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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Rec / Effects of sand, asphalt and 3-degree hind toe or heel eleva...
The Veterinary record2021; 188(4); e23; doi: 10.1002/vetr.23

Effects of sand, asphalt and 3-degree hind toe or heel elevation on horse kinematics.

Abstract: Although the effects of both the surfaces and plantar angles on equine locomotion have been widely discussed, limited scientific data are available. Methods: Our objectives were to determine the effects of two surfaces (asphalt and sand) and of 3-degree hind toe or heel elevation on horse kinematics in an experimental study. Six saddle horses were shod with a reference shoeing (REF), characterized by a fore aluminium (REF F) and hind steel racehorse (REF H) shoeing. Two dimensional kinematic videos compared horse's kinematic parameters when walking and trotting on asphalt and sand. On asphalt, REF was also compared with REF F and a modified REF H with additional 3-degree hind-toe or -heel wedges. Results: On asphalt versus sand, horses had, at the trot, a shorter stride duration and forelimb maximal retraction, and at walk and trot, a greater fetlock, carpus, elbow and tarsus extension, a greater fore and hind limbs maximal protraction and a shorter hind limbs maximal retraction. Increasing the plantar angle decreased the tarsus and hind fetlock extension, in contrast to fore-limb, on asphalt during the stance phase. Conclusions: These findings could be useful to adapt rehabilitation programs related to fore and hind limb pathologies, at slow gaits.
© 2021 British Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2021-01-24 PubMed ID: 34651727DOI: 10.1002/vetr.23Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research investigates the impacts of different surfaces and alterations in plantar angles on horse locomotion patterns, comparing asphalt and sand surfaces and the effects of adding 3-degree hind toe or heel wedges to the horse’s shoes.

Objectives and Methods

  • The primary goal of this research was to determine the influence of two distinct surfaces (asphalt and sand) and the modification of plantar angles via 3-degree hind toe or heel elevation on horse kinematics.
  • Researchers worked with six saddle horses, each wearing specific shoes characterized by a fore aluminium and hind steel racehorse shoeing, referred to as reference shoeing (REF).
  • Data was gathered by analyzing two-dimensional kinematic videos which captured the horses as they walked and trotted on both asphalt and sand surfaces.
  • On asphalt, the REF was evaluated in comparison to ref with fore aluminium shoes (REF F) and a modified REF featuring 3-degree hind-toe or -heel wedges.

Results and Observations

  • Trotting on asphalt resulted in a shorter stride duration and forelimb maximal retraction for horses compared to trotting on sand.
  • Walking and trotting on asphalt made horses exhibit greater extension in their fetlock, carpus, elbow, and tarsus, and greater max protraction of fore and hind limbs. On the other hand, it caused a reduction in hind limb maximal retraction.
  • The increase in plantar angle resulted in decreased tarsus and hind fetlock extension during the stance phase on asphalt, contrasting with the forelimb behavior.

Conclusions

  • The findings from this study can be used to adjust <a href="/equine-rehabilitation-guide/" title="rehabilitation programs for horses recovering from fore and hind limb pathologies.
  • The research underlines the importance of surface type and shoe modifications in influencing horse locomotion.
  • Adapting rehabilitation interventions based on these findings has the potential to enhance treatment outcomes and hasten recovery for equine patients.

Cite This Article

APA
Caure S, Bonomelli N, Carro M, Leveillard D, Blanville F, Mortagne P, Cousty M, Weller R. (2021). Effects of sand, asphalt and 3-degree hind toe or heel elevation on horse kinematics. Vet Rec, 188(4), e23. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.23

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 2042-7670
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 188
Issue: 4
Pages: e23

Researcher Affiliations

Caure, Sébastien
  • Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Equin de Livet, 1487, Route de Castillon, Livarot-Pays d'Auge 14 140, France.
Bonomelli, Natacha
  • Ontario Veterinary College, Large Animal Clinic, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G2W1, Canada.
Carro, Marielle
  • Clinique Vétérinaire des Noés, parc d'activité des Noés, Plelan Le Grand 35 380, France.
Leveillard, Denis
  • Continuing Education in Farriery, 6, Rue des Dolmens, Saint Piat 28 130, France.
Blanville, Faustine
  • Clinique Vétérinaire Equine de Méheudin, 12, rue des Peupliers, Ecouché Les Vallées 61 150, France.
Mortagne, Perrine
  • Greshippo, 209, Lot barde, Saint Vincent de Mercuze 38 660, France.
Cousty, Matthieu
  • Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Equin de Livet, 1487, Route de Castillon, Livarot-Pays d'Auge 14 140, France.
Weller, Renate
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Forelimb
  • Gait
  • Horses
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Sand
  • Toes

References

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