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Topic:Equine Research
Equine biomechanics involves the study of the mechanical principles that govern the movement and structure of horses. This field examines the anatomical and physiological aspects that contribute to locomotion, including gait patterns, joint function, and muscle dynamics. Researchers utilize advanced technologies such as motion capture and force plate analysis to assess the efficiency and performance of equine movement. Understanding biomechanics aids in optimizing training regimens, improving performance, and preventing injuries. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the mechanics of equine movement, its applications in sports and rehabilitation, and its impact on overall equine health.
Effect of shod status on distal limb thermography in leisure horses. This study evaluated whether shod status affects distal limb surface temperature in 43 healthy leisure horses using infrared thermography. Thermographic images of 16 regions of interest were acquired at rest from shod (n=23) and barefoot horses (n=20), with temperatures corrected for ambient temperature and wind speed. Significant thermal differences existed between anatomical regions (P0.7). These findings indicate shod status has minimal impact on resting distal limb thermography in leisure horses.
Balancing training load, rest and musculoskeletal injury risk: a mathematical modelling study in Thoroughbred racehorses. Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in Thoroughbred racehorses are a leading cause of death and premature retirement, and are heavily influenced by training practices. Greater distances of high-speed galloping accumulated during racing campaigns are associated with MSI. Bone injury is the most common MSI, and understanding how training practices influence bone damage accumulation is critical for improving both horse welfare and racing outcomes. This study builds on an existing mathematical model of bone adaptation and damage to investigate the impact of different training programmes on bone injury ...
Morphological and Behavioural Predictors of Motor Laterality in Domestic Horses: A Cross-Sectional Field Study. Motor laterality in horses affects performance, training, and welfare. A simple morphological marker for laterality would help riders, trainers, and veterinarians identify likely locomotor asymmetries early. This study tested whether observable morphological and behavioural characteristics were associated with rider-perceived motor laterality in domestic horses, using a cross-sectional observational field study design conducted in the Blida and Algiers regions of Algeria. The study included 100 regularly ridden domestic horses. Mane orientation, facial whorl characteristics, standing curvature...
Cervical articular process joint versus ventral cervical stabilization in horses: A biomechanical study. To determine the biomechanical properties and modes of failure of a single level equine cervical spine immobilized with unilateral or bilateral articular process joint (APJ) stabilization, ventral cervical stabilization (VCS) and non-stabilized controls. Methods: Ex vivo experimental study. Methods: A total of 24 equine cadaver cervical spines. Methods: Cervical spinal units (C4-C5) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6/group): unilateral APJ stabilization, bilateral APJ stabilization, VCS using pedicle screws and rod constructs, or non-stabilized. Non-destructive testing assessed k...
Pass rates using the FEI noseband measurement device at British Dressage 2025 Championships. Appropriate fitting of equipment provides horse comfort and avoids compromising equine welfare. In May 2025, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) introduced an evidence-based measuring device that is passed beneath the noseband to ensure sufficient laxity. Objective: To study the use of the FEI noseband device during mandatory tack and equipment checks at British Dressage Championships. Methods: Observational. Methods: Noseband testing was observed for a total of 523 horses competing at the 2025 British Dressage National Championship, Middle Tour Championship and Area Festival Champi...
Cumulus cell DNA fragmentation as non-invasive biomarker of equine oocyte quality in in vitro embryo production. The efficiency of in vitro embryo production in animal species is constrained by the absence of practical, non-invasive biomarkers to assess oocyte quality. Cumulus cell DNA fragmentation index (CC-DFI) has been proposed as a biomarker in humans, but data in animals remain limited. Objective: This study investigated the association of CC-DFI with in vitro maturation (IVM) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes in horses, and its relationship with mare-related factors, autumnal transition period, cumulus cell viability, and cumulus expansion. Methods: Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC...
A novel water additive increases voluntary water intake in healthy horses. To determine whether healthy horses would increase their voluntary water intake (VWI) when offered a novel water additive (NWA) compared to plain water (TAP) and water flavored with sweet feed, referred to as sweet tea (ST). Unassigned: 12 clinically healthy horses, aged 2 to 5 years old, were enrolled in the experimental crossover design. Four horses were assigned to each group for each of the 3 study weeks. The order that the horses were allocated to study groups was randomly assigned. All horses had access to 2 buckets filled to 16 L, one containing plain water (untreated bucket) and one co...
