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Topic:Warmblood Horses
Warmblood horses are a group of middle-weight horse breeds known for their versatility and performance in equestrian sports such as dressage, show jumping, and eventing. They are characterized by a combination of athleticism, temperament, and conformation, which make them suitable for competitive disciplines. Breeds within this group include the Hanoverian, Dutch Warmblood, and Holsteiner, among others. The breeding and selection processes for Warmbloods focus on traits such as movement, trainability, and soundness. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that investigate the genetics, breeding practices, performance traits, and health considerations specific to Warmblood horses.
The effects of different insemination regimes on fertility in mares. This study investigated the effects of different artificial insemination (AI) regimes on the pregnancy rate in mares inseminated with either cooled or frozen-thawed semen. In essence, the influence of three different factors on fertility was examined; namely the number of inseminations per oestrus, the time interval between inseminations within an oestrus, and the proximity of insemination to ovulation. In the first experiment, 401 warmblood mares were inseminated one to three times in an oestrus with either cooled (500 x 10(6) progressively motile spermatozoa, stored at +5 degrees C for 2-4 h...
[Pulmonary wedge pressure and heart frequency measurements during standardized treadmill exercise for extension of left atrial function diagnosis in warmblood horses]. In 12 healthy warmblood horses (six trained and six untrained) the pulmonary wedge pressure and heart frequency was measured at rest and during a standardised exercise test on a treadmill. The mean pulmonary wedge pressure at rest was 14.53 +/- 2.36 mmHg. There was no significant difference in pulmonary wedge pressure either at rest or during exercise between trained and untrained horses. During walking (1.8 m/s) the mean pulmonary wedge pressure was 19.62 +/- 4.03 mmHg, during trotting (4 und 5 m/s) it was between 22.38 +/- 3.92 mmHg and 25.28 +/- 3.7 mmHg. During canter (6 m/s) and gallop (8...
[Gutteral pouch tympany in German warmblood foals: influence of sex, inbreeding and blood proportions of founding breeds as well as estimation of heritability]. The objective of the present study was to analyse the importance of the influences of sex, inbreeding coefficient, proportion of genes of the original breeds and the additive genetic contribution to the occurrence of guttural pouch tympany in foals belonging to German Warmblood breeds. Foals affected by guttural pouch tympany were ascertained in the Clinic of Horses, School of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. This data set comprised 22 German Warmblood foals with guttural pouch tympany, which were patients of the Clinic for Horses between 1994 and 2001. Information on the pedigrees and all availa...
Retrospective evaluation of equine prepurchase examinations performed 1991-2000. Prepurchase examinations of horses are used increasingly as a means of evaluating future soundness. Data is lacking in the literature of the radiographic findings and results of the lameness examination of comprehensive prepurchase examinations. Objective: To summarise the clinical and radiographic findings of prepurchase examinations and determine if radiographic findings correlated with the lameness examination and sale outcome. Methods: Records of 510 cases were reviewed, radiographs evaluated and grades assigned the navicular bone, distal phalanx, and tarsus. Follow-up information on the h...
CT features of alveolitis and sinusitis in horses. Sinusitis is a common disorder in horses and may result from trauma, dental diseases, or space-occupying lesions. Radiography can only provide a limited amount of information. Computed tomography (CT) has been documented as an alternative imaging method. Eighteen horses (mostly Warmblood) with signs of chronic sinusitis were examined preoperatively with CT to assist in diagnosis of the underlying cause. There was a group of common CT features in horses with dental disease and sinusitis. The first molar was the most frequently affected maxillary cheek tooth. Hypoattenuation of the cementum, des...
Seasonal changes in semen quality and freezability in the Warmblood stallion. The objective of this study was to investigate seasonal changes in stallion semen quality and to determine the best time for semen cryopreservation. Experiments were performed using 10 Warmblood stallions from the National Stud Farm in Avenches (Switzerland). Ejaculates were collected and frozen every other week during 1 year from January to December 1999. Volume, concentration, and motility, and the number of morphologically normal sperm and sperm with major defects (abnormal heads, acrosome defects, nuclear vacuoles, proximal droplets, abnormal midpieces) were evaluated. For all frozen-thawe...
Tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath and annular ligament constriction syndrome caused by longitudinal tears in the deep digital flexor tendon: a clinical and surgical report of 17 cases in warmblood horses. Inflammation of the digital flexor tendon sheaths is a chronic and nebulous condition often unresponsive to medical and surgical treatment. Objective: To evaluate the incidence of longitudinal tears (LT) as the underlying cause of chronic tenosynovitis and annular ligament constriction syndrome (ALCS) in warmblood horses. Methods: The records of 25 horses with chronic tenosynovitis and ALCS in which tenoscopical inspection of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) was performed between 1999-2000 were reviewed. Of 25 horses, 17 were diagnosed with an LT in the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT)...
