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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.
An increased number of heterozygous calls in the AxiomTM Equine Genotyping Array. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays are commonly used in livestock genetics to investigate complex traits including genome-wide associations and fine mapping, genomic prediction and genetic diversity analyses. In a European equine diversity study, we analysed the AxiomTM Equine 670K SNP genotype data from 2,768 equids representing 20 horse breeds and one donkey breed. Using a strict detection setting to identify genome-wide runs of homozygosity (ROH), 169 purebred horses displayed fewer ROH segments than F1 crosses. Under medium and relaxed settings, ROH counts increased, while some ho...
Macroscopic comparison of open Metzenbaum and ultrasound-guided fasciotomy techniques for surgical treatment of the hindlimb proximal suspensory ligament desmopathy in horses: A cadaveric anatomical study. To macroscopically characterize and compare the open Metzenbaum (FOM) and ultrasound-guided (FUG) plantar fasciotomy techniques for decompression of the hindlimb proximal suspensory ligament (PSL), and to determine whether either approach induces intraligamentous splitting (ILS). Methods: Cadaveric experimental study. Methods: Paired hindlimbs from 10 adult horses with no history of hindlimb lameness. Methods: Each horse contributed one limb to FOM and the contralateral to FUG. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon, and incision measurements were obtained by a blinded examiner. Ski...
Comparison of Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Characteristics Between Miechongshu-Treated and Untreated Yili Horses. Anthelmintic treatment is widely used in equine health management to control parasitic infections; however, its potential effects on the gut microbiota and metabolic characteristics remain poorly understood. In this study, twelve Yili horses were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (C), which received no anthelmintic treatment, and a Miechongshu-treated group (T), which was orally administered Miechongshu at a dose of 0.36 g/kg body weight on day 0. Fecal samples were collected from the rectums of Yili horses on day 14 after administration, and differences in gut microbial composi...
Preoperative risk assessment in horses: agreement and predictive value of CHARIOT (Combined Horse Anaesthetic Risk Identification and Optimisation Tool). To assess interobserver agreement and predictive value of the Combined Horse Anaesthetic Risk Identification and Optimisation Tool (CHARIOT) compared with the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) classification system among five groups of evaluators with different levels of expertise, and to explore the association between risk scores and 7-day postoperative mortality. Methods: Prospective, observational, single-centre pilot study. Methods: A group of 50 client-owned horses. Methods: Each horse was assessed (ASA-PS and CHARIOT) before general anaesthesia by one evalua...
Anatomical description of the vertebrobasilar and carotid systems forming the cerebral arterial circle in the equine brain. The cerebral blood supply in horses is maintained by carotid and vertebrobasilar systems, which join the cerebral arterial circle to ensure continuous brain perfusion. This study aimed to comprehensively describe the origins, courses, and interconnections of the vertebrobasilar and carotid systems in the horse brain. Unassigned: Ten adult equine specimens were obtained from horses euthanized for non-neurological reasons. Following perfusion with 10% formaldehyde, colored latex was injected into the arterial system, and detailed dissections were performed to study major intracranial vessels. Un...
Comparative hematological and physiological responses to ground and pool training in Colombian Paso Horses. Exercise training causes physiological and hematological changes that are crucial for enhancing athletic performance in horses. While these responses have been extensively studied in various equine breeds, there is limited information regarding Colombian Paso Horses (CPH), especially concerning the comparative effects of different training methods. Ground-based training is frequently used to improve gait and speed, whereas aquatic exercise has become an alternative conditioning approach that lessens musculoskeletal stress. However, the physiological responses related to these training modaliti...
Preliminary Investigation of a Transcutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Technique for Pudendal Nerve Block in Six Horse Cadavers. Regional anaesthesia of the equine anogenital tract is limited to local infiltration, extradural, blind palpation and nerve stimulator-guided techniques which risk iatrogenic damage, recumbency and ataxia. This study aimed to describe and assess the feasibility of transcutaneous ultrasound-guided (USG) pudendal nerve staining in equine cadavers. An initial pilot phase used two fresh equine cadavers and one standing unsedated horse to image the intrapelvic anatomy using ultrasound. One fixed equine cadaver specimen was also dissected to identify the pudendal nerve and refine the dissection appr...
