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The Journal of experimental biology2007; 210(Pt 2); 187-197; doi: 10.1242/jeb.02611

Gait characterisation and classification in horses.

Abstract: Although a large number of foot-fall sequences are possible in quadrupeds, few sequences are routinely used. The aim of this paper is to characterise, by foot-fall pattern, the gaits used by horses and develop a novel technique to classify symmetric and asymmetric gaits using one common criterion. To achieve this speed and relative foot-fall, timings of all four limbs of eight Icelandic horses were measured using accelerometers. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was performed to find criteria that are optimal for discriminating between the different gaits. This also allowed us to evaluate whether gaits should be considered a continuum or as discrete entities. Foot-fall timings (stance times, swing times, duty factors and stride frequencies) for walk, tolt, trot, pace, left canter, right canter, left gallop and right gallop during over-ground locomotion at a range of speeds are presented. In the gaits of walk, tolt, trot and pace, foot-fall timings were equal between left and right hindlimbs and forelimbs so these gaits can be considered as symmetrical. Differences in stance times and duty factors were observed between gaits but are unlikely to be of biological significance due to their similar magnitude and inconsistent relative trends. This implies that metabolics or peak limb forces derived from contact times are unlikely to be the principal driving factors in gait transition between walk, trot, pace, canters and gallops, although these factors may influence the use of tolt at the lower and higher speeds. Gaits did cluster in the LDA space and the running gaits (tolt, trot, pace, left and right canters and gallops) could be considered a kinematic continuum but the relative relationship with walk may be more complex. Thus, LDA analysis has enabled common criteria to be discovered to accurately classify equine gaits on the basis of foot-fall timings on a stride-by-stride basis.
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Publication Date: 2007-01-11 PubMed ID: 17210956DOI: 10.1242/jeb.02611Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • 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 aims to characterize and classify the gaits of horses, based on foot-fall patterns, using specific experimental techniques. The study examined all four limbs of certain horses, and through linear discriminant analysis (LDA), determined optimal criteria for identifying different gaits.

Study Summary

The paper examined the gaits of horses, specifically Icelandic horses, aiming to create a system that classifies symmetric and asymmetric gaits using the same criterion. To do this, the researchers analyzed the footfall pattern of all four limbs of the horses.

Methodology

  • Eight Icelandic horses were chosen for the study. The speed and relative footfall timings of all their limbs were recorded using accelerometers.
  • The researchers then used Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) to discern criteria that effectively distinguished between different gaits.
  • They further used LDA to evaluate whether gaits should be considered as a continuum or as discrete entities.

Findings

  • Footfall timings (the periods of stance, swing, duty factors, and stride frequencies) for various gaits including walk, tolt, trot, pace, left canter, right canter, left gallop, and right gallop during ground locomotion at varying speeds were noted.
  • Gaits were seen as either symmetrical (such as walk, tolt, trot, and pace where footfall timings were equal between left and right hindlimbs and forelimbs) or asymmetrical.
  • Interestingly, differences in stance times and duty factors existed between gaits but seemed unimportant biologically due to their similar magnitude and inconsistent relative trends.
  • The results suggested that factors like metabolics or peak limb forces resulting from contact times might not be the main determinants in gait transitions between walk, trot, pace, canter, and gallop.
  • In the LDA space, the gaits were clustered together, with running gaits being considered a kinematic continuum. The relationship with the walk appeared more complex, however.

Conclusions

Through using LDA, the researchers were able to discern common criteria suitable for accurately classifying horse gaits based on footfall timings on a stride-by-stride basis. This work can contribute to a better understanding of how horses move and could have implications for equine health and performance studies.

Cite This Article

APA
Robilliard JJ, Pfau T, Wilson AM. (2007). Gait characterisation and classification in horses. J Exp Biol, 210(Pt 2), 187-197. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.02611

Publication

The Journal of experimental biology
ISSN: 0022-0949
NlmUniqueID: 0243705
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 210
Issue: Pt 2
Pages: 187-197

Researcher Affiliations

Robilliard, Justine J
  • Structure and Motion Laboratory, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK.
Pfau, Thilo
    Wilson, Alan M

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Biomechanical Phenomena
      • Classification
      • Discriminant Analysis
      • Extremities / physiology
      • Gait / physiology
      • Horses / physiology

      Grant Funding

      • BB/E013244/1 / Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

      Citations

      This article has been cited 47 times.
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