External loads on the limbs of jumping horses at take-off and landing.

The research article analyses the impact of jumping on the limbs of Dutch Warmblood horses, determining that the ground reaction force (GRF) differs significantly from a normal canter during take-off and landing while jumping a vertical fence. The evidence suggests that the jumping technique used by the horse greatly influences these forces.

Research Method

• The researchers used a force plate to record the ground reaction force (GRF) patterns between the hooves of the horse and the ground at the point of take-off and landing.
• These patterns were recorded for all limbs of five Dutch Warmblood horses, a popular breed in equestrian events, while jumping a 0.8-metre vertical fence from a right-leading canter.

Findings on Take-Off and Landing

• The research found that the distribution of GRF and force impulses over the four limbs during take-off and landing were significantly different from those recorded during a normal canter.
• During take-off, the propulsive GRF of the hind limbs was 3 to 5 times higher depending on the jumping technique of the horse.
• During landing, the propulsive GRF mainly increased in the trailing forelimb and both hind limbs of the horse.

Vertical GRF Amplitudes and Force Impulses

• The research showed that the vertical GRF amplitudes and force impulses were similar to those recorded during a normal canter.
• However, there were increases in these forces up to 160% in the hind limbs of the horse with the poorest jumping technique.
• The trailing forelimb carried the highest loads, sometimes up to twice the horse’s body weight.
• The researchers also found that GRF amplitudes tended to increase when higher fences were used, indicating a greater strain on the horse.

Influence of Jumping Technique

• The jumping technique used by the horse was found to have a significant impact on the ground reaction forces experienced by the limbs.
• The research indicated that a horse with a smoother jumping technique was able to clear a 1.3-metre high fence while experiencing similar loads on its limbs as lower jumps, suggesting that improved technique can help to protect the horse from high GRF loads.