Client-specific outcome measure for chronic osteoarthritis pain assessment in horses. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent cause of chronic pain and lameness in horses. Whereas lameness can be quantified using objective measures, the assessment of OA-associated pain remains challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the Client-Specific Outcome Measure (CSOM), a tool widely used in small animals, for the assessment of chronic OA pain in horses through caretaker evaluation. Unassigned: Seventeen privately owned horses with confirmed OA were enrolled in a 20-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. For each horse, three individual pain-related ind...
Imaging of the equine abdomen using point of care ultrasound (POCUS): Effects of sedation on intestinal motility in horses. Point of care ultrasonographic (POCUS) assessment of the equine abdomen is now readily available to the equine practitioner using hand-held ultrasound transducers. Commonly used medications may alter the sonographic appearance or function of the small intestine, caecum or colon. Objective: To demonstrate qualitative and quantitative effects of xylazine sedation on intestinal motility of healthy horses using hand-held, wi-fi ultrasound transducers and validate POCUS methodology by determination of intra- and interobserver agreement. Methods: Double-blind cross-over study of eight healthy horses...
Small Genome-wide association study of insect bite hypersensitivity in Hucul horses. Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is a prevalent allergic skin disease in horses that significantly affects animal welfare and shows evidence of genetic predisposition. Objective: Understanding the genetic basis of IBH can improve management and breeding strategies. The Equine80K BeadChip microarray was used to identify genomic regions associated with the occurrence of IBH in Hucul horses. Methods: Hair samples were collected from 127 Hucul horses, including both affected individuals and controls. DNA was extracted and genotyped. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to identif...
3D geometric morphometrics in veterinary science: applications, standardization, and future directions. Three-dimensional geometric morphometric methods have emerged as a pivotal tool in veterinary anatomy, taxonomy, clinical research, and studies of morphological diversity. This article summarizes the key stages, applications, clinical potential, and recommendations for data standardization in 3D morphometrics. Datasets are typically acquired using radiological modalities, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 3D surface scanning, each offering specific advantages and constraints contingent on the research context. Standardized landmark sets are essential in ...
The influence of dirt track hardness on equine limb acceleration and impact attenuation. BACKGROUND: Track hardness is a modifiable factor that may influence musculoskeletal loading and injury risk in equine athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of track hardness on segmental accelerations and impact attenuation in the equine forelimb at racing speeds. We hypothesized that harder surfaces would result in greater peak segmental accelerations and reduced attenuation. METHODS: Twelve Thoroughbred chuckwagon outriding horses, instrumented with tri-axial accelerometers and a global positioning system (GPS) unit, galloped on the Calgary Stampede dirt racetrack ...
Conditional Antioxidant Protection of Stallion Spermatozoa by Butylated Hydroxytoluene Under Induced Oxidative Stress. Despite advances in the method, equine semen cryopreservation still leads to a marked decline in sperm quality, partly attributed to oxidative stress, which motivates the search for lipophilic antioxidants capable of stabilizing the plasma membrane during cooling and freezing. This study performed three experiments to evaluate butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as an additive to commercial skim milk-based (Botu-Sêmen) and egg yolk-based (Botu-Crio) extenders. In Experiment 1, a dose-response curve (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mM) was performed using stallion semen to assess toxicity and establish a safe ...
Horses Prefer Their Rider: A Strange Situation Test Adaptation Shows Behavioural Evidence for Partner-Specific Bonding. The relationship between horses and humans is often described as cooperative and affective, yet empirical studies on horse-rider bond remain scarce. Previous findings on horse-human relationships yielded conflicting results on whether and how horses show bonding like behaviour toward their owners. Objective: We tested whether horses show partner-specific approach and proximity toward their primary rider compared with an unfamiliar experimenter in an adapted Strange Situation Test, and whether the rider's presence was associated with behavioural patterns indicative of safe haven and secure base...
Sequential Application of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma and Muscle-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Acute Tendon Injuries in Horses: Early Clinical and Ultrasonographic Outcomes in a Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study. Tendon and ligament injuries are frequent in sport horses and are prone to recurrence due to incomplete healing. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly used, but data controlled on the early effects of autologous MSCs remain limited. A prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in horses with naturally occurring tendinopathies. After standardized PRP pretreatment, non-responders were randomized to receive intralesional autologous muscle-derived MSCs (mdMSCs, = 17) or placebo ( = 6). Clinical and ultrasonographic paramete...