Comparison of arterial blood pressure and quality of induction and recovery in horses anesthetized with diazepam or guaifenesin co-induction combined with xylazine and ketamine and maintained on isoflurane. The objective of this prospective alternating crossover study was to compare quality of induction and recovery and cardiopulmonary function in horses administered guaifenesin or diazepam as co-induction drugs. Six healthy horses were anesthetized twice to undergo an MRI and surgical biopsies, with 5 wk between treatments. Horses were sedated intravenously (IV) with xylazine, 0.6 mg/kg BW, and IV induction started 4 min later. Group G received guaifenesin, 100 mg/kg BW, over 2 min and ketamine, 2 mg/kg BW, within 1 to 2 min of starting the guaifenesin. Group D received diazepam, 0.1 mg/kg BW, w...
Oxidative and Mitochondrial Status of Vitrified Equine In Vitro Matured Oocytes Using Temperature-Specific Equilibration Protocols. Cryopreservation of equine in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes remains a major challenge in assisted reproduction due to their high susceptibility to cryoinjury, including oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological status of vitrified/warmed equine IVM oocytes following vitrification using two temperature-specific equilibration protocols by assessing reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular glutathione (GSH) content and mitochondrial oxidative activity and distribution patterns. Oocytes were vitrified after 28 h of IVM either at 25...
Comparative Susceptibility of Donkey and Horse Sperm to Liquid-Storage Temperature. Preservation protocols for donkey sperm are based on those developed for horses, despite potential interspecific differences in cooling tolerance. This study compared horse and donkey sperm during long-term storage at 5°C and 17°C. Ejaculates from four stallions and four jacks (n = 16) were centrifuged, resuspended in skimmed milk-based extender, and stored at both temperatures. Sperm motility, plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, and morphology were evaluated after 1, 2 and 7 days. Fresh semen parameters showed no interspecific differences (p > 0.05). At 5°C, donkey sperm show...
Differential Gene Expression of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell and Granulosa Cell Markers in Equine Follicular Aspirates. Equine follicular aspirates obtained during ovum pick-up contain a heterogeneous mixture of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and granulosa cells (GC). This study evaluates how selective isolation and expansion of MSC decrease GC populations. Follicular aspirates-derived cells were cultured up to passage four (P4) following a previously validated protocol. While freshly isolated follicular aspirates cells (FAC) displayed heterogeneous morphologies, early passages (P3-P4) showed a uniform, spindle-shaped phenotype compatible with MSC. Gene expression analysis by RT-qPCR revealed a marked upregula...
Nasopharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal collapse: intra- and interrater agreement supports novel endoscopic scoring classifications in horses. The contribution of reduced airway patency from heightened inspiratory pressure or active muscular contraction to the pathophysiology of pharyngeal collapse is unknown. Existing classifications refer to the entire pharyngeal region; however, anatomical differences are evident between rostral and caudal collapse. Novel classifications and grading systems are proposed to differentiate 2 pathologies: nasopharyngeal collapse (NPC; collapse of ≥ 1 pharyngeal wall rostral to the tip of the epiglottis; grades 0 through 4), and laryngopharyngeal collapse (LPC; collapse of ≥ 1 pharyngeal wall cauda...
A single-cell RNA-seq dataset characterizing cellular diversity in healthy equine skin. The skin serves as the primary barrier tissue in horses and is frequently affected by immune-mediated dermatological conditions, most notably insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH). Yet, the cellular composition and transcriptional landscape of normal equine skin have never been characterized at single-cell resolution. Here, we present a single-cell RNA sequencing dataset of healthy equine skin comprising 85,574 high-quality transcriptomes from two horses, with one skin biopsy collected from each horse, divided into two portions for independent processing via manual or automated tissue dissociatio...
Liposomal bupivacaine local analgesia reduces systemic inflammatory responses following equine laparoscopic surgery. Liposomal local anesthetics have been shown to extend analgesia duration and improve pain scores dose-dependently in horses. Our objective was to assess concurrent impact on systemic inflammatory markers. Unassigned: 18 mares (age, 2 to 20 years) with normal ovarian anatomy were enrolled. Laparoscopic bilateral ovariectomies were performed standing with sedation. Local analgesia was: 80 mL bupivacaine hydrochloride (BHCl; n = 6), 30 mL 0.75% BHCl + 20 mL (low-dose) liposomal bupivacaine (LB) expanded to 80 mL with saline (LB20, n = 6), or 30 mL 0.75% BHCl + 40 mL (high-dose) LB expanded to equ...
