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Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / Head and Neck Positions Affect Equine Kinematic Variables in...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2025; 15(8); doi: 10.3390/ani15081090

Head and Neck Positions Affect Equine Kinematic Variables in Marcha Batida Gait-A Pilot Study.

Abstract: The Mangalarga Marchador (MM) breed naturally performs four-beat gaits known as "Marcha". Kinematic analysis can provide insights for optimizing training and competition performance in this breed while potentially mitigating welfare concerns associated with extreme head and neck positions (HNPs) applied without an adequate understanding of their impacts. We examined how different HNPs affect the MM horse's Marcha Batida gait. Four HNPs were evaluated: HPN1-loose reins, HPN2-the competition standard for MM, HPN3-an extremely elevated head and neck, and HPN4-a slightly behind-the-vertical position. Kinematic data were collected using an optoelectronic system, and diagonal dissociation, stride length, and step height were analyzed. HNP3 had the highest dissociation, shortest stride length, and higher step height compared to the other HNPs. HNP1 resulted in the longest stride length. HNP2 and HNP4 differed in diagonal dissociation. HNPs significantly impact the kinematics of the Marcha Batida gait in this cohort of Mangalarga Marchador horses. Our results confirm the benefits of HNP2, the recommended position for shows and competitions. Additionally, it discourages the use of HNP3 and reiterates the need for further research into HNPs in four-beat gaits, highlighting the importance of rider training and the careful selection of HNPs to optimize Marcha Batida performance.
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Publication Date: 2025-04-09 PubMed ID: 40281924PubMed Central: PMC12024456DOI: 10.3390/ani15081090Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 study examines the influence of different head and neck positions (HNPs) on the specific four-beat gait, known as Marcha Batida, in the Mangalarga Marchador breed of horses.

Objective of the Research

  • To understand the impact of different HNPs on the Marcha Batida gait in the Mangalarga Marchador horses and how these positions can influence the breed’s performance during training and competitions.

Study Approach and Methodology

  • Four distinct head and neck positions were evaluated:
    1. HNP1: Loose
      reins      .
    2. HNP2: The competition standard for the MM breeds.
    3. HNP3: Extremely elevated head and neck.
    4. HNP4: Slightly behind-the-vertical position.
  • An optoelectronic system was used for collecting kinematic data, following which the stride length, diagonal dissociation, and step height of the horses were analyzed.

Key Findings and Insights

  • The comparison of different HNPs showed noticeable impacts on the kinematics of the Marcha Batida gait.
    • HNP3 (extremely elevated head and neck) had the highest dissociation and step height, but the shortest stride length.
    • HNP1 (loose reins) resulted in the longest stride length.
    • Diagonal dissociation varied in HNP2 (competition standard) and HNP4 (slightly behind-the-vertical position).
  • The findings verified the effectiveness of HNP2 as the preferred position for shows and competitions.
  • The HNP3 position is not recommended due to its negative impacts on horse gait.

Research Implications

  • This study brings attention to the significance of appropriate rider training and careful selection of HNPs to improve Marcha Batida performance.
  • It also advocates for more research into the impact of HNPs on four-beat gaits, particularly for improving the welfare and performance of horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Martins NA, Fonseca BPA, Silvatti AP, Valente FL, Soares NL, Simonato SP, Rosa LP, Andrade MO, Barcelos KMDC. (2025). Head and Neck Positions Affect Equine Kinematic Variables in Marcha Batida Gait-A Pilot Study. Animals (Basel), 15(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15081090

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 8

Researcher Affiliations

Martins, Natália Almeida
  • Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil.
Fonseca, Brunna Patrícia Almeida
  • Independent Researcher, Sao Paulo 04548-902, SP, Brazil.
Silvatti, Amanda Piaia
  • Departamento de Educação Física, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil.
Valente, Fabrício Luciani
  • Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil.
Soares, Nara Luisa
  • Departamento de Educação Física, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil.
Simonato, Samuel Pereira
  • Medicina Veterinária, Centro Universitário de Itajubá-FEPI, Itajubá 37501-002, MG, Brazil.
Rosa, Laura Patterson
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, NY 11548, USA.
Andrade, Millena Oliveira
  • Departamento de Zootecnia, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 05508-270, GO, Brazil.
Barcelos, Kate Moura da Costa
  • Departamento de Zootecnia, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 05508-270, GO, Brazil.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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