Effect of speed on stride parameters in racehorses at gallop in field conditions.
Abstract: Stride duration, stance duration and protraction duration are key variables when describing the gaits of terrestrial animals. Together, they determine the duty factor (the fraction of the stride for which the limb maintains contact with the ground surface), from which the peak vertical force can be estimated. When an animal changes speed, these variables change at different proportions. Limited measurements of these variables and predictions of peak limb force have been undertaken for large mammals performing high-speed over-ground exercise. This study set out to make such measurements, employing a previously validated system consisting of limb-mounted accelerometers and a Global Positioning System data logger. Measurements were made on nine elite Thoroughbred racehorses during gallop locomotion over a range of speeds from 9 to 17 m s(-1). No statistically significant differences were seen in any variables between the lead and non-lead limbs for either the fore or hind pairs of limbs. Mean stance durations of 131 and 77 ms in the forelimbs and 143 and 94 ms in the hindlimbs were recorded at speeds of 9 and 17 ms(-1), respectively. Equivalent values for protraction duration were 364 and 342 (fore) and 355 and 326 ms (hind). Peak limb forces (from duty factor) at 17 ms(-1) were 24.7 N kg(-1) body weight (range 22.6 to 26.0 N kg(-1) body weight) for the forelimbs and 15.3 N kg(-1) (range 13.7-16.2 N kg(-1) body weight) for the hindlimbs. The duration of the aerial phase of the stride (when no limbs are in contact with the ground) was independent of speed. Overlap time (when more than one leg is on the ground) dropped with speed and approached zero at maximum speed.
Publication Date: 2006-10-20 PubMed ID: 17050854DOI: 10.1242/jeb.02518Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research article examines how speed changes the stride parameters in racehorses. The study used scientific tools to measure limb activity and the peak force exerted during high-speed exercise, exploring how stance duration, protraction duration, duty factors, and peak limb forces varied between different limbs and at different speeds.
Objective of the Research
- The main aim of the study was to measure stride parameters in racehorses during high-speed motion to understand how speed affects stance duration, protraction duration, and duty factor.
- The research sought to predict peak limb forces in large mammals, specifically racehorses, during high-speed exercise.
Methodology
- The study utilized limb-mounted accelerometers and a Global Positioning System (GPS) data logger to capture accurate measurements during field conditions.
- The subjects of the study were nine elite Thoroughbred racehorses who were made to run at speeds ranging from 9 to 17 m s(-1).
Findings
- A key finding in the research was that no significant differences were observed between the lead and non-lead limbs, whether in the fore or hind pairs of limbs.
- At speed levels of 9 and 17 m s(-1), the mean stance durations recorded for the forelimbs were 131 and 77 ms respectively. For the hindlimbs, they were 143 and 94 ms respectively.
- The duration of protraction (the period of limb swing or when the limb is in the air) was found to be between 342 and 364 ms for forelimbs and between 326 and 355 ms for hindlimbs.
- Peak limb forces, as estimated from the duty factor, were measured at 24.7 N kg(-1) body weight (ranging from 22.6 to 26.0 N kg(-1) body weight) for the forelimbs and 15.3 N kg(-1) (range between 13.7 to 16.2 N kg(-1) body weight) for the hindlimbs at speed of 17 m s(-1).
- The duration of the stride’s aerial phase was found to be independent of speed, implying that a horse’s limbs do not stay in the air for a longer or shorter time based on the speed at which it is running.
- The overlap time, which is when more than one leg touches the ground, decreased with speed and almost reached zero at maximum speed, indicating near-simultaneous touchdown and takeoff of limbs at high speeds.
Implications
- The study provides essential insight into how speed changes stride parameters in racehorses and will be valuable for equine health professionals to ensure better training and injury prevention techiques.
- Understanding the exact impacts and forces experienced by a horse’s limbs during high-speed exercises could lead to better diagnostic and <a href="/equine-rehabilitation-guide/" title="rehabilitation programs for injured equine athletes.
Cite This Article
APA
Witte TH, Hirst CV, Wilson AM.
(2006).
Effect of speed on stride parameters in racehorses at gallop in field conditions.
