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.
BRUCE LW, SHORLAND FB.IN the liver lipids of animals which have so far been examined it has been found1 that the phospholipids, as compared with the glycerides, contain less hexadecenoic acid but more stearic and highly unsaturated C20 and C22 acids, the latter being derived from dietary linoleic and linolenic acids2. Phospholipids, moreover, are generally regarded as selecting the more highly unsaturated acids from the diet3.
Wollstein M.The parameningococci of Dopter are culturally indistinguishable from true or normal meningococci, but serologically they exhibit differences as regards agglutination, opsonization, and complement deviation. Because of the variations and irregularities of serum reactions existing among otherwise normal strains of meningococci it does not seem either possible or desirable to separate the parameningococci into a strictly definite class. It appears desirable to consider them as constituting a special strain among meningococci not, however, wholly consistent in itself. The distinctions in serum rea...
Lani NR, Schoonover MJ, Williams MR, Messina A, Rudra P.To establish whether tourniquet type and number influence synovial fluid amikacin concentrations of the tarsocrural joint (TCJ) or metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) after standing saphenous IV regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) with 2 g of amikacin. Unassigned: 8 healthy adult horses underwent 4 saphenous IVRLP protocols with amikacin, differing in tourniquet type (pneumatic vs wide rubber) and number (1 placed mid-gaskin vs 1 placed mid-gaskin and 1 mid-metatarsus) in a randomized, crossover design. Amikacin concentrations were measured in serum and synovial fluid of the TCJ and MTPJ at 15 and 30...
Gmel AI, Pirani A, McInnis L, Neuditschko M.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...
Schmidt J, Wartenberg-Demand A, Forstmeier S.Preventive approaches for depression in adults aged 50 years and older have received little attention, despite increasing needs arising from demographic changes. In particular, subclinical depression is often underdiagnosed and associated with anxiety, a poorer quality of life, and greater need for assistance from the healthcare system. This multicentre, randomised, controlled phase III trial investigated if Equine-Assisted Biographical Work (EABW) is effective to improve subclinical depression. Qualified sites in Germany enrolled 52 participants ≥ 50 years (Full Analysis Set (FAS),...
Boshuizen B, Willems M, De Maré L, Hosotani G, De Oliveira JE, Horemans B, Vidal Moreno De Vega C, Verdegaal EJMM, Delesalle C.Aleurone, a bioactive wheat bran component, has been shown to modulate host metabolism and gut microbiota, but its effects across different compartments of the equine gastrointestinal (GI) tract remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to characterize aleurone-derived metabolite profiles using an fermentation model with digesta from three equine GI compartments (jejunum, cecum, and colon). Unassigned: Three substrates (control feed, aleurone-containing feed, and pure aleurone) were fermented over 72 h, and targeted metabolomics was performed on 38 metabolites. Unassigned: Significant substrate...
Rivers S, Robertson G, O'Sullivan L, Powell T, Porr S.Serum cortisol concentration is one of the common physiological reference standards for evaluating stress in animals. However, it only evaluates acute stress at the moment of blood collection. Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) could provide a method for assessing cortisol concentrations over extended periods of time, giving an estimate of chronic stress levels. In this case, high HCC results could help equine managers alter management practices to improve welfare. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the month of collection and the storage method on equine HCC. Methods: Tail hair was collecte...
Gernhardt J, Reuter T, Mählmann K, Schulze N, Lischer CJ.To compare the feasibility and biomechanical stability of two surgical techniques for fixation of vertical plane fractures of the accessory carpal bone (ACB). Methods: Randomized experimental ex vivo study. Methods: Eight equine accessory carpal bones were included in a control group. A total of 20 equine cadaveric forelimbs were randomly assigned into two groups (n = 10 per group). Methods: Vertical plane fractures were created palmar to the extensor sulcus using an oscillating saw. In Group 1 (CS), fractures were stabilized with two 4.5 mm cortical screws in lag fashion. In Group 2 (XP...
