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Topic:Pelvis

The equine pelvis is a complex bony structure that forms the posterior part of the skeletal framework in horses. It consists of several bones, including the ilium, ischium, and pubis, which are fused to provide support for the hind limbs and serve as attachment points for various muscles. The pelvis plays a significant role in locomotion, enabling propulsion and stability during movement. Its anatomy and biomechanics are subjects of study to understand conditions affecting equine performance and health. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the anatomy, function, and clinical implications of the pelvis in horses.
A retrospective study of catastrophic pelvic fractures in California Thoroughbred racehorses. Espil JI, Samol MA, Schild CO, Quiroga MA, Stover SM, Uzal FA.Here, we describe and characterize catastrophic pelvic fractures in Thoroughbred racehorses in California. We reviewed retrospectively racehorse autopsy reports from horses that died spontaneously or were euthanized because of complete pelvic fractures in California between 1992 and 2018. The exercise history of affected horses was compared with eventmatched control horses. Catastrophic pelvic fractures were sustained by 133 horses. Pelvic fractures were 2.7% of all musculoskeletal fatalities. Pelvic fractures occurred during training (48.0%), racing (35.0%), and non-exercise (17.0%). Horses â...
Pelvic axial rotation in hindlimb lame horses changes after diagnostic analgesia.
Equine veterinary journal    August 10, 2026   doi: 10.1002/evj.70300
Hernlund E, Engell MT, Persson-Sjödin E, Rhodin M, Haubro-Andersen P, Byström A.Visual assessment of mild to moderate hindlimb lameness has low sensitivity and specificity, potentially leading to flawed diagnostic procedures. Pelvic axial rotation (roll) makes the assessment more complex but is also a potential source of information. Objective: To describe pelvic roll patterns in horses with unilateral hindlimb lameness before and after diagnostic analgesia. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Optical motion capture data from 20 horses with unilateral hindlimb lameness before and after successful local analgesia (assessed visually and objectively) were retrospectively ...
Does the Distance Between Ground Poles Affect Limb, Spinal and Pelvic Kinematics in Horses When Walking In-Hand?
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    June 23, 2026   Volume 16, Issue 13 1938 doi: 10.3390/ani16131938
Douglas L, Maddock C, Parker R, MacKechnie-Guire R, Walker V.Polework exercise is commonly used in equine training and rehabilitation; however, the influence of pole spacing on locomotor kinematics remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of pole spacing on limb, thoracolumbar and pelvic kinematics in horses walking in-hand. Eleven warmblood horses were assessed during overground walking and over five ground poles set at 85%, 100% and 105% of forelimb step length. Pole spacing did not significantly alter maximum fore- or hindlimb retraction; however, protraction-retraction range of motion (ROM) was reduced at 85% spacing. Forelimb ROM was re...
Musculoskeletal Burden in German Equestrians: Hip-Specific Symptoms and Risk Factors.
International journal of sports medicine    June 12, 2026   doi: 10.1055/a-2884-0228
Ramsauer C, Hepp P, Theopold JD, Kühnapfel A, Henkelmann R.Equestrian sport is a major component of German athletics, with broad recreational participation and a strong competitive sector. In 2019, about 2.32 million people identified as active riders, and more than 60,000 competitional licences were issued in 2021, reflecting substantial competitive engagement across the Olympic disciplines and national performance levels. Hip pain is a frequent and clinically relevant complaint among athletes and can stem from structural, degenerative, or overuse-related causes. In riding, the hip joint is crucial for transmitting forces and coordinating rider-horse...
Synchronization dynamics between rider and saddle motion across gaits revealed by IMU analysis.
Journal of equine veterinary science    May 18, 2026   Volume 163 105939 doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105939
Louis AT, Treesa Louis A, Mikkola A.Effective rider-horse coordination is essential for performance and welfare, yet objective, field-based quantification of rider-saddle synchronization across gaits remains limited. Objective: To quantify dynamic synchronization between rider motion and saddle motion (as a proxy for horse trunk oscillations) across walk, trot, and canter using a minimal inertial measurement unit (IMU) setup, and to determine whether synchronization differs between rider body segments. Methods: Two experienced riders (8-20 years riding experience) rode their own or familiar warmblood horses (n = 2; age 6-14 year...
