Discrimination of two equine racing surfaces based on forelimb dynamic and hoof kinematic variables at the canter.

The research study compares the impact of two different racing surfaces, turf and an all-weather waxed surface (AWW), on the forelimbs of horses at a canter. The researchers used a range of technologic equipment to measure the interaction between the horse’s hoof and the ground, as well as the maximum load placed on the horse’s leg.

Experiment Design and Tools

• Five horses took part in the experiment, and the researchers examined the effects of different racing surfaces on how the horses’ forelimbs behave at a canter.
• The tools used to carry out the measurements included a three-dimensional dynamometric horseshoe (DHS) to measure force, accelerometers to detect changes in velocity, and high-speed cameras for precise movement tracking.

Variables Examined

• The researchers took into account various variables, including the vertical hoof velocity before impact, maximal deceleration at impact (also referred to as vertical impact shock), the peak of vertical force at impact, and the vibration energy at different frequency bands (0-200Hz for low frequency and above 400Hz for high frequency).
• Additionally, they studied the maximum longitudinal force during braking, the maximum vertical force at mid-stance, as well as slip distances and sink distances (the distance the horse’s hoof sinks into the surface material) during braking and at maximal sink.

Key Findings

• The vertical hoof velocity before impact was found to be higher on the all-weather waxed (AWW) surface.
• The peak of vertical force at impact and low-frequency vibration energy were higher on turf, but high frequency vibration energy was potentially higher on AWW.
• The maximal longitudinal force during braking and the maximal vertical force at mid-stance were lower on AWW, and the timing of these measures occurred later on AWW compared to turf.
• AWW surfaces led to larger slip and sink distances during braking and at maximum sink.
• No consistent relationship was found between the maximum vertical force at mid-stance and either sink distance or vertical impact shock on a given surface.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• The study concluded that the AWW surface has superior damping properties, especially for low-frequency events.
• Due to the biomechanical changes caused by different equestrian surfaces, the study strongly recommends using a combination of dynamic and kinematic analysis for a reliable evaluation of the hoof-ground interaction and the maximal loading on the horse’s limb.