Angular kinematic patterns of limbs in elite and riding horses at trot.
Abstract: Normal speed videography was used to determine the angular parameters of 28 Spanish Thoroughbreds at trot. Horses were divided into 3 groups: Group UT, comprising 9 animals (provided by the VII National Stud, Cordoba, Spain) which had undergone no specific training programme and which were hand led at the trot; Group T, formed by 19 horses considered to be highly bred and trained, and which were also hand led; and Group RT, comprising the same horses as the latter group but this time trotted by a rider. Each animal was filmed 6 times from the right-hand side, using a Hi8 (25 Hz) video camera. Angular parameters for fore- and hindlimb joints were measured in each stride from computer-grabbed frames and entered into a spreadsheet for calculation; parameters included maximum and minimum angles, range of motion, and angles at landing, lift off and maximum hoof height; the times at which maximum angle, minimum angle, lift off and maximum hoof height occurred were calculated as percentages of total stride duration. Stride velocity (mean [s.d.]) was 4.01 (0.62), 3.60 (0.34) and 3.07 (0.36) m/s for Groups UT, T and RT, respectively. Data were then compared between Groups UT-T and Groups T-RT. Compared with Group UT, horses from Group T featured a shorter stance percentage (P<0.001) in both fore- and hindlimbs. The range of motion in forelimbs was smaller (P<0.05), due to lower retraction (P<0.001); moreover, maximum retraction appeared earlier (P<0.05). Greater scapular inclination was in evidence (P<0.05) and the shoulder joint extended further (P<0.05). Fore- and hind fetlock joints revealed a relatively shorter hyperextension period during the stance phase (P<0.01). Compared with Group T, horses from Group RT had a longer stance percentage, with belated maximum retraction of the fore- and hindlimbs. The range of movement in scapular inclination was greater (P<0.05), due to a smaller minimum angle (P<0.01), and the shoulder joint flexed more (P<0.05). The elbow joint extended more and for longer during the stance phase. Initial extension of the hip joint (P<0.05) and tarsus (P<0.001) lasted longer. The carpal and fore and hind fetlock joints recorded relatively longer hyperextension times, in addition to greater hyperextension during the stance phase. The results from the present study suggest that rider-effect must be taken in consideration when well gaited horses are selected for dressage purposes.
Publication Date: 1998-12-09 PubMed ID: 9844972DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb04529.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This study analyses the angular movements of trotting horses to understand the impact of training and riding on their gait. It concludes that the rider’s effect plays a significant role and should be considered when selecting horses for dressage.
Research Methodology
- The study involved 28 Spanish Thoroughbreds split into two groups: an untrained Group (UT) and a trained Group (T), with the latter also observed while ridden by a rider (RT).
- Each horse was filmed six times from the right-hand side using a Hi8 (25 Hz) video camera.
- Angular parameters for fore- and hindlimb joints were measured in each stride from computer-grabbed frames and entered into a spreadsheet for calculation.
- Parameters studied included maximum and minimum angles, range of motion, and angles at landing, lift off and maximum hoof height.
- The times at which maximum angle, minimum angle, lift off and maximum hoof height occurred were calculated as percentages of total stride duration.
- Stride velocity was also measured.
Findings
- Compared to the untrained horses, the trained horses had a shorter stance period in both fore- and hindlimbs.
- The range of motion in the forelimbs of trained horses was smaller, due to less retraction. The maximum retraction also happened earlier.
- The trained horses showed a greater scapular inclination and a more extended shoulder joint.
- Both the front and back fetlock joints of the trained horses demonstrated a relatively shorter hyperextension period during the stance phase.
- Comparatively, the ridden horses from the trained group had a longer stance phase, with delayed maximum retraction of the front and back limbs.
- The ridden horses showed a greater range of scapular inclination movement and a smaller minimum angle.
- The shoulder joint of the ridden horses flexed more, and the elbow joint extended more and for a longer duration during the stance phase.
- The initial extension of the hip joint and tarsus lasted longer in the ridden horses. Also, the carpal, and front and back fetlock joints recorded longer hyperextension times and greater hyperextension during the stance phase.
Conclusion
- The findings from the study suggest that the rider’s effect significantly influences the angular movement of trotting horses.
- This rider effect must be taken into account when selecting well-gaited horses for dressage activities.
Cite This Article
APA
Morales JL, Manchado M, Vivo J, Galisteo AM, Agüera E, Miró F.
(1998).
Angular kinematic patterns of limbs in elite and riding horses at trot.
Equine Vet J, 30(6), 528-533.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb04529.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Compared Anatomy and Pathology, University of Cordoba, Veterinary Faculty, Spain.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Breeding
- Extremities / physiology
- Gait / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
- Joints / physiology
- Male
- Video Recording
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Boger B, Naraian M, Hernandez E, Eaton A, Rockburn R, Tillman I, Payne S, Yob C, Panek C, Manfredi JM. Effects of a rehabilitative whole-body resistance band wrap on equine gait, posture, cortisol, and muscular function. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1738766.
- Much ML, Leatherwood JL, Martinez RE, Silvers BL, Basta CF, Gray LF, Bradbery AN. Evaluation of an oral joint supplement on gait kinematics and biomarkers of cartilage metabolism and inflammation in mature riding horses. Transl Anim Sci 2020 Jul;4(3):txaa150.
- Hobbs SJ, St George L, Reed J, Stockley R, Thetford C, Sinclair J, Williams J, Nankervis K, Clayton HM. A scoping review of determinants of performance in dressage. PeerJ 2020;8:e9022.
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