Vaccination-associated lameness in warmblood horses after intramuscular injection.
Journal of equine veterinary science    February 23, 2026   Volume 159 105820 doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105820
Lenarz J, Smit IH, Rhodin M, Lischer C, Fugazzola MC.Intramuscular vaccination is a routine component of equine medicine, but local muscle soreness may transiently affect gait symmetry. Objective data on vaccination-associated gait changes in horses are lacking. Objective: To investigate whether intramuscular vaccination induces measurable gait asymmetries depending on injection site, to inform recommendations on vaccination site selection and short-term exercise management. Methods: In this prospective, randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled study, eighteen clinically sound Warmblood horses were enrolled and received an intramuscular vaccinati...
Prevalence and risk factors of stress urinary incontinence among female horseback riders in Poland.
Scientific reports    January 17, 2026   Volume 16, Issue 1 5606 doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-36444-y
Zalewski M, Kołodyńska G, Piątek A, Mucha A, Misztela W, Andrzejewski W.Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is usually associated with aging and parity, but repetitive intra-abdominal pressure during physical activity can also trigger its onset in young women. Horseback riding, despite potential benefits for pelvic floor strengthening, may also contribute to pelvic floor strain and urinary symptoms. The study included 100 Polish women aged 21-54 engaged in horse riding, both recreational (85%) and professional (15%). Participants were divided into three age groups and screened for urinary incontinence symptoms. Quality of life was assessed with validated questionnai...
Comparative tensile properties of the equine vagina, penile sheath, and scrotum.
Journal of biomechanics    January 16, 2026   Volume 197 113169 doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2026.113169
Collins AE, Wayne JS, Ferrando CA, De Vita R.This experimental study characterizes the elastic behavior of male and female equine genital tissues using uniaxial tensile testing, with strain measurements obtained via digital image correlation. Dog-bone-shaped tissue specimens were excised from mares and geldings (n=23 from female specimens and n=42 from male specimens) with all specimens aligned along the circumferential direction (CD) of the vagina, penis, and scrotum. The results include load-displacement data, stress-strain data, and tangent moduli for the penile sheath, vaginal canal, and scrotum, with strain measured in both the CD a...
The effect of repeated shocks on the low back during horse riding.
Journal of biomechanics    November 13, 2025   Volume 194 113067 doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.113067
Smit NA, Bos JE, van Dieën JH, Kingma I.Repeated shocks, such as those occurring during horse riding, may result in a risk of overloading the low back. This study investigated accelerations and angular changes in the low back during horse riding, using Inertial measurement units (IMUs) on the pelvis, and L4, L1, and T11 spine levels during 30 min of walking and 10 min of cantering in twelve female participants. The root mean squared (RMS) linear acceleration of each IMU and the transmission (signal transfer) between each pair of IMUs were calculated from the measured accelerations. Additionally, angular motions between IMU's were ...
Evaluating Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Female Horse Show Jumpers Using the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire.
Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research    March 16, 2025   Volume 31 e946830 doi: 10.12659/MSM.946830
Cygańska AK, Giżewska B, Zdunek K.BACKGROUND Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) significantly reduces quality of life. During horseback riding, the movement of the horse's back affects the tension of the pelvic floor muscles. This study aimed to compare reported symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction in women with past, current, and no history of horse show jumping. MATERIAL AND METHODS We examined 160 women (age 23.69±3.96 years). The cohort group consisted of 74 women training currently and training in the past, and a control group of 86 women not practicing horseback riding. The study used the original questionnaire and the Aust...
Motorcycle and Equestrian Trauma: An ACS TQIP Comparative Study.