Pain associated with the sacroiliac joint region: a clinical study of 74 horses. There has been no large study of horses with suspected sacroiliac (SI) joint region pain in which the clinical diagnosis has been supported by either abnormal radiopharmaceutical activity in the SI joint region or by periarticular infiltration of local anaesthetic solution. Objective: To describe the clinical features of horses with SI joint region pain, to document the age, breed, sex, discipline, size and conformation of affected horses and to compare these with the author's (SD) normal case population and to document the results of infiltration of local anaesthetic solution around the SI jo...
Use of volumetric capnography to identify pulmonary dysfunction in horses with and without clinically apparent recurrent airway obstruction. To investigate whether volumetric capnography indices could be used to differentiate between horses without recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and horses with RAO that were in clinical remission or that had clinically apparent RAO. Methods: 70 adult Swiss Warmblood horses (20 used for pleasure riding and 50 used for dressage or show jumping). Methods: Horses were allocated to 4 groups on the basis of history, clinical signs, results of endoscopy, and cytologic findings (group 1, 21 healthy horses; group 2, 22 horses with RAO that were in remission; group 3, 16 horses with mild RAO; group 4, 11...
Responses of horses in behavioural tests correlate with temperament assessed by riders. Behavioural tests as well as observers' ratings have been used to study horses' temperament. However, the relationship between the ratings and the responses in behavioural tests has not yet been studied in detail. Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine this relationship between ratings and responses. Methods: Eighteen mature Swedish Warmblood horses were subjected to 2 behavioural tests, one relating to novelty (novel object test) and one to handling (handling test). Subsequently, 16 of these horses were ridden by 16 equally experienced students, having no former experience wit...
Risk factors associated with behavioural disorders of crib-biting, weaving and box-walking in Swiss horses. Studies on the prevalence of behavioural disorders in horses and on associated risk factors have revealed inconsistent results. There are many studies on the neuropharmacological, surgical or mechanical therapy of stereotypies, but little is known about their causation. Objective: To explore risk factors associated with the occurrence of behavioural disorders in horses. Methods: A sample of horse owners, selected randomly and representative for Switzerland, was contacted in a postal survey. Answers were provided for 622 stables (response rate 35.2%). Individual data of 2,341 horses were examin...
Four cases of equine polysaccharide storage myopathy in the United Kingdom. This paper describes four cases of equine polysaccharide storage myopathy which were confirmed by histological examination of muscle biopsy specimens. The horses were of mixed breeding, with warmblood and thoroughbred dominating. They all had recurrent episodes of rhabdomyolysis, indicated by clinical signs and increased plasma levels of muscle enzymes. They were managed conservatively and have continued athletic careers despite their disease.
Influence of age of horse on results of quantitative electromyographic needle examination of skeletal muscles in Dutch Warmblood horses. To determine the influence of age on results of quantitative analysis of electromyographic (EMG) needle examination in the subclavian, triceps, and lateral vastus muscles of Dutch Warmblood horses. Methods: 7 healthy young Dutch Warmblood horses (range, 13 to 18 months old), 7 healthy adult Dutch Warmblood horses (range, 4 to 10 years old), and 7 healthy elderly Dutch Warmblood horses (range, 18 to 21 years old). Methods: An EMG needle examination was performed to evaluate insertional activity, spontaneous activity, and motor unit action potential (MUAP) variables. Although all horses were con...
Jumping characteristics of naïve foals: lead changes and description of temporal and linear parameters. The selection of foals as future showjumpers remains a subjective process based on qualitative parameters; and hence, frequently suffers from disparity in the criteria used by experts in the field. A detailed biomechanical description of foals while jumping would be most helpful in providing a better basis for the accurate assessment of their future athletic ability. The Qualisys Pro Reflex system was used to capture 3-dimensional kinematics of 41 Dutch Warmblood foals age 6 months free jumping a vertical fence, preceded by a cross pole fence. The left lead was the most preferred lead for both...