Equine models in translational medicine: A comparative approach to human health. The horse is a distinctive translational model for bridging mechanistic discovery and clinically relevant investigation because of its physiological complexity, long lifespan, athletic phenotype, and broad spectrum of naturally occurring conditions that parallel aspects of human health and disease. Its utility extends from musculoskeletal and joint research to immunology, metabolic disorders, and exercise physiology, particularly where naturally developed disease, clinically applicable imaging, and longitudinal sampling are required. Additionally, it offers opportunities to examine both chroni...
Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Equine Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis Using Machine Learning Integrating Computed Tomography Findings and Synovial Fluid Biomarkers. Horses presenting with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunctions are often clinically evaluated for TMJ osteoarthritis (OA). Due to the unique characteristic of TMJ-related pain, the clinical diagnosis of equine TMJ OA is challenging; however, it may be supported by computer-aided tools incorporating biomarker data. This study aims to evaluate a machine learning-based approach to address a binary classification distinguishing healthy TMJs from TMJ OA. Among 50 equine cadaver heads, 82 TMJs were included and annotated as healthy or OA based on histological and computed tomography (CT) findings...
Comparative Evaluation of Sperm Quality Assessment Methods in Purebred Spanish Horses. Evaluating semen quality in Purebred Spanish Horses is essential to determine reproductive potential and optimize assisted reproductive techniques. Objective: This study compared several sperm analysis methods in Purebred Spanish Horses to standardize protocols suitable for both laboratory and field conditions. Methods: Fifteen stallions were evaluated through three ejaculates, analyzing sperm parameters using different techniques. Sperm kinematics was assessed by Sperm Computer Analyzer (SCA-CASA) or iSperm mCASA. Viability was analyzed by eosin-nigrosin-Giemsa (ENG) staining or Hoechst 33258...
Is there a difference in pressures and forces under the roller with different pads when lunging horses with the Pessoa training aid? Elevated pressures beneath training rollers during the Pessoa training aid (PTA) use have been reported, particularly over the thoracic region, which may contribute to back discomfort. Objective: To investigate the effect of different pads on pressures and forces beneath a training roller during lunging with a PTA. Methods: Six clinically sound horses (13.8 ± 5.2 years) were lunged on a 16-m circle in trot and canter using a randomised crossover design under three conditions: no padding (Pad 1), a folded cotton saddle cloth (Pad 2), and a purpose-made roller foam pad (Pad 3). Kinetic data wer...
Synergistic effects of Ferula asafoetida extract and condensed tannins from raisin pomace on in vitro cecal fermentation kinetics and nutrient digestibility in horses. The equine hindgut depends on microbial fermentation for efficient nutrient utilization but remains vulnerable to dysbiosis, hindgut acidosis, and suboptimal fiber digestion. Growing restrictions on antibiotic and synthetic feed additives have increased interest in natural phytogenic compounds. Medicinal plant extracts and condensed tannins are promising candidates to modulate microbial activity, improve fermentation efficiency, and enhance nutrient digestibility. This study aimed to investigate the individual and combined effects of hydroalcoholic extract of and condensed tannins extracted f...
Are antioxidants hindering stallion sperm capacitation? A perspective on hidden barriers to equine IVF success. Heavy use of antioxidants in equine in vitro fertilisation (IVF) media may suppress the reactive oxygen species (ROS) signals stallion sperm need for capacitation, which depends on high mitochondrial activity and a well-maintained endogenous redox homeostasis. A species-specific approach balancing oxidative protection with controlled ROS signalling could improve fertilisation efficiency and reduce prolonged incubation times.
Functional Characterization of Long Non-Coding RNAs Associated with Reproductive Fitness in Pura Raza Española Mares. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts constituted of more than 200 nucleotides that have been associated with the regulation of different biological processes by modulating the expression of key genes. In horses, evidence suggests that lncRNAs play a role in female reproductive fitness, yet their functional implications remain poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to investigate potential DNA:RNA triplex interactions between the promoter regions of fertility-related genes and lncRNAs transcribed from non-coding loci located within ±50 kb of these genes. By doing so, w...