Journal of trauma nursing : the official journal of the Society of Trauma Nurses    January 27, 2025   Volume 32, Issue 1 15-22 doi: 10.1097/JTN.0000000000000828
Ross DE, Ghodasara SK, Roskam JS, Gaccione AG, DiFazio LT, Bilaniuk JW, Nemeth ZH.Motorcycle and equestrian accidents can share similar trauma mechanisms and can result in serious injuries. Objective: This study aims to analyze variations in injuries and safety standards through types, severity, and outcomes of traumatic injuries in both motorcycle and equestrian riders. Methods: Using the 2020 ACS TQIP database, we split patients into two groups based on their primary injury. We chose codes V28 and V80.0 to identify non-collision fall or throw injuries for motorcycle and equestrian accidents respectively. A total of 17,730 motorcycle and 5,461 equestrian patients were iden...
Clinical application and prognostic value of computed tomography examination in foals diagnosed with osteomyelitis: Forty-four cases. Buyck C, Zani DD, Robert M, Gustafsson K.Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly recognized as superior to conventional imaging methods for diagnosing osteomyelitis in foals. However, comprehensive studies in this area are limited. This study aims to report on clinical cases of osteomyelitis in foals, establishing a relationship between CT findings and survival outcomes. Additionally, it compares CT imaging with conventional methods such as radiography and ultrasound. We hypothesized that CT variables would more accurately predict survival than other clinical factors and provide more detailed information about osteomyelitis lesions....
Bilateral coxofemoral dysplasia in a Mangalarga Marchador foal.
Journal of equine veterinary science    December 4, 2024   Volume 144 105253 doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105253
Kneipp MLA, Sousa LN, Cota LO, Malacarne BD, Winter IC, Santana CH, Santos RL, Xavier ABS, Faleiros RR, Carvalho AM.Coxofemoral dysplasia is a condition characterized by the abnormal development and flattening of the femoral head and deformities in the acetabulum, leading to joint instability. Although described in various animal species, it is uncommon and rarely reported in horses. This article presents a case of incapacitating coxofemoral dysplasia diagnosed in a four-month-old foal Mangalarga Marchador, which exhibited lameness in the hind limbs, thoracolumbar kyphosis, gluteal muscle atrophy, and pronounced sensitivity during pelvic limb flexion. The clinical diagnosis indicative of bilateral coxofemor...
Injury Patterns and Associated Demographic Characteristics in Children with a Fracture from Equines: A US National Based Study.
Children (Basel, Switzerland)    November 27, 2024   Volume 11, Issue 12 1443 doi: 10.3390/children11121443
Loder RT, Walker AL, Blakemore LC.Fractures often occur due to equestrian activities with injury patterns varying by age. The purpose of this study was to investigate in detail fracture patterns and associated demographics in children due to equine activities. Methods: The US National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was queried for all injuries with the consumer product code 1239 (horseback riding) from 2000 to 2023. Those <16 years old with fractures were extracted. Statistical analyses were performed with SUDAAN 11.0.01â„¢ software to obtain national estimates. Results: There were an estimated 101,677 patients with a f...
Diastasis of the Pubic Symphysis Without Fall While Horseback Riding: A Case Report.
Cureus    November 4, 2024   Volume 16, Issue 11 e72988 doi: 10.7759/cureus.72988
Giotis D, Konstantinidis C, Plakoutsis S, Vardakas D, Panagiotopoulos V.The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a rare case of pelvic ring injury in a healthy man without a history of high energy damage. A 43-year-old man presented to the emergency with local pain in pubic symphysis and difficulty walking after horseback riding. The patient did not report any fall or injury during this recreational activity, and apart from tachycardia, he was hemodynamically stable with normal blood pressure. Additionally, no deficit of neurological function was observed. The radiological imaging demonstrated an injury of the pelvic ring APC II with a diastasis of pubic symph...
Computed tomography of the equine caudal spine and pelvis. Pathological findings in 56 clinical cases (2018-2023).
