Head and pelvic movement symmetry in horses during circular motion and in rising trot.
Abstract: Lameness examinations in horses often include lungeing and ridden exercise. To incorporate these exercises into the evidence-based decision making process aided by quantitative sensor based gait analysis, guideline values for movement asymmetry are needed. In this study, movement symmetry (MS) was quantified in horses during unridden and ridden trot on the straight and on the circle. Systematic changes in MS were expected as a result of the 'asymmetrical loading' caused by circular movement, the rising trot and the combination of the two. Out of 23 horses (age 4-20 years, height 13.3-17.2 hands), 13 presented within normal limits for head movement and 22 for pelvic movement. Inertial measurement units assessed MS of vertical head and sacral movement during trot in-hand, on the lunge and in rising trot (straight, left/right circle). Changes in MS between straight line trot and ridden exercise on the circle were more pronounced for the head than for the sacrum. The highest amount of asymmetry was observed during rising trot on the circle (symmetry index of the head: 1.23 for the left rein, 0.83 for the right rein; symmetry index of the sacrum 0.84 for the left rein, 1.15 for the right rein). Change in MS was significant between exercise conditions except for the difference between head displacement maxima. Horses had greatest asymmetry during rising trot on the circle, with MS values of comparable magnitude to mild lameness.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2013-09-26 PubMed ID: 24144771DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.033Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research study investigates the movement symmetry in horses during various types of motion, such as circular movement and rising trot, with the aim of establishing guideline values for asymmetry. This is essential for evidence-based decision-making in lameness examinations using quantitative sensor-based gait analysis.
Objective of the Study
- The goal of the study was to understand and quantify the movement symmetry in horses during different movement exercises. The researchers were particularly interested in the variations during unridden and ridden trot, both on a straight path and in circular motion.
- They hypothesized that the ‘asymmetrical loading’ caused by circular motion, rising trot, and a combination of the two would lead to systematic changes in movement symmetry.
Method and Results
- The study used 23 horses of varying age and height, and inertial measurement units were used to accurately assess the movement symmetry of vertical head and sacral (lower spine) movements in different trot situations (in-hand, on the lunge, and rising trot).
- The results showed significant variations in movement symmetry between straight line trot and ridden exercise on a circle, with changes being more pronounced for the head than the sacrum.
- The highest amount of asymmetry was observed during a rising trot on the circle. The symmetrical index for the head was 1.23 for the left rein and 0.83 for the right rein, while the symmetrical index for the sacrum was 0.84 for the left and 1.15 for the right.
Significance of the Findings
- The findings of the study indicate a significant change in movement symmetry between different exercise conditions, with the greatest asymmetry found during rising trot on the circle.
- These variations in movement symmetry were of a similar magnitude to those seen in horses presenting with mild lameness.
- These findings are critical for veterinarians and other equine practitioners, as it provides them with a quantitative, evidence-based guideline to assess lameness in horses and make informed decisions on their care and treatment.
Cite This Article
APA
Robartes H, Fairhurst H, Pfau T.
(2013).
Head and pelvic movement symmetry in horses during circular motion and in rising trot.
Vet J, 198 Suppl 1, e52-e58.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.033 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK.
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK.
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK. Electronic address: tpfau@rvc.ac.uk.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Gait / physiology
- Head / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Pelvis / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 12 times.- Logan AA, Snyder AJ, Nielsen BD. Circle Diameter Impacts Stride Frequency and Forelimb Stance Duration at Various Gaits in Horses. Sensors (Basel) 2023 Apr 24;23(9).
- Cock G, Blakeney Z, Hernandez JA, DeNotta S. Opioid-free sedation for atlantoaxial cerebrospinal fluid collection in adult horses. J Vet Intern Med 2022 Sep;36(5):1812-1819.
- Pfau T, Scott WM, Sternberg Allen T. Upper Body Movement Symmetry in Reining Quarter Horses during Trot In-Hand, on the Lunge and during Ridden Exercise. Animals (Basel) 2022 Feb 27;12(5).
- Logan AA, Nielsen BD, Robison CI, Hallock DB, Manfredi JM, Hiney KM, Buskirk DD, Popovich JM Jr. Impact of Gait and Diameter during Circular Exercise on Front Hoof Area, Vertical Force, and Pressure in Mature Horses. Animals (Basel) 2021 Dec 17;11(12).
- Byström A, Hardeman AM, Serra Bragança FM, Roepstorff L, Swagemakers JH, van Weeren PR, Egenvall A. Differences in equine spinal kinematics between straight line and circle in trot. Sci Rep 2021 Jun 18;11(1):12832.
- Soroko M, Zaborski D, Dudek K, Yarnell K, Górniak W, Vardasca R. Evaluation of thermal pattern distributions in racehorse saddles using infrared thermography. PLoS One 2019;14(8):e0221622.
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- Rhodin M, Egenvall A, Haubro Andersen P, Pfau T. Head and pelvic movement asymmetries at trot in riding horses in training and perceived as free from lameness by the owner. PLoS One 2017;12(4):e0176253.
- Rhodin M, Roepstorff L, French A, Keegan KG, Pfau T, Egenvall A. Head and pelvic movement asymmetry during lungeing in horses with symmetrical movement on the straight. Equine Vet J 2016 May;48(3):315-20.
- Meistro F, Ralletti MV, Rinnovati R, Spadari A. Objective Evaluation of Gait Asymmetries in Traditional Racehorses During Pre-Race Inspection: Application of a Markerless AI System in Straight-Line and Lungeing Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jun 18;15(12).
- Horan K, Pfau T. Effects of jockey position and surfaces on horse movement asymmetry and horse-jockey synchronisation during trotting exercise. PLoS One 2025;20(5):e0324753.
- Haussler KK, le Jeune SS, MacKechnie-Guire R, Latif SN, Clayton HM. The Challenge of Defining Laterality in Horses: Is It Laterality or Just Asymmetry?. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jan 21;15(3).
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