Biokinematic analysis of the Swedish Warmblood riding horse at trot.

This research study used high-speed cameras to analyze the trotting motions of high-performing Swedish Warmblood stallions. The purpose was to understand the common patterns and variations observed in their movements, with the purpose of using these insights for better horse performance selection.

Research Methodology and Subjects

• The research involved four approved Swedish Warmblood stallions, selected for their high gait scores during official performance tests. A gait score evaluates the rhythm, balance, and freedom of movement in horses, with scores over 8.67 considered quite high.
• These horses were filmed using high-speed cameras that produced around 250 frames per second. This allowed for detailed analysis of their trotting movements.

Data Analysis

• The researchers analyzed the angular movements and hoof trajectories of the horses’ left fore and hind limbs. The data was then presented as mean and standard deviation curves.
• The horses’ mean stride duration was found to be 794.0 milliseconds, and the mean diagonal advanced placement was +29.8 milliseconds. Diagonal advanced placement refers to the average lead of the forelimbs over the hind limbs in each diagonal pair.

Study Findings

• The greatest variation in angular patterns among the horses was observed during the swing phase, which is the non-weight-bearing phase of a stride. The largest variations were in the trajectory of the hind hoof reference point and the shoulder joint angle.
• The swing phase retraction was found to be much longer in the forelimbs than the hind limbs. This suggests that forelimbs do more work during the horse’s trotting movement.
• During the first part of the stance phase, which is when the horse’s hoof is in contact with the ground, there was a decrease in the shoulder joint angle, fore and hind fetlock joint angles, hock joint angle, and pelvis inclination. These decreases are believed to be important for the absorption of weight and storage of elastic strain during movement.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that kinematic gait analyses could be of potential value in the selection of performance horses. By understanding the consistent movements and variations seen in high-performing horses, selectors and trainers can make more informed decisions.