Effect of added weight on landing kinematics in jumping horses.

This study investigated the impact of added weight on the jumping and landing dynamics of event horses. The research found that added weight caused several significant changes in the horses’ performance, including the foremost limb landing closer to the fence and increased joint extension in the horses’ limbs during landing.

Research Objective and Process

• This research aimed to study how added weight affects the kinematics (movement patterns) of horses when they are jumping and landing. The study was focused on event horses, a breed typically involved in jump racing.
• In the study, six event horses jumped a 1.10m high table fence four times under two conditions. In the first condition, horses bore the weight of the rider and saddle alone, which weighed 61 kg. In the second condition, an additional 18 kg weight cloth was added.
• Video recordings were collected and analyzed from a sagittal view (a side view of the horse) at a frequency of 60 Hz. This is a very standard practice when scrutinizing animal movements.

Major Findings

• The study found a number of significant differences between the two conditions. Notably, in the added weight scenario, the leading forelimb of the horses ended up landing closer to the fence.
• For the added weight condition, the horses showed an increased maximal extension in the fetlock and carpal joints in their leading limb during the landing phase. The fetlock joint is similar to the human ankle joint, and the carpal joint corresponds to the human wrist.
• The added weight also influenced the first departure stride after the horse jumped over the fence. The stance durations of both hindlimbs increased, and the advanced placement between them was decreased.
• In the added weight condition, the horse’s head was significantly further ahead of the vertical line when the Trailing Hindlimb (TrH), Leading Hindlimb (LdH), and Trailing Forelimb (TrF) made their initial ground contact in the first stride after the jump.

Implications

• The results of this study suggest that added weight can significantly influence a horse’s jumping and landing mechanics. This information could be useful for trainers and jockeys in preparing horses for events, and understanding the strain added weight can place on a horse’s joints and overall body.
• Additionally, these findings could have implications for horse health and safety, as changes in landing kinematics could potentially impact the risk of injury during jumping tasks.