Characterisation of microbial metabolite profiles across the gastrointestinal tract of horses fed on pasture, hay or oat-supplemented rations. Dietary composition substantially influences the intensity and site of microbial metabolite production in the gastrointestinal tract. These metabolites have numerous beneficial effects on equine health, but may also be involved in the development of gastrointestinal disorders. It remains unclear whether different feeding strategies, including starch supplementation, can alter microbial metabolite profiles along the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to compare the metabolite profiles of the microbial communities in the gastrointestinal tract of horses fed on pasture 24 h/day (PST; n =...
Cooperative Care in Zoo, Livestock, and Companion Animals and Positive Reinforcement in Horses: A Scoping Literature Review. Cooperative care, training an animal to voluntarily participate in care procedures using positive reinforcement, may improve welfare and lower stress in horses. This scoping literature review synthesizes two bodies of research to analyze existing scientific evidence on cooperative care and explore its potential application for horses. Two literature searches were conducted in ScienceDirect, CABI Digital Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar using predefined search terms and eligibility criteria. Publications were reviewed against two sets of inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 1,518 rec...
Prior-informed population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of dexamethasone in horses. Dexamethasone (DEX) is widely used in equine practice with diverse studies having characterized its pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) including our published comprehensive meta-analysis. Individual DEX concentrations in plasma and urine and serum cortisol from five studies (n = 32 horses) were analyzed using a minimal physiologically-based PK (mPBPK) model and a circadian baseline-indirect response PD model. The previous meta-analysis provided complex structural models to assess sources of variability across an array of studies involving intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) a...
Weigh tape more accurately estimates equine body weight than morphometric formula: a controlled technical assessment. Accurate body weight (BW) estimation in horses is essential for clinical and nutritional management; however, calibrated scales are often unavailable under field conditions. Objective: To compare the longitudinal accuracy and consistency of a commercial weigh tape and the Carroll and Huntington morphometric formula against calibrated digital scale measurements in adult horses. Methods: In a prospective longitudinal experimental study, six clinically healthy adult crossbred horses (mean real body weight [Rbw] 355.5 ± 21.2 kg) were monitored weekly for 63 days under controlled management condit...
Phenotypic associations between young horse assessments and orthopaedic diagnoses in insured Swedish Warmblood horses. Lameness is the most common health problem in riding horses, and insurance data have previously been used to investigate the prevalence of orthopaedic diagnoses in Swedish Warmblood (SWB) horses. Young horse performance testing is an important part of the SWB breeding programme and contributes data to the genetic evaluation. Assessed traits from these tests have been shown to be useful indicator traits of performance in show jumping and dressage, but their associations with orthopaedic health have not previously been investigated. Objective: To study the associations between assessed traits fr...
Retrospective investigation of equine parvovirus-hepatitis in Italy. Equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H) has recently been identified as the etiological agent of Theiler's disease, a major cause of acute hepatitis and liver failure in horses. While iatrogenic transmission of EqPV-H is well-documented, the natural horizontal transmission of the virus remains poorly understood. This study provides the first comprehensive epidemiological investigation and molecular characterization of EqPV-H in equine populations across Italy. A total of 1320 archival serum samples from northern and southern Italy were screened for the presence of EqPV-H DNA by qPCR. The overall ...
Phenotypic and Genetic Evaluation of Morphometric and Dynamic Traits in Mangalarga Horses. Genetic evaluation of morphometric and locomotor traits supports objective selection, avoiding exclusive reliance on subjective methods that may fixate breed traits over functionality or cause undesirable indirect selection. Objective: To evaluate genetic and phenotypic parameters for morphometric and dynamic traits in horses of the Mangalarga breed. Methods: The pedigree included 212,361 animals born between 1919 and 2019. Phenotypic subsets for morphometric and dynamic traits comprised 54,617 and 45,010 horses, respectively, born between 1977 and 2019. Variance components were estimated usin...
Serum osteocalcin is associated with scintigraphic abnormalities in lame and clinically sound racehorses. Musculoskeletal injury is a major welfare and economic challenge in racehorses, with stress-related bone injury contributing to training interruption and catastrophic failure. Advanced imaging modalities can detect early skeletal pathology but remain limited in routine screening environments. Circulating biomarkers of bone turnover may provide complementary indicators of skeletal remodelling but require validation against objective imaging findings. Objective: Evaluate whether osteocalcin (OC) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), or the CTX/OC ratio, are associated with scintig...
