Correlation Analysis Between Stride Characteristics and Racing Ability of 2-year-old Yili Horses in Track Conditions.

The research investigated the connection between stride characteristics, time records, and winnings of 2-year-old Yili horses to find reliable factors for rating racing capacity. The authors discovered that several stride attributes were positively correlated with the horses’ winnings, signifying that horses with better stride characteristics performed better in races.

Study Participants and Data Collection

• The study took into consideration 41 and 26 Yili horses participating in the 1600-meter and 3600-meter races respectively.
• Researchers collected stride characteristics data using a high-speed video camera and noted down the time records and bonus amounts received by each horse.
• Stride characteristics observed and recorded included stride length (SL), stride frequency (SF), middle SL, hind limb SL, forelimb SL, aerial duration SL (AD SL), stride angle, advanced placement between the leading hind limb and trailing forelimb (AP LH-TF), stance duration and the overlap between LH and TF (overlap LH-TF).

Results and Findings

• Eight attributes including SL, SF, mid SL, hind SL, fore SL, AD SL, stride angle, and AP LH-TF showed a significant positive correlation with the bonus amount, indicating that horses with these attributes performed better.
• On the contrary, stance duration and overlap LH-TF were negatively correlated with the bonus earned, suggesting that lower values in these characteristics corresponded to better performance.
• Furthermore, a stepwise regression analysis pointed out that the swing trailing hind limb, mid SL, AP LH-TF, and SF were the most important indicators for evaluating the racing abilities of these horses.

Implications of the Study

• The outcomes pointed out the key stride features that equate to better race performance in 2-year-old Yili horses.
• The research aids in better understanding how stride attributes can impact the racing capabilities of horses, providing scientific metrics for evaluation and selection of racing horses.