Federico F, Amie W, Alzbeta C, Anders J, David LP, Mandy PJ.Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a valuable source of biomarkers for neurological diseases, but detection of low-abundance proteins is often masked by highly abundant proteins. Enrichment strategies can enhance proteomic coverage and improve biomarker discovery, yet comparative evaluations of such methods in equine CSF are limited. Objective: This study compared the ProteoMiner Small-Capacity Enrichment Kit and the PreOmics Enrich-iST Kit for their ability to deplete high-abundance proteins and enhance detection of low-abundance proteins relevant to neuropathology. Methods: Equine CSF samples were...
Ida T, Tominaga H, Iwamoto E, Kurogi A, Okura A, Shimada K, Kato J, Kuwano A, Ode H, Nagata S, Kitamura K, Yazawa T, Sato-Hashimoto M, Yasuda M....Ghrelin is a peptide hormone with various important physiological functions. The unique feature of ghrelin is its serine 3 acyl-modification, which is essential for ghrelin activity. The major form of ghrelin is modified with n-octanoic acid (C8:0) by ghrelin O-acyltransferase. Various acyl modifications have been reported in different species. However, the underlying mechanism by which ghrelin is modified with various fatty acids remains to be elucidated. Herein, we report the purification of bovine, porcine, and equine ghrelins. The major active form of bovine ghrelin was a 27-amino acid pep...
Plaza J, Sánchez N, Abecia JA, Nieto J, Canto F, Pérez-García ME, Palacios C.Geotechnologies, such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and remote sensing, are essential for documenting topographic features and analyzing land use. Among them, the GPS (Global Position System)-based sensors have proven highly effective in monitoring livestock, providing high-resolution data on movement patterns. This study tracked two Hispano-Breton mares in the Spanish Pyrenees during summer 2023 using GPS collars. A°C (LiDAR) dataset provided the digital elevation model (DEM), while Sentinel-2 imagery assessed the grazing conditions. All data were integrated within a Geograph...
Gupta KK, Singh L, Saxena N, Dey S, Kumar R, Kumar S.Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne disease that affects horses and is caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. Currently, imidocarb dipropionate is the primary treatment for T. equi infections; however, its application is limited by its potential systemic toxicity. Artemisia annua is widely recognised for its antimalarial properties, whereas Artemisia scoparia has traditionally been used for various medicinal purposes. However, the therapeutic potential of A. scoparia against theileriosis in animals remains largely unknown. Activity-guided fractionation of a methanolic extract of A. sco...
Pollaris E, Hannes C, Haspeslagh M, Demey W, Teysen S, Boussauw B, Vlaminck L.Bit-related trauma is a welfare issue in equestrian sports; therefore, a proper understanding of how the bit behaves inside the mouth is of importance. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of bit design (snaffle bits/single/double-jointed; ring/eggbutt and curb bits), size, rein tension, and rein angle on the intra-oral movement of the bit in ex vivo specimens. The lateral and posterior movement of different bits was measured on cadaver heads under different circumstances. This ex vivo model, while not fully replicating natural conditions, provided insight into potential...
Pfau T, Weller R, Peterson ML, Davis BL, Alamo KG, Eamon CM, Chan ZYS.Chuckwagon races are conducted on dedicated tracks with an "infield" used for rodeo activities and a "track" used for racing. Thoroughbred horses (4 per wagon) first navigate a Chuckwagon in a figure eight maneuver around two barrels in the "infield" before galloping around the "track" and finishing the race in the "infield". Objective: Quantify surface properties (and their association with moisture content) for "track" and "infield". We hypothesized that, due to different preparation, property differences would be larger between "track" and "infield" than across consecutive days and surface ...