Cardiac morphologic changes induced by a 10-week water treadmill training for show jumping horses: A preliminary evaluation. This study aimed to investigate cardiac adaptations and energy expenditure of jumping horses after water treadmill (WT) training. Six trained horses were evaluated before (PRETR) and after (TR) a WT training (20 min, twice/week, water at carpus height) for 10 weeks. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at PRETR and TR with phased array transducer (1.9-4 MHz) to obtain interventricular septal thickness (IVS), LV internal diameter (LVID), and posterior wall thickness (LVPW) at end-diastole (d) and systole (s) and heart rate (HR). Left ventricule end diastolic volume (Vd) and end syst...
Do active stables affect the response to novelty and attitude towards humans in horses? A pilot study. The demand for horse housing that allows social contact, free movement, and continuous access to forage is increasing. Active stables, equipped with automatic feeders, aim to meet these needs by offering conditions closer to natural living. It is not known whether 'active stable' influences horse fear and human-oriented behaviour. This study compared the behaviour of horses housed in active stable (N = 24) and traditional stable (N = 22) to assess responses to novelty, sudden stimuli, and interactions with humans. We also examined the effects of breed type, age, and weekly riding workload....
RAiSE (recognizing affective state in equine) and the assessment of equine affective state: Accuracy and application. Accurate interpretation of affective state (AS) of animals is critical to assessment of their wellbeing. Although horse owners may appreciate the importance of this skill, many lack the ability to interpret AS accurately. Objective: To test if the online course Recognizing Affective States in Equine (RAiSE) improves participants' assessment of AS in horses and increases use of AS in management. Methods: Participants completed pre (PRE), post (POST), and 90 day post (90POST) course surveys to assess accuracy in identifying AS in 20 videos, as well as use of AS in their horse interactions. Pre/p...
Supramolecular Solvent Extraction for Doping Control Analysis of Prohibited Substances in Horse Urine. Despite the recent success in introducing supramolecular solvents (SUPRAS)-based extraction to drug analysis, its application and robustness in day-to-day regular urine testing have yet to be demonstrated. Moreover, the applicability of SUPRAS in equine doping control testing remains unexplored. In this work, we have successfully developed for the first time a simple, rapid, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly SUPRAS extraction method for analyzing 76 prohibited substances of different classes (selective androgen receptor modulators, hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors...
The dynamic 3D horse: analyzing the relationship between whole body pathomechanics and joint degeneration in the fetlocks. Lameness is often associated with degenerative joint disease (DJD). Current therapies focus on minimizing pain or treating specific lesions but generally do not address the pathomechanical forces that are the root cause of degeneration. Treatments based on specific, whole-body therapies are becoming common in humans with DJD, but are still not routinely applied in equine cases. Designing targeted therapies for horses requires recognizing habitual postures and movements that are pathological. An important but often missing component for understanding movement postures is accurate and manipulata...
Horse Olfactory Exploration of Various Plants with Regard to Smell and Taste Familiarity. The sense of smell is the first sense by which horses determine the suitability of feed for consumption. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the degree of familiarity with the smell and taste of plants on horses' olfactory exploration. Behavioural responses of twenty adult horses to nine herbs of three degrees of familiarity-least familiar (unknown in the first trial), known only by smell, and known by smell and taste-were investigated. During the tests, the horses were allowed to explore the individual herbs placed in a crib constructed to prevent them from eating the contents...
Integrating Performance Records and Genetic Evaluations in Spanish Horse Populations Competing in Olympic Disciplines. This study evaluates performance data and genetic merit of the main horse populations competing in Olympic disciplines in Spain and examines their implications for the optimization of official Breeding Programs. Performance records from 2004-2023 were analyzed, including 101,093 participations in Dressage, 319,000 in Show Jumping, and 17,535 in Eventing. These records were combined with pedigree information from 35,589 horses in Dressage, 33,935 in Show Jumping, and 12,102 in Eventing and evaluated using BLUP animal models to obtain standardized Estimated Breeding Values (EBV; mean 100 ± 20) ...
