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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2024; 14(7); 1086; doi: 10.3390/ani14071086

Associations between Racing Thoroughbred Movement Asymmetries and Racing and Training Direction.

Abstract: 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 minima, maxima, upward movement amplitudes (MinDiff, MaxDiff, UpDiff), and hip hike (HHD). The presence of asymmetry (≥5 mm) was assessed for each variable. Chi-Squared tests identified differences in the number of horses with left/right-sided movement asymmetry between cohorts and mixed model analyses evaluated differences in the movement symmetry values. Results: HKJC had significantly more left forelimb asymmetrical horses (Head: MinDiff < 0.0001, MaxDiff < 0.03, UpDiff < 0.01) than STC. Pelvis MinDiff ( = 0.010) and UpDiff ( = 0.021), and head MinDiff ( = 0.006) and UpDiff ( = 0.017) values were significantly different between cohorts; HKJC mean values indicated left fore- and hindlimb asymmetry, and STC mean values indicated right fore- and hindlimb asymmetry. Conclusions: the asymmetry differences between cohorts suggest that horses may adapt their gait to their racing direction, with kinematics reflecting reduced 'outside' fore- and hindlimb loading.
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Publication Date: 2024-04-03 PubMed ID: 38612325PubMed Central: PMC11011192DOI: 10.3390/ani14071086Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research evaluates how the direction in which racehorses train and race can impact their gait symmetry. Using sensors to measure motion, the study found significant differences between two groups of horses, whose predominant direction of movement during training was either clockwise or anti-clockwise.

Research Methodology

  • The sample for the study consisted of 307 Thoroughbred horses, drawn from two sources: 156 from the Singapore Turf Club (STC), who predominantly ran anti-clockwise; and 151 from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), who predominantly ran clockwise.
  • The horse’s movement was studied as they trotted in a straight line on solid ground. Inertial sensors were placed on their heads and pelvis. This allowed the research team to quantify and compare various aspects of their movements, including the minimum, maximum, and upward amplitudes (referred to as MinDiff, MaxDiff, UpDiff), alongside hip hike deviation (HHD).
  • Dynamic movement symmetry was evaluated by checking for asymmetry (≥5 mm) across each variable.

Findings from the Study

  • Chi-Squared statistical tests were used to identify any material differences in the occurrence of left/right-sided movement asymmetry between the two groups.
  • The results revealed that the HKJC cohort had significantly more horses with a pronounced left forelimb asymmetry compared to the STC group. This observation was consistent across measurement variables (head: MinDiff <0.0001, MaxDiff <0.03, UpDiff <0.01).
  • A comparison of the movement symmetry values using mixed model analyses demonstrated meaningful differences in the MinDiff, MaxDiff, and UpDiff for both the head and pelvis between the two groups.
  • Based on the average values observed, the researchers deduced that the HKJC horses were more inclined to have left fore- and hindlimb asymmetry, while the STC cohort showed a prevalence for right fore- and hindlimb asymmetry.

Conclusion and Interpretation of the Findings

  • The study concluded that there is a connection between the primary direction of a horse’s movement (during training and racing) and the symmetry of its gait. The direction in which horses race appears to influences their gait adaptability.
  • These findings are significant as they suggest that horses modify their gait to their racing direction, with their movement reflecting diminished load on the ‘outside’ fore- and hindlimbs. This pattern may have implications for the long-term joint health and overall performance of racehorses.

Cite This Article

APA
Forbes B, Ho W, Parkes RSV, Sepulveda Caviedes MF, Pfau T, Martel DR. (2024). Associations between Racing Thoroughbred Movement Asymmetries and Racing and Training Direction. Animals (Basel), 14(7), 1086. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071086

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 7
PII: 1086

Researcher Affiliations

Forbes, Bronte
  • Hong Kong Jockey Club, Hong Kong, China.
  • Singapore Turf Club, Singapore 738078, Singapore.
Ho, Winnie
  • Hong Kong Jockey Club, Hong Kong, China.
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Parkes, Rebecca S V
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Sepulveda Caviedes, Maria Fernanda
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK.
Pfau, Thilo
  • Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
Martel, Daniel R
  • Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.

Grant Funding

  • MRG-[1379] / Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation Limited
  • vet/prj/767 / Horserace Betting Levy Board

Conflict of Interest Statement

Daniel Martel’s postdoc study is funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Equine Welfare Research Foundation Limited grant (Reference No.: 1379). Thilo Pfau is a co-owner of EquiGait Ltd., a company offering gait analysis products and services. Bronte Forbes is employed by the HKJC as the Head of Veterinary Regulation, Welfare, and Biosecurity, but has no direct involvement with the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Equine Welfare Foundation Limited.

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Stachurska A, Wnuk E, Łuszczyński J, Donderowicz W. Preliminary Biometric Study on Symmetry of Hoof Solear Aspect in Forelimbs in Four Horse Breeds. Animals (Basel) 2025 Nov 21;15(23).
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  2. Pfau T, Forbes B, Sepulveda-Caviedes F, Chan Z, Weller R. Exploring Monthly Variation of Gait Asymmetry During In-Hand Trot in Thoroughbred Racehorses in Race Training. Animals (Basel) 2025 Aug 20;15(16).
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  3. Horan K, Pfau T. Effects of jockey position and surfaces on horse movement asymmetry and horse-jockey synchronisation during trotting exercise. PLoS One 2025;20(5):e0324753.
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