Analyze Diet

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

Abstract: Using a force plate, ground reaction force (GRF) patterns at take-off and landing between the hooves and the ground were recorded for all limbs of 5 Dutch Warmbloods jumping a 0.8-m vertical fence from the right-leading canter. Distribution of the GRF and force impulses over the 4 limbs at take-off and landing were considerably different from those recorded at the normal canter. At take-off, the propulsory GRF of the hind limbs were 3 to 5 times higher than at the normal canter, depending on the jumping technique of the horse. At landing, the propulsory GRF were mainly increased in the trailing forelimb and in both hind limbs. The vertical GRF amplitudes and force impulses were of similar magnitude to those at the canter, although increases up to 160% were found in the hind limbs of the horse with the worst jumping technique. The trailing forelimb carried the highest loads, up to twice the animal's body weight; GRF amplitudes tended to increase when higher fences were used. However, the jumping technique of the horse may have more influence, because an easily jumping horse could clear a 1.3-m-high fence with similar loads on the limbs.
Publication Date: 1993-05-01 PubMed ID: 8317758
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

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 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.

Cite This Article

APA
Schambardt HC, Merkens HW, Vogel V, Willekens C. (1993). External loads on the limbs of jumping horses at take-off and landing. Am J Vet Res, 54(5), 675-680.

Publication

ISSN: 0002-9645
NlmUniqueID: 0375011
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 54
Issue: 5
Pages: 675-680

Researcher Affiliations

Schambardt, H C
  • Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Merkens, H W
    Vogel, V
      Willekens, C

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Biomechanical Phenomena
        • Forelimb
        • Gait
        • Hindlimb
        • Horses / physiology
        • Locomotion

        Citations

        This article has been cited 6 times.
        1. Stachurska A, Wnuk E, Łuszczyński J, Donderowicz W. Preliminary Biometric Study on Symmetry of Hoof Solear Aspect in Forelimbs in Four Horse Breeds. Animals (Basel) 2025 Nov 21;15(23).
          doi: 10.3390/ani15233369pubmed: 41375428google scholar: lookup
        2. Rohlf CM, Garcia TC, Marsh LJ, Acutt EV, le Jeune SS, Stover SM. Effects of Jumping Phase, Leading Limb, and Arena Surface Type on Forelimb Hoof Movement. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jun 27;13(13).
          doi: 10.3390/ani13132122pubmed: 37443919google scholar: lookup
        3. Pratt-Phillips S, Munjizun A. Impacts of Adiposity on Exercise Performance in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023 Feb 14;13(4).
          doi: 10.3390/ani13040666pubmed: 36830453google scholar: lookup
        4. Hobbs SJ, Clayton HM. The Olympic motto through the lens of equestrian sports. Anim Front 2022 Jun;12(3):45-53.
          doi: 10.1093/af/vfac025pubmed: 35711501google scholar: lookup
        5. 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).
          doi: 10.3390/ani11020414pubmed: 33562875google scholar: lookup
        6. Rogers CW, Bolwell CF, Gee EK. Proactive Management of the Equine Athlete. Animals (Basel) 2012 Dec 19;2(4):640-55.
          doi: 10.3390/ani2040640pubmed: 26487168google scholar: lookup