Effects of a synthetic all-weather waxed track versus a crushed sand track on 3D acceleration of the front hoof in three horses trotting at high speed.

The research investigated the difference in 3D acceleration effects on the front hoof of trotting horses on two different types of track surfaces – a crushed sand track and synthetic all-weather waxed track. The investigation found that the deceleration and vibrations upon impact were significantly reduced on the all-weather waxed track, suggesting the latter is better in absorbing shock.

Research Procedure

• The study involved the use of three French trotters. The researchers fitted the right front hooves of the horses with one triaxial accelerometer each. This device was utilized to sense and record the magnitude and direction of the accelerations inflicted upon the horses’ hooves.
• The horses were tested on two different track surfaces – a crushed sand track (S) and an all-weather waxed track (W). The trotting was done in a straight line.
• Each session of measurements consisted of three repeated trials in a Latin square design, which helps eliminate the potential influences of extraneous factors.
• The speed of the trotting was maintained at 10 m/s and it was controlled by the driver, who also recorded it synchronously The sample rate was set at 6 kHz.

Data Analysis

• The study examined the resultant vector and 3D components of the hoof acceleration, the variability (between strides, trials, sessions, and horses), and power spectral density at the time of impact.
• A General Linear Model procedure was used to test for statistical differences, particularly between the two track surfaces.
• The comparison between the tracks was made using least square mean differences, with a p-value less than 0.05 being considered statistically significant.

Results and Conclusion

• The results showed a statistically significant difference in hoof deceleration (magnitude of the resultant vector) between the two tracks. The shock was about 50% less on the all-weather waxed track (W) than on the crushed sand track (S).
• The magnitude of the power spectral density, which represents the power distribution over frequency, was also reduced at higher frequencies on the waxed track.
• The research concluded that the tool used in the study efficiently detected the different behaviours of the hoof on various track surfaces at high speed.
• It also hinted that the all-weather waxed track is better in shock absorption as it led to reduced deceleration and vibrations of the hoof upon impact as compared to the crushed sand track.