Effect of training duration and exercise on blood-borne substrates, plasma lactate and enzyme concentrations in Andalusian, Anglo-Arabian and Arabian breeds. Metabolic responses to exercise differ between Andalusian horses and other breeds, although changes in plasma muscle enzymes have not been reported and most useful information is obtained from animals subjected to different training programmes. The objectives of this study were to 1) describe the changes in plasma enzymes during exercise in different horse breeds in relation to other biochemical parameters (Experiment A) and 2) assess the effect of training duration on these measures (Experiment B). Twenty stallions, 9 Andalusian (AN), 7 Arabian (A) and 4 Anglo-Arabian (AA), age 5-10 years, we...
Quantitative motor unit action potential analysis of skeletal muscles in the Warmblood horse. Motor unit action potential (MUP) analysis in human medicine is a valuable and important diagnostic technique enabling discrimination between myogenic and neurogenic problems. This study establishes normative data in subclavian, triceps and lateral vastus muscles for clinical application of MUP analysis in the Warmblood horse, and examines whether muscle differences are present. Electromyographic (EMG) needle examination and MUP analysis were performed of the triceps, lateral vastus and subclavian muscles in 7 awake, nonsedated, Warmblood horses age 4-10 years. The amplitude, duration, number ...
Differences in pulmonary functional indices derived from the single-breath diagram for CO2 (SBD-CO2) in horses related to age, sex and usage. Although pulmonary function tests have been used to evaluate horses with clinically normal lungs and those with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), comprehensive studies of equine respiratory function, considering factors such as sex, age and usage are not available. Studies on the influence of these factors on pulmonary function in healthy horses are required for interpretation of measurements made in those with respiratory disease. The study was performed with 63 warmblood horses and the status of their pulmonary health was evaluated by clinical examination. The functional aspect of pulmonar...
A study on the pathogenesis of equine sesamoiditis: the effects of experimental occlusion of the sesamoidean artery. In this study the potential role of circulatory disturbances in the pathogenesis of sesamoiditis was investigated by studying the clinical and histological effects of experimental occlusion of the sesamoidean artery, which is the main nutrient artery of the proximal sesamoid bone (PSB). For this purpose, five adult Dutch Warmblood horses were used in which the sesamoidean artery was occluded with polyvinyl alcohol foam particles. Bone labelling was carried out with oxytetracycline and calcein. All animal were checked clinically three times a week and radiographically at days 14, 21, 28 and 35....
Normal ultrasonographic anatomy and injury of the patellar ligaments in the horse. The purposes of this study were to investigate the ultrasonographic appearance of the patellar ligaments in clinically normal horses and to describe the clincical features, diagnosis and outcome of patellar ligament injury. The medial, middle and lateral patellar ligaments of 5 Thoroughbred and 5 Warmblood horses, free from lameness and in full work, were examined ultrasonographically. The ligaments were all of uniform echogenicity and each ligament was fairly consistent in its shape. The size of the ligaments of the Warmblood horses tended to be bigger than the lighter bodyweight Thoroughbred...
The influence of age and gender on haematological parameters in Lipizzan horses. Haematological parameters [red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)] in resting Lipizzan horses were determined for 143 stallions, 104 mares and 25 foals. The mean RBC and WBC values in Lipizzans were in the lower part of the normal range for warm-blooded horses. The mean PCV, MCV and MCH values were higher, but the mean haemoglobin concentration and MCHC values were lower than reported for other warm-blooded horses. In foals, ...
Electromyographic changes of motor unit activity in horses with induced hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. To determine whether electromyographic abnormalities are evident in skeletal muscles in horses with induced hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. Methods: 7 healthy adult Dutch Warmblood horses. Methods: Electromyographic examination was performed in the lateral vastus, triceps, and subclavian muscles before and after IV infusion of EDTA. An initial dose (mean +/- SD, 564+/-48 ml) of a 10% solution of sodium EDTA was administered IV during a period of 21+/-73 minutes to establish a blood concentration of ionized calcium of approximately 0.5 mmol/L. Average rate of EDTA infusion to maintain ionized ...
Heart rate and heart rate variability during a novel object test and a handling test in young horses. Forty-one Dutch Warmblood immature horses were used in a study to quantify temperamental traits on the basis of heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) measures. Half of the horses received additional training from the age of 5 months onwards; the other half did not. Horses were tested at 9, 10, 21 and 22 months of age in a novel object and a handling test. During the tests, mean HR and two heart variability indices, e.g. standard deviation of beat-to-beat intervals (SDRR) and root mean square of successive beat-to-beat differences (rMSSD), were calculated and expressed as response va...
Validity of pulmonary function indices derived from the volumetric capnogram in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy with which pulmonary function indices derived from the volumetric capnogram can diagnose different degrees of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) in 63 warmblood horses. The sensitivity, specificity, the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), optimal cut-off values and predictive values of the indices were calculated. The results obtained have shown that there is no single index characterised by specificity and sensitivity to differentiate with an accuracy of >90 per cent between the different degrees of RAO compared to the cl...