Equine veterinary journal    October 20, 2024   Volume 57, Issue 5 1279-1289 doi: 10.1111/evj.14426
Ogden NKE, Winderickx K, Stack JD.Computed tomography (CT) of the axial skeleton is increasing across many equine hospitals. CT of the pelvis and caudal spine in a large group of clinical cases has not been reported previously. Objective: To describe the pathological lesions identified in the caudal spine/pelvis in horses and ponies undergoing CT spine of this region. Methods: A retrospective case series. Methods: Horses with CT imaging of the caudal spine/pelvis were included. Horses aged under 6 months and those with CT examinations performed post-mortem were excluded. Results: Fifty-six horses met the inclusion criteria. ...
Computed tomography of the equine caudal spine and pelvis: Technique, image quality and anatomical variation in 56 clinical cases (2018-2023).
Equine veterinary journal    October 10, 2024   Volume 57, Issue 5 1265-1278 doi: 10.1111/evj.14422
Ogden NKE, Winderickx K, Bennell A, Stack JD.Cross-sectional imaging improves the diagnostic accuracy of complex anatomical regions. Computed tomography (CT) of the pelvis and caudal spine in a large group of live horses and ponies has not been previously reported. Objective: To describe the procedure for acquiring CT images of horses' caudal spine/pelvis under general anaesthesia (GA) and to detail the image quality, artefacts and anatomical variations in this region. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses with CT of the caudal spine/pelvis were included. Horses under 6 months and CT examination performed post-mortem were...
Vertical pelvic movement asymmetry and lameness location in ipsilateral combined forelimb and hindlimb lameness cases.
Equine veterinary journal    June 25, 2024   doi: 10.1111/evj.14117
Means K, Hayden L, Kramer J, McCracken MJ, Reed SK, Wilson DA, Keegan KG.Compensatory vertical head and pelvis movement asymmetry may occur in trotting horses with a primary cause of lameness in one end of the body due to the weight shifting between limbs, leading to apparent combined forelimb and hindlimb lameness (CFHL). Little is known about CFHL patterns observed with body-mounted inertial sensors (BMIS) and regardless of their underlying mechanisms, compensatory and secondary lameness may complicate the definitive identification of the primary causes of lameness. Objective: Determine associations between vertical pelvic movement asymmetry and location of prima...
Associations between Racing Thoroughbred Movement Asymmetries and Racing and Training Direction.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    April 3, 2024   Volume 14, Issue 7 1086 doi: 10.3390/ani14071086
Forbes B, Ho W, Parkes RSV, Sepulveda Caviedes MF, Pfau T, Martel DR.Racehorses commonly train and race in one direction, which may result in gait asymmetries. This study quantified gait symmetry in two cohorts of Thoroughbreds differing in their predominant exercising direction; we hypothesized that there would be significant differences in the direction of asymmetry between cohorts. Methods: 307 Thoroughbreds (156 from Singapore Turf Club (STC)-anticlockwise; 151 from Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC)-clockwise) were assessed during a straight-line, in-hand trot on firm ground with inertial sensors on their head and pelvis quantifying differences between the minim...
Classification performance of sEMG and kinematic parameters for distinguishing between non-lame and induced lameness conditions in horses.
Frontiers in veterinary science    April 2, 2024   Volume 11 1358986 doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1358986
St George LB, Spoormakers TJP, Hobbs SJ, Clayton HM, Roy SH, Richards J, Serra Bragança FM.Despite its proven research applications, it remains unknown whether surface electromyography (sEMG) can be used clinically to discriminate non-lame from lame conditions in horses. This study compared the classification performance of sEMG absolute value (sEMGabs) and asymmetry (sEMGasym) parameters, alongside validated kinematic upper-body asymmetry parameters, for distinguishing non-lame from induced fore- (iFL) and hindlimb (iHL) lameness. Bilateral sEMG and 3D-kinematic data were collected from clinically non-lame horses ( = 8) during in-hand trot. iFL and iHL (2-3/5 AAEP) were induced...