J Exp Biol, 209(Pt 21), 4389-4397.
https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.02518 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Structure and Motion Laboratory, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, Hertfordshire, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Extremities / physiology
- Gait / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Time Factors
Citations
This article has been cited 36 times.- van den Broek M, Chan ZYS, De Bruyne C, Garcia-Alamo K, Skotarek Loch S, Pfau T. Association Between Stride Parameters and Racetrack Curvature for Thoroughbred Chuckwagon Horses. Sensors (Basel) 2025 Dec 4;25(23).
- Pan M, Malekipour F, Pivonka P, Morrice-West AV, Flegg JA, Whitton RC, Hitchens PL. A mathematical model of metacarpal subchondral bone adaptation, microdamage and repair in racehorses. J R Soc Interface 2025 Oct;22(231):20250297.
- Pfau T, Forbes B, Sepulveda-Caviedes F, Chan Z, Weller R. Exploring Monthly Variation of Gait Asymmetry During In-Hand Trot in Thoroughbred Racehorses in Race Training. Animals (Basel) 2025 Aug 20;15(16).
- Horan K, Pfau T. Effects of jockey position and surfaces on horse movement asymmetry and horse-jockey synchronisation during trotting exercise. PLoS One 2025;20(5):e0324753.
- van Bijlert PA, Geijtenbeek T, Smit IH, Schulp AS, Bates KT. Muscle-Driven Predictive Physics Simulations of Quadrupedal Locomotion in the Horse. Integr Comp Biol 2024 Sep 27;64(3):694-714.
- Schrurs C, Dubois G, Van Erck-Westergren E, Gardner DS. Cardiovascular Fitness and Stride Acceleration in Race-Pace Workouts for the Prediction of Performance in Thoroughbreds. Animals (Basel) 2024 Apr 29;14(9).
- Pfau T, Bruce OL, Sawatsky A, Leguillette R, Edwards WB. Dirt Track Surface Preparation and Associated Differences in Speed, Stride Length, and Stride Frequency in Galloping Horses. Sensors (Basel) 2024 Apr 11;24(8).
- St George LB, Clayton HM, Sinclair JK, Richards J, Roy SH, Hobbs SJ. Electromyographic and Kinematic Comparison of the Leading and Trailing Fore- and Hindlimbs of Horses during Canter. Animals (Basel) 2023 May 25;13(11).
- Horan K, Price H, Day P, Mackechnie-Guire R, Pfau T. Timing Differences in Stride Cycle Phases in Retired Racehorses Ridden in Rising and Two-Point Seat Positions at Trot on Turf, Artificial and Tarmac Surfaces. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 9;13(16).
- Pogue J, Zink C, Kieves NR. Effects of jump height on forelimb landing forces in border collies. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:1006990.
- Nocera I, Puccinelli C, Sgorbini M, Bagnoli E, Citi S. Ultrasonography of the Metacarpal/Tarsal-Phalangeal Joints in Healthy Racehorses: Normal Appearance, Breed-Related and Age-Related Features. Animals (Basel) 2022 Oct 3;12(19).
- Horan K, Coburn J, Kourdache K, Day P, Carnall H, Brinkley L, Harborne D, Hammond L, Peterson M, Millard S, Pfau T. Hoof Impact and Foot-Off Accelerations in Galloping Thoroughbred Racehorses Trialling Eight Shoe-Surface Combinations. Animals (Basel) 2022 Aug 23;12(17).
- Morrice-West AV, Hitchens PL, Walmsley EA, Tasker K, Lim SL, Smith AD, Whitton RC. Relationship between Thoroughbred workloads in racing and the fatigue life of equine subchondral bone. Sci Rep 2022 Jul 7;12(1):11528.
- Hobbs SJ, Clayton HM. The Olympic motto through the lens of equestrian sports. Anim Front 2022 Jun;12(3):45-53.
- Vergara-Hernandez FB, Nielsen BD, Robison CI, Fabus TA, Kompare JL, LeCompte Lazić RA, Colbath AC. Average stride length and stride rate of Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses during racing. Transl Anim Sci 2022 Jan;6(1):txab233.
- Horan K, Kourdache K, Coburn J, Day P, Carnall H, Harborne D, Brinkley L, Hammond L, Millard S, Lancaster B, Pfau T. The effect of horseshoes and surfaces on horse and jockey centre of mass displacements at gallop. PLoS One 2021;16(11):e0257820.
- Horan K, Coburn J, Kourdache K, Day P, Harborne D, Brinkley L, Carnall H, Hammond L, Peterson M, Millard S, Pfau T. Influence of Speed, Ground Surface and Shoeing Condition on Hoof Breakover Duration in Galloping Thoroughbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2021 Sep 3;11(9).
