Ground reaction forces (GRFs) in horses refer to the forces exerted by the ground on the horse's limbs during movement. These forces are integral to understanding equine locomotion, biomechanics, and limb health. GRFs are measured using force plates and are used to analyze gait patterns, assess lameness, and evaluate the effects of different surfaces or shoeing techniques on a horse's movement. Variations in GRFs can provide insights into the distribution of weight across the limbs and the mechanical loading experienced by the musculoskeletal system. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the measurement, analysis, and implications of ground reaction forces in equine locomotion and health.
Gmel AI, Haraldsdóttir EH, Bragança FMS, Cruz AM, Weishaupt MA.Speed alterations affect many gait analysis parameters. How horses adapt to speed is relevant in many equestrian disciplines and may differ between breeds. This study described changes in gait parameters in 38 Warmblood (WB) and 24 Franches-Montagnes (FM) horses subjected to an incremental speed test at walk (1.35-2.05 m/s) and trot (3.25-5.5 m/s). Time, force and spatial parameters of each limb were measured with an instrumented treadmill and analysed with regression analysis using speed as the independent variable. With higher speeds, stride rate, length, over-tracking distance and vertica...