Influence of shoes with different weights on the motion of the limbs in Icelandic horses during toelt at different speeds.

The research article examines the impact varying weights and toelting speeds have on the physiologic function and athletic performance of Icelandic horses.

Research Objective

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of different weights on Icelandic horses’ limb movements during toelt— a unique gait specific to some breeds of horses— and how this interaction plays out at different speeds. The intended goal was to provide insights that might enhance competition strategies and training regimens for these horses.

Methods

• The study comprised eight Icelandic horses, averaging 12 years in age and 369 kg in weight.
• A kinematic system with 10 cameras was used to collect motion data with 1.3-megapixel resolution at a sampling rate of 120 Hz.
• The horses were outfitted with reflective markers on their hooves to facilitate movement capture.
• The horses were ridden in toelt by two experienced riders, on a treadmill, at two varying speeds (2.96 m/s and 4.10 m/s).
• Horses were tested without boots, with light boots (170g), and heavy boots (280g) at each speed level. The sequence of measurements was varied for each horse.
• A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and repeated-measures ANOVA were used to analyze the data collected. Statistical significance was based on a p-value of less than 0.05.

Results

• The study found that both the weight of the shoes and the speed of toelt significantly affected the height of the horse’s flight arc during limb movement.
• At lower speeds, the average height was 163mm, while at higher speeds, the mean height increased to 228mm.
• Weighted boots increased the average flight height from 152mm to 169mm at lower speeds and from 214mm to 245mm at the higher speeds.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that Icelandic horses perform better in toelt with weights and at higher speeds during competition.
• Given these results, it suggests that for effective muscle adaptation, such strategies should be factored into both competition and training sessions for these Icelandic horses.