Colombian Criollo horses’ trot, trocha, and gallop are submaximal oxygen consumption gaits with unique locomotory-respiratory coupling.

This study indicates that the Colombian Criollo horses’ trot or trocha and gallop are submaximal exertion gaits, with each having unique locomotory-respiratory coupling patterns.

Study Background and Objective

• This study centers around Colombian Criollo horses, which are known for their distinctive rapid footfall and full collection gaits. The researchers aimed to decode the physiological demands of these gaits.
• The objective of the study was to examine whether oxygen consumption, ventilation, locomotor-respiratory coupling, and running economy differed between the trot or trocha and the gallop, the two main running styles of the horses.

Research Methodology

• Seven competition horses were put through a controlled standardized field test in January 2025.
• The horses were fitted with a cardiotachometer and ergospirometer, devices used to measure heart rate, oxygen consumption, and ventilation during the trot or trocha and the gallop.
• Locomotor-respiratory coupling and running economy were calculated, and any differences in measurements between the gaits were analyzed using statistics.

Results and Findings

• Oxygen consumption and minute ventilation showed consistent values for both the trot or trocha and the gallop.
• Differences were noted in the respiratory frequency, which was found higher during trot or trocha compared to the gallop, resulting in a lower tidal volume.
• Despite longer inspirations and expirations during the gallop, no considerable changes were observed in peak inspiratory or expiratory airflow.
• The stride frequency and heart rate were similar in both the trot or trocha and the gallop.
• There was a distinctive locomotor-respiratory coupling for each gait: 1.7:1 for trot or trocha, compared to 3:2 for the gallop, indicating unique breathing-to-stride patterns for each gait.
• Gallop had a lower running economy than the trot or trocha, suggesting that more energy is expended during galloping.

Conclusions

• The study concludes that trot or trocha and gallop are submaximal exercise gaits. This means that both running styles do not push the horses to their maximum exertion levels.
• Different running gaits reveal differing locomotor-respiratory couplings, suggesting that the horse’s respiratory system adapts to the distinct patterns of each gait.