Cortisol and glucose responses were evaluated in 12 Arabian (PSA) horses submitted to a detraining period of eight months (T0) and to 90 days of aerobic training (T90). For the evaluation of the effect of training, a standardized incremental exercise test in a treadmill was used. Fifteen seconds before the ending of each effort step, blood samples were collected. The speed (intensity) of the training was defined as being 80% of the V4 (speed at which the blood lactate concentration reaches 4mmol/L). Additionally, in the last month of training, velocity play, a type of exercise with varying velocities called "fartlek" was instituted, once a week. Results showed that after 90 days of training, the plasmatic concentrations of cortisol and glucose increased when compared to the untrained horses. This result reflects the possibility of adaptation to the training. The blood cortisol levels may be used as a tool for the evaluation of a training program in horses.
equine; traing program; cortisol; glucose
