Digital video analysis reveals gait parameters that predict performance in the jumping test phase of three-day eventing.

The research identifies and quantifies specific gait parameters in horses that may predict their success in the jumping test of a three-day eventing competition by using digital video analysis.

Research Methods and Data Collection

• The study was carried out on horses participating in international three-day equestrian events that involve pre-competition and post-cross country inspections, and concluding with a jumping test (JT).
• The research team hypothesized that specific gait characteristics observed during the inspections could potentially predict the horses’ performance in the jumping test.
• DeepLabCut (DLC) software was used to label anatomical landmarks on the horses and calculate their gait parameters, including relative trot speed and forelimb travel.
• The software tracked and analyzed these locomotive characteristics of 194 competitive horses.

Key Findings

• The researchers found that during pre-competition inspection, relative trot speed had a significant correlation to success in the jumping test. Forelimb travel also showed a trend towards signifying a successful jumping round, however, it didn’t reach the significance threshold.
• After the cross-country phase, forelimb travel predicted the results of the jumping test more accurately and significantly.
• Observed parameters were scaled for body size and may denote the horses’ superior jumping ability and physical fitness.
• The study also revealed differences in the speed and duty factor of horses that made mistakes in the jumping phase, suggesting these could be signs of exercise-induced fatigue.

Implication and Conclusion

• The findings from the study provide a novel means to objectively measure and predict performance in equestrian sports.
• By identifying and quantifying the signs of possible exercise fatigue, the study could lead to better athlete welfare in equestrian sports.
• The researchers suggest further work to refine these approaches and emphasize the benefit of objective evaluations in protecting horse welfare and optimising their performance in competitions.