Influence of track surface on the equine superficial digital flexor tendon loading in two horses at high speed trot.

The research article identifies the effects of different track surfaces on the loading of horses’ superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) during high speed trotting. Results demonstrated that an all-weather waxed track contributes to lesser and more gradual SDFT loading as compared to a crushed sand track.

Methods and Experimentation

• The study was conducted on two trotter horses which were fitted with a noninvasive ultrasonic device to evaluate the forces in the SDFT during exercise.
• The performance of the horses was tested on two different track surfaces – an all-weather waxed track (W) and a crushed sand track (S).
• A 1 MHz ultrasonic probe was used for data gathering which was fixed on the palmar metacarpal area of horse’s right forelimb. The data was acquired at 400Hz and 10 consecutive strides were analyzed for each traffic trial.
• The trotting speed of the horses was maintained at 10 m/s.
• The same forelimb was also equipped with a dynamometric horseshoe and skin markers to record other corresponding data. This data was synchronized with film recorded using a high-speed 600 Hz camera.

Findings and Results

• The research found that maximal tendon force was significantly lower when the horses trotted on the all-weather waxed track as compared to crushed sand track.
• Earlier force peaks were observed in the trials, which were more pronounced on the sand track. These peaks coincided with plateaus in the fetlock angle-time chart when assessed with the kinematic data.
• It was also noticed that the maximum loading rate of the tendon was significantly lower on the waxed track than on the sand track.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

• The study concludes that an all-weather waxed track seems to induce comparatively lesser and more gradual SDFT loading in horses than a crushed sand track during high speed trotting.
• The loading pattern at high speed trotting suggests certain movements in the proximal interphalangeal joint during limb loading, which could be a key focus area for future research.
• This research is clinically relevant as it can help in understanding the risk factors related to injuries and provide directions for preventive measures to protect horses from tendon damages during training or competitions.