Jumping characteristics of naïve foals: lead changes and description of temporal and linear parameters.

The research investigates the jumping techniques of Dutch Warmblood foals aged six months, which could potentially form a scientific basis for selecting future show jumpers. Using 3-dimensional kinematic technology, the study provides a detailed biomechanical description of the foals’ approach, take-off, jump suspension, landing, and subsequent movements after clearing a vertical fence jump.

Research Methodology

• The research used the Qualisys Pro Reflex system, a 3-dimensional kinematics technology, to study the jumping characteristics of 41 Dutch Warmblood foals, aged six months. The foals were allowed to jump freely over a vertical fence, preceded by a cross pole fence.
• The study analysed the preferred lead of the foals, incidence of rotary gallop during the jump stride and the first move-off stride, changes in lead during jump suspension, limb placement, duration of stance phases and the height reached by the hooves.

Key Findings

• Most of the foals preferred the left lead for both their fore- and hindlimbs during the entire process of jumping.
• A high incidence of rotary gallop was observed both during the jump stride and the move-off stride.
• Changes in lead were frequently observed during jump suspension, with the trailing forelimb in the approach stride placed furthest from the fence, and the trailing hindlimb at take-off placed closest to it. These distance placements were statistically significant (P<0.05).
• At the landing side, the trailing forelimb was the closest to the fence, and the leading hindlimb of the first move-off stride was the furthest, which was again statistically significant (P<0.05).
• When it came to stance phases – the trailing forelimb in the approach stride had a significantly longer stance phase duration than the leading forelimb. In contrast, the hindlimbs did not differ in their stance phase duration at take-off.
• The height reached by the hooves above the fence top was significantly greater in the hindlimbs (P<0.05), with the hindlimbs shortening more than the forelimbs (P<0.05).

Conclusions

• The overall jumping technique of foals was found to be similar to that of mature horses, as reported in existing literature. This similarity suggested that if the observed patterns in the foals remained consistent during their rearing period, a quantitative analysis of the kinematics of free jumping foals could provide a valid basis for early selection of future show jumpers.