Objective Assessment of Equine Locomotor Symmetry Using an Inertial Sensor System and Artificial Intelligence: A Comparative Study.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    March 16, 2024   Volume 14, Issue 6 921 doi: 10.3390/ani14060921
In horses, quantitative assessment of gait parameters, as with the use of inertial measurement units (IMUs) systems, might help in the decision-making process. However, it requires financial investment, is time-consuming, and lacks accuracy if displaced. An innovative artificial intelligence marker-less motion tracking system (AI-MTS) may overcome these limitations in the field. Our aim was to compare the level of agreement and accuracy between both systems and visual clinical assessment. Twenty horses underwent locomotion analysis by visual assessment, IMUs, and AI-MTS systems, under the foll...
A Method for Quantifying Back Flexion/Extension from Three Inertial Measurement Units Mounted on a Horse’s Withers, Thoracolumbar Region, and Pelvis.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)    December 5, 2023   Volume 23, Issue 24 doi: 10.3390/s23249625
Hatrisse C, Macaire C, Hebert C, Hanne-Poujade S, De Azevedo E, Audigié F, Ben Mansour K, Marin F, Martin P, Mezghani N, Chateau H, Chèze L.Back mobility is a criterion of well-being in a horse. Veterinarians visually assess the mobility of a horse's back during a locomotor examination. Quantifying it with on-board technology could be a major breakthrough to help them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a method of quantifying the back mobility of horses from inertial measurement units (IMUs) compared to motion capture (MOCAP) as a gold standard. Reflective markers and IMUs were positioned on the withers, eighteenth thoracic vertebra, and pelvis of four sound horses. The horses performed a walk and trot in strai...
Trunk postural reactions to the force perturbation intensity and frequency during sitting astride in children with cerebral palsy.
Experimental brain research    November 28, 2023   doi: 10.1007/s00221-023-06744-0
Yan S, Park SH, Dee W, Keefer R, Rojas AM, Rymer WZ, Wu M.The purpose of this study was to examine kinematic and neuromuscular responses of the head and body to pelvis perturbations with different intensities and frequencies during sitting astride in children with CP. Sixteen children with spastic CP (mean age 7.4 ± 2.4 years old) were recruited in this study. A custom designed cable-driven robotic horse was used to apply controlled force perturbations to the pelvis during sitting astride. Each participant was tested in four force intensity conditions (i.e., 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% of body weight (BW), frequency = 1 Hz), and six force frequ...
Back motion in unridden horses in walk, trot and canter on a circle.
Veterinary research communications    May 2, 2023   Volume 47, Issue 4 1831-1843 doi: 10.1007/s11259-023-10132-y
Egenvall A, Engström H, Byström A.Equine back function is of concern to riders, as well as to veterinarians and physiotherapists; these groups may benefit from knowledge about spinal motion on the circle. This descriptive and comparative study aimed to quantify equine neck, back and pelvic motion in walk, trot and canter on a 9 m circle. Sixteen healthy horses in training, of varying breed and conformation, were measured using optical motion capture (150 Hz), with optical markers on the poll, withers, T15, tubera coxae and lumbosacral joint. Cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar flexion-extension and lateral bending, and pelvic ...
Use of Thoracic Catheters to Drain Pelvic Abscesses in Horses: Two Cases.
Journal of equine veterinary science    March 16, 2023   Volume 126 104271 doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104271
Albanese V, Mereu M.Pelvic abscesses occur in horses of all ages and breeds. Although conservative management may be successful, surgical drainage may be necessary for larger abscesses or in case of secondary intestinal obstruction. The purpose of this report is to describe two cases of pelvic abscesses that were successfully drained using indwelling chest tubes, repeated lavages and targeted antibiotic treatment.
Could Horse Gait and Induced Pelvic Dynamic Loads in Female Equestrians Be a Risk Factor in Pudendal Neuralgia?