Diagnostic Performance of Digital Tomosynthesis for Detecting Osteophytes and Subchondral Bone Changes in the Equine Distal Interphalangeal and Metacarpophalangeal Joints. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of equine lameness and can involve periarticular osteophytes and subchondral bone (SB) changes. This exploratory ex vivo study evaluated the diagnostic performance of digital tomosynthesis (DT) for detecting these findings in the distal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints, using computed tomography (CT) classifications as the reference. Sixteen distal forelimbs from nine adult horses underwent imaging with both modalities under simulated weight-bearing conditions. Three independent observers graded osteophytes and SB changes, and the scores were dich...
Behavioral changes in thoroughbred horses following pre-training: insights from novel object tests and activity monitoring under field conditions. Racehorse training starts with pre-training, which is conducted at a very early age and remains controversial from an animal welfare perspective. This study investigated how a 12-week pre-training program influenced the behavior of young Thoroughbred horses. Horses were assessed before (A) and after (B) pre-training, which progressed from habituation and handling to ridden exercise and canter work on a racetrack. Behavioral responses were evaluated using standardized novel object tests and continuous 24-h stall monitoring via inertial measurement unit sensors. Novel object test behavior was vi...
Effects of Repeated Monopolar Pulsed Capacitive Radiofrequency Energy Treatments on Mechanical Nociceptive Thresholds and Skin Temperature in Show-Jumping Horses with Thoracolumbar Pain. This study evaluated the effects of repeated monopolar Capacitive Resistive Electrical Transfer (CRET) therapy on mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) and skin surface temperature in horses with perceived chronic thoracolumbar pain. Fifteen show-jumping horses were enrolled in a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial. Ten horses received treatment, and five underwent a sham procedure. Five treatment sessions were performed at 72 h intervals using a monopolar capacitive radiofrequency device operating at 500 kHz. Mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) were assessed before treatment, afte...
Warmed intravenous fluid administration attenuated a reduction in body temperature in anaesthetised horses. Peri-anaesthetic hypothermia is a well-documented complication of general anaesthesia and is associated with prolonged recovery, impaired wound healing, and delayed coagulation. Fluid warmers can be used to mitigate heat loss, but there is little evidence supporting their effectiveness in equine anaesthesia. Objective: To determine whether administration of warmed intravenous fluids attenuates heat loss during general anaesthesia in horses. Methods: Prospective, randomised, crossover in vivo experiment. Methods: Six healthy adult horses were anaesthetised twice and administered intravenous flu...
Scintigraphic Characteristics of the Occipitoatlantoaxial Region in Clinically Sound Horses. The equine occipitoatlantoaxial (OAA) region is biomechanically complex, yet normative scintigraphic reference data for this area are lacking. This retrospective study characterized the physiological radiopharmaceutical uptake pattern in the OAA region of 60 clinically sound horses, assigned equally into four age groups: under 6 years (Group A), 6-10 years (Group B), 11-15 years (Group C), and over 15 years (Group D). A standardized, semiquantitative analysis of lateral bone-phase scintigrams was performed using region of interest (ROI) ratios to determine uptake patterns. A highly consist...
Correlation of 2D Linear and 3D Volumetric Measurement Techniques for Subchondral Bone Sclerosis in the Equine Distal Limb Using Standing Computed Tomography. Subchondral bone sclerosis of the distal third palmar/plantar metacarpal/metatarsal condyles is a common radiographic finding in Thoroughbred racehorses. Traditionally, assessment has relied on two-dimensional (2D) linear measurements; however, advances in imaging software now allow three-dimensional (3D) volumetric quantification of subchondral bone. This study aimed to assess the relationship and agreement between computed tomography (CT)-derived 2D linear and volumetric measurements of condylar sclerosis and computer-generated 3D volumetric measurements and determine whether 2D measurements...
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal Axis Dysfunction in Critically Ill Foals and Horses. Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency is a transient dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to inadequate cortisol responses during severe stress from endotoxemia and sepsis in horses and foals. This condition is associated with poor outcomes, and its diagnosis is complicated by interindividual variability in cortisol response. Recent advances in dynamic testing and point-of-care hormone tests offer promise for better assessment and treatment, enabling more precise steroid replacement therapy in affected equine patients.
Characterization of the Healthy Ocular Mycobiome of Purebred Lusitano Horses Using Oxford Nanopore Long-Read Sequencing. The ocular surface represents a unique microbial ecosystem continuously exposed to environmental microorganisms; however, the fungal component of the healthy equine ocular microbiome remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to characterize the ocular surface mycobiome of 12 clinically healthy Purebred Lusitano horses from three geographical regions in Portugal kept in two housing systems using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing and conventional fungal culture. Sequencing revealed a highly diverse fungal community with marked inter-individual variability. The most abundant genera were ,...
