehab, and thereby accelerate the return to competition.
Since 1968, Simulated Altitude Training (SAT) , also known as hypoxic training, has emerged as the method of achieving the same or greater physiological benefits than actually going to altitude. However, previous attempts to integrate SAT into racehorse training have been limited by using equipment designed for humans, and a limited understanding of the equestrian need.
A new generation of equipment, designed and manufactured in the UK and patent protected, has a range of features and output capabilities suitable for increasing performance on a broad front but is especially suitable for the equestrian world. Chief engineer and CEO, Dave Vincent designs and installs this bespoke new generation of equipment according to your requirements. His systems are uniquely endorsed by The English Institute of Sport - who prepare some of our World Class/Olympic athletes. Dave has even been called on to provide hypoxic bedrooms for top flight business executives who report enhanced health and clarity of thought associated with higher blood Oxygen levels!
Most importantly this new equipment provides a level of safety, control and ease of use not previously available and requires no change to the normal training regime as horses can be treated at rest in the stable. By improving oxygen utilization through a legitimate and widely recognised training technique, trainers have access to a powerful, safe and drug-free technology that can substantially enhance performance and does not fall foul of Jockey Club rules.
More specifically, hypoxic training results in increased speed, endurance and stamina, with improved recovery. Individual responses vary, but even elite athletes have consistently recorded improvements of up to 5% in closely controlled studies - which equates to a distance gain of 88 yards per mile. Time to exhaustion at maximum effort has frequently improved by more than 30%. When The Derby is won or lost over a short head as happened in 2006, even a 0.5% (just under 9 yards) gain in performance would make a tremendous difference to the result of a race. It is easy to see why forward-thinking trainers are taking a keen interest in altitude training for horses.
Altitude simulation delivers hypoxic (oxygen-reduced, but ultra pure) air to the horse regardless of the training location. But amazingly, this technique offers considerable advantages over actually travelling to altitude - beyond the expense and inconvenience of transporting horses to unfamiliar surroundings. Research has consistently suggested that it is the cycling between hypoxic and normoxic air (normal oxygen content) that is a critical aspect in the success of the regime.
Check out the other Altitude Training page links to find out more information. | 