Cameron A, Freeman SL, Wild I, Burridge J, Burrell K.Working equids support millions of people globally, especially in low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income countries. However, they commonly suffer from poor welfare and are typically overlooked in policy and funding decisions. This scoping review aimed to collate evidence on two topics related to working equid use in low- and middle-income countries: their socioeconomic value to their owners and the impact of educational interventions for owners/handlers aiming to improve equid welfare. Original research published from 2014 onwards was eligible for inclusion. This scoping revi...
Splan RK, Noel FI, Gardner GM, Kenny LB.Proper pasture management improves forage yield, reduces costs, and minimizes environmental impacts, but may be difficult in suburban settings. Objective: This study evaluated pasture condition and management practices on 28 horse farms in counties adjacent to the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Methods: Between November 2019 and January 2020, 72 pastures (2-3/farm) were assessed via soil sampling, USDA-NRCS Pasture Condition Score Sheet (PCSS), Penn State Equine Pasture Evaluation Disc (EPED), and farm manager interviews. Linear models assessed effects of management factors on pasture conditi...
Ma Y, Zhang J, Li X, Zhao H, Lu W, Li H, Yang K.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...
Young PL, Hyde R, Douglas J, Freeman SL.Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being increasingly used for equid health and welfare. This study aimed to establish consensus on where and how AI should be developed to achieve maximum benefit in this field. A workshop involving 41 stakeholders generated statements about current welfare concerns, areas for AI development, and barriers and solutions to AI use. Statements were circulated through Delphi surveys (acceptance set at 75% agreement). One-hundred-and-six statements reached agreement. Ethological needs not being met and poor equid management practices were key welfare concerns. Particip...
Skierbiszewska K, Szałaj U, Turek B, Sych O, Jasiński T, Łojkowski W, Domino M.In equine medicine, assisted bone regeneration, including use of biomaterial substitutes like hydroxyapatite (HAP), is crucial for addressing bone defects. To follow-up on the outcome of HAP-based bone defect treatment, the advancement in quantified diagnostic imaging protocols is needed. This study aimed to quantify and compare the radiological properties of the HAP graft and natural equine bone using Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Computed Tomography (CT), both Single (SECT) and Dual Energy (DECT). SECT and DECT, allow for the differentiation of three HAP grain sizes, by progressive increase in...
Kodama S, Mita H, Tamura N, Koyama D, Matsukawa M.Bone diagnosis using x-ray techniques, such as computed tomography and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, can evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) and microstructure but does not provide elastic properties. This study investigated the ultrasonic properties of racehorse leg cortical bone, focusing on the relationship between wave velocity, BMD, and hydroxyapatite (HAp) crystallite alignment. The results showed a strong correlation between wave velocity and BMD, suggesting that quantitative ultrasound-obtained wave velocity is primarily influenced by BMD, followed by the HAp alignment direction.
Caceres AM, Sperandio LMS, Alvarenga NACA, Borges AS, Oliveira-Filho JP.Bull-catching (vaquejada) accounting for approximately 13% of sport horses in Brazil. Genetic screening has enabled strategies to reduce the spread of inherited disorders, including Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia (HERDA), a major skin disease included in the Six Panel required for registration by the Brazilian Quarter Horse Breeders Association. Although the HERDA-associated variant has been extensively studied in other disciplines, it had not been evaluated in Bull-catching Quarter Horses (QH). Objective: The present study aimed to determine the allele frequency of the pathogenic ...
Ibrahim MA, Noshy MM, Mohamed HRH, Abd El-Gawad MEH.This study combined classical cytogenetics and ISSR molecular markers to characterize genetic diversity in 24 Egyptian Arabian horses. Karyotyping revealed the standard equine chromosome number (2n = 64) with no numerical or structural abnormalities. Chromosome measurements were consistent with ISCN Equine standards: autosomal relative lengths (RL%) followed the expected size hierarchy, biarmed chromosomes displayed metacentric to submetacentric morphology (CI = 37-50%), and recalculated centromeric indices confirmed the presence of measurable p-arms on all acrocentric chromosomes. ISSR an...
