Tom Ivers: The Basics of Equine Exercise Science 2

Tom Ivers (1944-2005)
This video is one in a series, made in the 1980s and 90s, covering the science of equine interval training. Tom Ivers pioneered this training method for the horse racing industry, adopting the fundamentals from widely used human athletic interval training techniques and applying it to the equine athlete with all nuances considered. He wrote 9 books, conducted countless lectures and seminars and consulted privately with owners and trainers the world over. Tom also maintained a web-based discussion group called “Horsescience” with thousands of participants.
These videos were created and edited by Tom in a time before widescreen, before high definition and before computer-based editing tools. While the visual quality may suffer by today’s standards, the content is forever pertinent. Tom’s wife, Edie, decided in 2020 to release these videos for public consumption before they were lost to time and change. Thank you, Edie. - Bob Ivers (Tom’s younger brother)
“Among the many horses that excelled with interval training was the European runner Stanerra, who won two group stakes at the 1983 Royal Ascot meeting in England and won the Japan Cup later that year.” -- (Bloodhorse Magazine, 11/16/2005)
“This genius of a man on horses has been such an influence on all good horsemen and women.
He is so missed.
His books on interval training are a must.” -- Philip O’Connor, Hoofblog.com, 2019

[@alisonhoyte7608]

Brilliant man , I have learn't so much more and practical help thanks so much for your effort to make this series

[@brucedonaldson3522]

Is there a video in this series that tells you about transitioning a young horse that has had 4 starts to interval work?

[@daniel_moretti]

Is he really saying starting at around 1:10:00 that a thoroughbred racehorse should be galloped for 10 continouous miles three times a week? Can some elborate on this? And doesn't it contradict what he proposed earlier about breaking up trining into smaller sessions?

[@AmplifyStables]

@daniel_moretti - If you watch the earlier equine exercise videos, Mr. Ivers breaks down step by step what he means by the interval training. No it is NOT 10 continunous miles. It's 1 mile jog, 5-10 mins light lope/walk to bring heart rate down (Repeat 3X) around the track (some also do on treadmill as once video explains) but depends on your athlete. If it's in good sound shape, under tack work with a rider is most definetly warranted. If there are tendor injuries or other considerations such as starting up training after a brief rest, treadmill will be a better bet because you can adjust variables such as speed, incline, and monitor the athlete much closer.
In terms of # of times / week frequency, that is upto you in terms of what your goals are (Distance of races etc). Like he mentions a horse can do 18-22 miles worth of walking, galloping, sprinting in a day (combined) while left in a suitable size of paddock. Therefore, a light canter / gallop of 1 mile X3 per day is not necessarily an idea that's out of this world. Keeping an eye on the animal daily after works with your post-work treatment is key. Obviously if you see excessive swelling, lay back on the distance. You will not start the 3 Mile Interval gallops on the first day, you will need to BUILD UP to it. We're training anywhere from 40-60 "Mid-High" level athletes at any given time on our farm, and we have pitched the idea to some trainers/owners to try this method (I've sent videos to them to study before having them say yes or no). In Europe the trainers work similarly with the higher distances, even adding in hill work to the regiment. It's only in North America we see the usual 5/8 breeze or 1.5 mile jog and done. Think about it yourself, if any athlete could be gallopped 1 mile a day and become top of the world, everyone would be doing it. Everyone has their own opinions, in terms of the contractictions, rewatch the videos, each point about short vs longer duration is made in regards to a specific example presented under guidelines. The premise is to get your horse fit enough with less intense but longer work to the point where short and stronger works are warranted. Stay safe and keep up the great work all.

[@daniel_moretti]

@@AmplifyStables Thank you so much! Really appreciate the work put into your reply!

[@brucedonaldson3522]

Robert, when you have taken a horse through the process, it’s raced and is in the paddock for 2-3 weeks, and it comes back into work do you have to start at 3x1 mile or do you go to 3/4’s.
If anyone else has an answer as well I would love to hear from you.

[@StayingFast]

I would assume if this is a horse you’ve picked up recently then it does not have the long slow mileage for strength of the bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments to go into the interval training yet. It could probably handle a couple miles in the LSD, but needs more before going to intervals. I know I’m way late commenting this but, it’s a good question either way. I have read The Fit Racehorse and working on my second read through and watching all the videos.