Sports (Basel, Switzerland)    January 10, 2023   Volume 11, Issue 1 16 doi: 10.3390/sports11010016
Murer S, Polidori G, Beaumont F, Bogard F, Hakim H, Legrand F.Pudendal Neuralgia (PN) is a rare, debilitating disease caused by damage to the pudendal nerve, which innervates the anus, rectum, perineum, lower urinary tract, and genitalia. Although its etiology remains scientifically unknown, a number of sports practices, including horse-riding, are reported as triggering and/or aggravating factors. The present work summarizes the experimental measurements of the contact pressure at the interface between the rider and saddle, for a population of 12 experienced female riders. These tests reveal that dynamic horseback-riding leads to high levels of peak pre...
[A Saddle-Horn Injury of the Pelvis].
Acta chirurgiae orthopaedicae et traumatologiae Cechoslovaca    January 4, 2023   Volume 89, Issue 6 453-457 
Uhrin A, Pazour J, Křivohlávek M.A saddle-horn injury of the pelvis can be considered a separate category of injuries. They occur during horse riding, when a horse rider hits the horn of the saddle and suffers from anteroposterior compression of the pelvic ring. The hits can cause symphyseolysis or even sacroiliac joint injury, and thus also pelvic ring instability. So far, just a few articles have been published dealing with horse saddle-related injuries. Our report describes a rare case of abnormal haemorrhage in vascular anastomosis called corona mortis. The discussion part is then about appropriate treatment of such injur...
Adaptations in equine axial movement and muscle activity occur during induced fore- and hindlimb lameness: A kinematic and electromyographic evaluation during in-hand trot.
Equine veterinary journal    December 14, 2022   doi: 10.1111/evj.13906
Spoormakers TJP, St George L, Smit IH, Hobbs SJ, Brommer H, Clayton HM, Roy SH, Richards J, Serra Bragança FM.The inter-relationship between equine thoracolumbar motion and muscle activation during normal locomotion and lameness is poorly understood. Objective: To compare thoracolumbar and pelvic kinematics and longissimus dorsi (longissimus) activity of trotting horses between baseline and induced forelimb (iFL) and hindlimb (iHL) lameness. Methods: Controlled experimental cross-over study. Methods: Three-dimensional kinematic data from the thoracolumbar vertebrae and pelvis, and bilateral surface electromyography (sEMG) data from longissimus at T14 and L1, were collected synchronously from clinicall...
Timing of Vertical Head, Withers and Pelvis Movements Relative to the Footfalls in Different Equine Gaits and Breeds.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 7, 2022   Volume 12, Issue 21 doi: 10.3390/ani12213053
Rhodin M, Smit IH, Persson-Sjodin E, Pfau T, Gunnarsson V, Björnsdóttir S, Zetterberg E, Clayton HM, Hobbs SJ, Serra Bragança F, Hernlund E.Knowledge of vertical motion patterns of the axial body segments is a prerequisite for the development of algorithms used in automated detection of lameness. To date, the focus has been on the trot. This study investigates the temporal synchronization between vertical motion of the axial body segments with limb kinematic events in walk and trot across three popular types of sport horses (19 Warmbloods, 23 Iberians, 26 Icelandics) that are known to have different stride kinematics, and it presents novel data describing vertical motion of the axial body segments in tölting and pacing Icelandic ...
Effect of Water Depth on Limb and Back Kinematics in Horses Walking on a Water Treadmill.
Journal of equine veterinary science    May 29, 2022   Volume 115 104025 doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104025
Tranquille C, Tacey J, Walker V, Mackechnie-Guire R, Ellis J, Nankervis K, Newton R, Murray R.Water treadmill (WT) exercise is frequently used for training/rehabilitation of horses. There is limited study into the effect of water depth on limb/back kinematics warranting investigation. The objective was to determine the effect of walking in different water depths, at the same speed, on limb/back kinematics measured simultaneously in a group of horses. Six horses (age:15 ± 6.5 years) completed a standardized WT exercise session (19 minutes duration; speed:1.6 m/s; water depths: 0.0/7.5/21.0/32.0/47.0 cm). Ten waterproof light-emitting-diode tea-light-markers and reflective-spheres were ...
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