Influence of rough track surfaces on components of vertical forces in cantering thoroughbred horses.
Abstract: No kinetic data are available to indicate the influence of a rough track surface and the resultant loss of footing on the components of hoof vertical forces. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of rough track surfaces on the components of hoof vertical forces. Seven clinically sound 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses had instrumented shoes attached to both of the fore hooves to obtain the magnitudes of consecutive forces exerted in the hoof. All horses were cantered at approximately 10 m/s on straight tracks of smooth and rough surfaces of woodchip and dirt. The instrumented shoe indicated in real time 4 component forces acting on the hoof via 4 transducers positioned on the lateral and medial sides of the toe (LT, MT) and the heel (LH, MH). The peak vertical component forces of the heel were about twice that of the toe. The variances of the 4 components of peak vertical forces significantly increased on the rough track surface of both the woodchip (Leading: LH, MH and MT; Trailing: MH and LT) and dirt (Leading: LH and LT; Trailing: MH and MT) tracks. The trajectories of the position of the resultant force acting on the hoof also tended to increase the variance on rough track surfaces. Therefore, running on a rough track changes the vertical hoof forces and the balance of the resultant hoof forces. These results suggest a mechanism by which the rough track surfaces may influence the soundness of the horse.
Publication Date: 2000-02-05 PubMed ID: 10659254DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05220.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This study focused on determining how rough track surfaces impact the vertical forces on the hooves of cantering thoroughbred horses. The researchers discovered that rough surfaces alter these forces and the balance of the resultant hoof forces, potentially affecting the health of the horse.
Research Objective
- The research aimed at examining the impact of rough track surfaces on the components of vertical forces exerted in the hooves of thoroughbred horses. There wasn’t any existing kinetic data to indicate this influence, making this investigation pivotal in understanding how the loss of proper footing on such surfaces might affect the horses.
Methodology
- Seven clinically sound 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses were chosen for the study. Each had instrumented shoes attached to both of their front hooves to measure consecutive forces exerted.
- The horses were made to canter at roughly 10 m/s on straight tracks, comprising both smooth and rough surfaces. The rough surfaces were composed of woodchip and dirt.
- Four transducers placed on the lateral and medial sides of the hoof’s toe and heel recorded in real-time four-component forces acting on the hoof.
Findings
- The peak vertical component forces of the heel were found to be about twice as much as that of the toe.
- On rough track surfaces, both the woodchip and dirt, there were significant increases in the variances of the four components of peak vertical forces.
- There was also an observed increase in the variance of the trajectories of the position of the resultant force acting on the hoof when on rough track surfaces.
- It was concluded that running on a rough track affects the vertical forces in a horse’s hoof and the balance of the resultant forces.
Implications
- The results suggest a potential mechanism by which the rough track surfaces might impact the health or soundness of a horse. This is crucial as it informs the design and preference of race tracks to promote the well-being of the horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Kai M, Takahashi T, Aoki O, Oki H.
(2000).
Influence of rough track surfaces on components of vertical forces in cantering thoroughbred horses.
Equine Vet J Suppl(30), 214-217.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05220.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi, Japan.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Gait / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
- Running / physiology
- Sports
- Surface Properties
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Horan K, Price H, Day P, Mackechnie-Guire R, Pfau T. Timing Differences in Stride Cycle Phases in Retired Racehorses Ridden in Rising and Two-Point Seat Positions at Trot on Turf, Artificial and Tarmac Surfaces.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 9;13(16).
- Crawford KL, Finnane A, Greer RM, Phillips CJC, Woldeyohannes SM, Perkins NR, Ahern BJ. Appraising the Welfare of Thoroughbred Racehorses in Training in Queensland, Australia: The Incidence and Type of Musculoskeletal Injuries Vary between Two-Year-Old and Older Thoroughbred Racehorses.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Nov 5;10(11).
- Maeda Y, Hanada M, Oikawa MA. Epidemiology of racing injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses with special reference to bone fractures: Japanese experience from the 1980s to 2000s.. J Equine Sci 2016;27(3):81-97.
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