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Veterinary research communications2008; 32(5); 367-376; doi: 10.1007/s11259-008-9043-0

Biomechanics in young and adult italian standardbred trotter horses in real racing conditions.

Abstract: This study was undertaken to characterize and establish the kinematic standards of Italian standardbred trotter horses in real racing conditions. Certain parameters, such as the angles of both front and hind fetlock joints, stride length, stride frequency and average speed in youngs and adults are presented, examinated and compared with statistical tests. The angles and stride length were obtained using ONTRACK software over frames extracted from two CANON MV630i digital videocameras. For the stride frequency, a third identical videocamera filmed the horses to count the number of beats per minute. The average speed was calculated by multiplying the stride frequency by the stride length and transforming the result into kilometers per hour. The data reveal that as speed increases, younger horses have more extended fetlock joints than adults. Contrary to this, at the maximum speed (hereafter referred to as sprint speed) the adults increase both their stride frequency and stride length, while young horses increase stride frequency and decrease stride length. We think that the knowledge of these parameters in competition breeds could have potential relevance as they may reveal early indicators of the development of proper and adequate characteristics in young horses of those breeds.
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Publication Date: 2008-04-23 PubMed ID: 18431685DOI: 10.1007/s11259-008-9043-0Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The research investigates the kinematic standards of Italian standardbred trotter horses during real races. The findings reveal different responses in younger and adult horses, which might be useful for understanding development characteristics.

Study Methodology

  • The study was designed to evaluate and establish the biomechanical standards of Italian standardbred trotter horses, focusing on particular parameters such as the angles of front and hind fetlock joints, stride length, stride frequency, and average speed. Both young and adult horses participated in the study.
  • The tools used in the study included two CANON MV630i digital videocameras and the ONTRACK software to extract frames and analyze the horses’ joint angles and stride length. A third videocamera of the same model was used to determine stride frequency by counting the horses’ beats per minute.
  • The average speed of the trotting horses was calculated using the stride length and frequency, with the results being converted into kilometers per hour.

Key Findings

  • The study found that young horses tend to have more extended fetlock joints as compared to adult horses when speed increases.
  • At their sprint speeds, adult horses showed an increase in both their stride frequency and length; in contrast, young horses exhibited an increase in stride frequency but decreased stride length.

Potential Applications

  • The researchers propose that their findings could be valuable for breeding purposes. Studying these parameters might help in identifying early indicators of proper and suitable traits in young horses belonging to these breeds.
  • The data can possibly help researchers, breeders, trainers, and owners understand the developmental changes in a trotting horse’s movement, thereby aiding in training strategies and performance optimization of these horses.

Conclusion

  • The investigation of the biomechanical standards clarifies the different performance traits shown by young and adult Italian standardbred trotter horses under real-life racing situations.
  • This study sheds light on potentially useful markers of development in these breeds, thus opening doors for more targeted and informed breeding and training processes.

Cite This Article

APA
Vilar JM, Spadari A, Billi V, Desini V, Santana A. (2008). Biomechanics in young and adult italian standardbred trotter horses in real racing conditions. Vet Res Commun, 32(5), 367-376. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-008-9043-0

Publication

Veterinary research communications
ISSN: 0165-7380
NlmUniqueID: 8100520
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 32
Issue: 5
Pages: 367-376

Researcher Affiliations

Vilar, J M
  • Departamento de Patologia animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain. jvilar@dpat.ulpgc.es
Spadari, A
    Billi, V
      Desini, V
        Santana, A

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Biomechanical Phenomena
          • Female
          • Gait / physiology
          • Horses / physiology
          • Male
          • Video Recording

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          Citations

          This article has been cited 0 times.
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