- Broom L, Stephen J, Nayar V, VanderHorst VG. Shifts in Gait Signatures Mark the End of Lifespan in Mice, With Sex Differences in Timing. Front Aging Neurosci 2021;13:716993.
- St George L, Clayton HM, Sinclair J, Richards J, Roy SH, Hobbs SJ. Muscle Function and Kinematics during Submaximal Equine Jumping: What Can Objective Outcomes Tell Us about Athletic Performance Indicators?. Animals (Basel) 2021 Feb 5;11(2).
- Darbandi H, Serra Bragança F, van der Zwaag BJ, Voskamp J, Gmel AI, Haraldsdóttir EH, Havinga P. Using Different Combinations of Body-Mounted IMU Sensors to Estimate Speed of Horses-A Machine Learning Approach. Sensors (Basel) 2021 Jan 26;21(3).
- Parkes RSV, Pfau T, Weller R, Witte TH. The effect of curve running on distal limb kinematics in the Thoroughbred racehorse. PLoS One 2020;15(12):e0244105.
- Ricard A, Dumont Saint Priest B, Chassier M, Sabbagh M, Danvy S. Genetic consistency between gait analysis by accelerometry and evaluation scores at breeding shows for the selection of jumping competition horses. PLoS One 2020;15(12):e0244064.
- Usherwood JR, Gladman NW. Why are the fastest runners of intermediate size? Contrasting scaling of mechanical demands and muscle supply of work and power. Biol Lett 2020 Oct;16(10):20200579.
- Parkes RSV, Weller R, Pfau T, Witte TH. The Effect of Training on Stride Duration in a Cohort of Two-Year-Old and Three-Year-Old Thoroughbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2019 Jul 22;9(7).
- Self Davies ZT, Spence AJ, Wilson AM. External mechanical work in the galloping racehorse. Biol Lett 2019 Feb 28;15(2):20180709.
- Broom L, Worley A, Gao F, Hernandez LD, Ashton CE, Shih LC, VanderHorst VG. Translational methods to detect asymmetries in temporal and spatial walking metrics in parkinsonian mouse models and human subjects with Parkinson's disease. Sci Rep 2019 Feb 21;9(1):2437.
- Bragança FM, Bosch S, Voskamp JP, Marin-Perianu M, Van der Zwaag BJ, Vernooij JCM, van Weeren PR, Back W. Validation of distal limb mounted inertial measurement unit sensors for stride detection in Warmblood horses at walk and trot. Equine Vet J 2017 Jul;49(4):545-551.
- Starke SD, Clayton HM. A universal approach to determine footfall timings from kinematics of a single foot marker in hoofed animals. PeerJ 2015;3:e783.
- Takahashi T, Matsui A, Mukai K, Ohmura H, Hiraga A, Aida H. The Effects of Inclination (Up and Down) of the Treadmill on the Electromyogram Activities of the Forelimb and Hind limb Muscles at a Walk and a Trot in Thoroughbred Horses. J Equine Sci 2014;25(4):73-7.
- Usherwood JR. Constraints on muscle performance provide a novel explanation for the scaling of posture in terrestrial animals. Biol Lett 2013 Aug 23;9(4):20130414.
- Self ZT, Spence AJ, Wilson AM. Speed and incline during thoroughbred horse racing: racehorse speed supports a metabolic power constraint to incline running but not to decline running. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2012 Aug 15;113(4):602-7.
- Carrier DR. The advantage of standing up to fight and the evolution of habitual bipedalism in hominins. PLoS One 2011;6(5):e19630.
- Wilson A, Lichtwark G. The anatomical arrangement of muscle and tendon enhances limb versatility and locomotor performance. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2011 May 27;366(1570):1540-53.
- Hudson PE, Corr SA, Payne-Davis RC, Clancy SN, Lane E, Wilson AM. Functional anatomy of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) forelimb. J Anat 2011 Apr;218(4):375-85.
- Tan H, Wilson AM. Grip and limb force limits to turning performance in competition horses. Proc Biol Sci 2011 Jul 22;278(1715):2105-11.
- Hudson PE, Corr SA, Payne-Davis RC, Clancy SN, Lane E, Wilson AM. Functional anatomy of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) hindlimb. J Anat 2011 Apr;218(4):363-74.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
