EQUILYTICS PLATFORM

Layer-3 Sport Science for Thoroughbred Racing - Evidence-Based Training Prescription

The 11 x 8 Training Taxonomy

A standardised sport-science framework for horse-racing conditioning, grounded in equine exercise physiology (Rose & Hodgson, 1994; Evans, 2000; Hinchcliff, Kaneps & Geor, 2014).

Version: 1.0 · Author: Equilytics Sport Science (Australia) Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 - attribute & share-alike

What is the 11 x 8 framework? Every training session or race prescription in Equilytics is classified along two axes: (1) the targeted physiological parameter (11 options - e.g. VO2 max Type I fibers, VLa max, Lactate Threshold) and (2) the training block it belongs to (8 options - e.g. Aerobic Capacity, Racing Cycle, Taper). This produces a shared language between trainer, vet and sport-scientist, and makes workouts interoperable across data providers (Equimetre, eTRAKKA, Polar, RAPRO).

1. Why a taxonomy?

Racing stables generate gigabytes of GPS, HR and race-sectional data, but without a common classification of what each workout was trying to achieve, that data stays siloed. The 11 x 8 taxonomy is the rosetta-stone layer that lets any stable compare, benchmark and replicate work regardless of hardware.

Before

"Monday: 2 x 1000 m at 55 km/h on sand." - Meaning depends on trainer.

After

"Monday: vVO2 max - Anaerobic Capacity Training - 2 x 1000 m, Zone 5." - Meaning is universal.

2. The 11 Main Parameters (Physiology axis)

Each parameter targets a specific bio-energetic system. Zone colour indicates typical intensity on the Equilytics 0-7 RPE-equivalent scale.

#	Parameter	Zone	Physiology & Prescription
Loading from D1...

Scientific basis: VO2 max fiber-type differentiation follows Rivero & Piercy (2008, Equine Exercise Physiology). Lactate Threshold & MLSS conventions follow Eaton et al. (1995) and the modified D-max method (Cheng et al., 1992). VLa max is adapted from Heck & Mader (1988 human) to equine by Evans (2007).

3. The 8 Training Block Types (Periodisation axis)

Blocks are sequential phases of a macrocycle. Typical preparation duration in brackets.

Loading from D1...

4. The 11 x 8 Matrix - What Goes Where

Shaded cells indicate the primary parameters trained in each block. Filled circle = main focus, half circle = supporting work.

5. Applied Example - 12-Month Preparation

A stayer preparing for an autumn 2400 m Group race would move through the blocks as follows:

Weeks	Block	Dominant parameter	Training volume cue
1 - 4	Spelling	- (paddock rest)	Walk & natural movement
5 - 10	Aerobic Capacity Training	VO2 max - Type I Fibers	Long slow canters, Z2 80%
11 - 14	Anaerobic Capacity Training	vVO2 max	Intervals at Z4-Z5
15 - 18	Aerobic Power Training	Lactate Threshold (MLSS)	Tempo gallops Z3
19 - 22	Anaerobic Power Training	VLa max / Speed Endurance	Sprints Z5-Z6
23 - 26	Racing Cycle	Fine-Tuning VLa max	1x race/trial every 10-14d
27 - 28	Taper	Speed	Volume -40%, peak sharpness
29+	Active Recovery then Spelling	Recovery	Drop intensity to Z1

6. Zone Guide (0 - 7)

Zone	Label	Physiology	Example Work
0	Rest	No load	Stable / paddock
1	Recovery	Walking / swim recovery	Walker 20 min · Swim 2 laps
2	Aerobic Base	< 2 mmol lactate · Type I recruitment	Trot 1, Canter 2 (55-65% VO2)
3	Aerobic Power	2-4 mmol · near MLSS	Tempo 2400 m
4	VO2 max	> 4 mmol · Type IIa	3 x 40 s on/off 4deg 44 km/h
5	Anaerobic Capacity	vVO2 max · high VLa max	Jump-out 600 m flat
6	Lactate Tolerance	Race pace · Speed Endurance	1600 m Barrier Trial
7	Maximal Speed	Neuromuscular · < 8 s	Flying 200 m

7. How Equilytics Uses This Taxonomy

Workout library: every one of the 81 workout templates is tagged with parameter + block + zone.
Voice dictation: when the trainer says "Steparty T1 C2 S2" the parser matches it to the workout template which already carries its parameter/block classification.
Annual Plan: each week's training phase maps onto the 8-block axis; the Avg Zone row shows the intensity axis.
Ingestion adapters: Equimetre / eTRAKKA / Polar / RAPRO CSVs are normalised to the same 11 x 8 tags so dashboards compare apples with apples.

8. How to cite

Equilytics Sport Science. (). The Equilytics 11 x 8 Training Taxonomy for Thoroughbred Racing. Version 1.0. Retrieved from https://equilytics.com.au/taxonomy