Calculated forelimb flexor tendon forces in horses with experimentally induced superficial digital flexor tendinitis and the effects of application of heel wedges. To calculate forces in the flexor tendons and the influence of heel wedges in affected and contralateral (compensating) forelimbs of horses with experimentally induced unilateral tendinitis of the superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon. Methods: 5 Warmblood horses. Procedure-Ground reaction force and kinematic data were obtained during a previous study while horses were trotting before and after induction of tendinitis in 1 forelimb SDF and after application of 6 degrees heel wedges to both forehooves. Forces in the SDF, deep digital flexor (DDF), and the suspensory ligament (SL) and strain i...
Changes in fibre type composition of gluteus medius and semitendinosus muscles of Dutch Warmblood foals and the effect of exercise during the first year postpartum. In order to obtain broader insights into the equine musculoskeletal system, we studied the fibre type composition of 2 locomotory muscles in biopsies from Dutch Warmblood foals taken at 3 different ages in the first year postpartum. The muscle fibre types were determined histochemically as well as immunohistochemically. ATPase-characterised IIB fibres appear to express either IId or type lIa plus IId myosin heavy chain (MHC). A high percentage of fibres classified as IIA with ATPase expressed both fast types of MHC. The type I classification by the 2 methods matched almost completely. There wa...
Quantitative analysis of motor unit action potentials in the subclavian muscle of healthy horses. To evaluate the application of analysis of motor unit action potentials (MUAP) in horses and to obtain values of MUAP for the subclavian muscle of horses. Methods: 10 healthy adult Dutch Warmblood horses. Methods: Electromyographic examination of the subclavian muscle in conscious nonsedated horses was performed to evaluate insertional activity, spontaneous activity, MUAP variables, and recruitment patterns. Muscle and body temperatures were measured at the beginning and end of the procedure. Amplitude, duration, number of phases, and number of changes in direction (ie, turns) for all represen...
Effects of inhaled ipratropium bromide on breathing mechanics and gas exchange in exercising horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Six Warmblood horses suffering an acute exacerbation of COPD were tested to investigate whether inhalation of ipratropium bromide (IB) dry powder (2,400 microg) 30 min preexercise would improve their exercise capacity. A cross-over protocol with an inert powder placebo (P) was used. Mechanics of breathing and arterial blood gases were determined before treatment, after treatment but pre-exercise, and during an incremental exercise test. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was also measured before and during exercise, and the time to fatigue recorded. Inhalation of IB reduced total pulmonary resistance (R...
Effects of ‘navicular’ shoeing on equine distal forelimb kinematics on different track surface. Orthopaedic shoeing applied for disorders such as navicular disease is mostly evaluated on hard track surfaces, but very often horses are ridden only on soft tracks. To compare the effects of normal shoes, eggbar shoes, and shoes with heel wedges (5 degrees) on the kinematics of the distal forelimb on hard and soft track surfaces, eleven sound Dutch Warmblood horses were led across three different tracks (an asphalt, a fibre/sand mix (= Agterberg), and a pure sand track) with three different shoe types (a normal shoe, an eggbar shoe, and a shoe with heel wedges). The hoof rotation and the maxi...
Effects of exercise on biomechanical properties of the superficial digital flexor tendon in foals. To determine the effects of exercise on biomechanical properties of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in foals. Methods: 43 Dutch Warmblood foals. Methods: From 1 week until 5 months of age, 14 foals were housed in stalls and not exercised, 14 foals were housed in stalls and exercised daily, and 15 foals were maintained at pasture. Eight foals in each group were euthanatized at 5 months, and remaining foals were housed together in a stall and paddock until euthanatized at 11 months. After euthanasia, SDFT were isolated and fit in a material testing system. Mean cross-sectional area ...
Sensitivity of forelimb swing phase inverse dynamics to inertial parameter errors. Estimations of segmental inertial parameters are required for true inverse dynamics calculations during the swing phase of locomotion. This study attempts to quantify the effect of inertial parameter errors on inverse dynamic solutions. Swing phase forelimb net joint moments and powers at the trot (mean +/- s.d 3.03 +/- 0.16 m/s) were calculated with sagittal plane kinematic data from 5 Dutch Warmbloods using inertial parameters based on published regression equations for the breed. Significant peaks in the net moment and power curves for each forelimb joint were identified and measured. Net j...
