Kinematic characteristics of Andalusian, Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses: a comparative study.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the kinematic trot characteristics of three different breeds of horse: Andalusian (AN, n = 15), Arabian (AR, n = 7) and Anglo-Arabian (AA, n = 5) using standard computer-assisted videography (25 Hz). Linear, temporal and angular parameters in fore- and hind limbs were analysed in six randomly selected strides per horse. Normalised angle-time diagrams along the complete stride were obtained for all joints angles in each breed and specific kinematic characteristics were detected graphically. AA horses displayed longer swing durations in both limbs ans a shorter angular range of motion (ARM) in scapula and pelvis inclination and in shoulder, hip and forelimb retraction-protraction angles. At lift off, stifle and tarsal joint angles were more flexed. In general, only small differences were observed in AR horse kinematics when compared with the other 2 breeds. AN horses presented negative overtracking length, which was positive in AR and AA. In AN horses the elbow and carpal joints were more flexed at the moment of maximal elevation, elbow and fore-fetlock joints also exhibited a larger ARM due to a smaller angle at maximal flexion. In the hind limbs, tarsal, hind fetlock and retraction-protraction angles presented a larger ARM in AN horses due to greater maximal flexion in the tarsal and hind fetlock joints. Fore- and hind fetlocks were also more flexed in horses from this breed. In conclusion, differences between kinematic variables at the trot were observed in the three breeds studied here, mainly in forelimb joints. The most outstanding feature was the greater forelimb flexion recorded in AN horses than in the other breeds which is consistent with the elevated movements in this breed. In AA horses, the ARM of proximal joints involved in retraction protraction in both fore- and hind limbs was smaller. All the differences observed highlighted the idiosyncratic nature of the trot in each breed; this may influence the functional capacity of each breed.
Publication Date: 2002-03-09 PubMed ID: 11883894DOI: 10.1053/rvsc.2001.0504Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This study focuses on a comparative analysis of the trotting characteristics of three different horse breeds: Andalusian, Arabian, and Anglo-Arabian, using computer-assisted videography. Notable differences were observed among the breeds, particularly in the forelimb joints, with Andalusian horses displaying greater forelimb flexion compared to the other breeds.
Methodology and Results
- The researchers used computer-assisted videography with a frequency of 25 Hz to analyse the trot characteristics of the three horse breeds.
- Fifteen Andalusian horses, seven Arabian horses, and five Anglo-Arabian horses were involved in the study.
- The researchers focused on analysing linear, temporal, and angular parameters in both the forelimbs and hind limbs of the horses.
- For each horse, six strides were randomly selected and studied.
- The study revealed that Anglo-Arabian horses displayed longer swing durations in both limbs and a shorter angular range of motion in various areas, including scapula and pelvis inclination, shoulder, hip, and forelimb retraction-protraction angles.
- At the point of lift-off, the stifle and tarsal joint angles were more flexed in these horses.
- Arabian horse kinematics exhibited only minor differences when compared with the other two breeds.
- Conversely, Andalusian horses had a negative overtracking length, which was observed to be positive in Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses.
Unique traits in Andalusian Horses
- When studying horses during the moment of maximum elevation, Andalusian horses displayed more flexion in the elbow and carpal joints compared to the other breeds.
- Furthermore, the elbow and fore-fetlock joints had a larger angular range of motion due to a smaller angle at maximum flexion.
- In the hind limbs, Andalusian horses exhibited a larger angular range of motion in the tarsal, hind fetlock, and retraction-protraction angles due to a greater maximum flexion in the tarsal and hind fetlock joints.
Conclusions
- The study concluded that there exist identifiable differences in the trot kinematics of the three horse breeds examined, with the most significant variations observed in the forelimb joints.
- Andalusian horses, in particular, exhibited notable forelimb flexion compared to Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses.
- The results highlight the unique characteristics of each breed, underlining the potential influences on the functional capabilities of each breed.
Cite This Article
APA
Cano MR, Vivo J, Miró F, Morales JL, Galisteo AM.
(2002).
Kinematic characteristics of Andalusian, Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses: a comparative study.
Res Vet Sci, 71(2), 147-153.
https://doi.org/10.1053/rvsc.2001.0504 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Compared Anatomy and Pathology, U.D.I. Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Córdoba, Spain. an2cagam@lucano.uco.es
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Forelimb / physiology
- Gait / physiology
- Hindlimb / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Male
Citations
This article has been cited 9 times.- Martins NA, Fonseca BPA, Silvatti AP, Valente FL, Soares NL, Simonato SP, Rosa LP, Andrade MO, Barcelos KMDC. Head and Neck Positions Affect Equine Kinematic Variables in Marcha Batida Gait-A Pilot Study. Animals (Basel) 2025 Apr 9;15(8).
- Iglesias Pastrana C, Navas González FJ, Ciani E, Marín Navas C, Delgado Bermejo JV. Determination of breeding criteria for gait proficiency in leisure riding and racing dromedary camels: a stepwise multivariate analysis of factors predicting overall biomechanical performance. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1297430.
- Santosuosso E, Leguillette R, Vinardell T, Filho S, Massie S, McCrae P, Johnson S, Rolian C, David F. Kinematic Analysis During Straight Line Free Swimming in Horses: Part 2 - Hindlimbs. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:761500.
- Santosuosso E, Leguillette R, Vinardell T, Filho S, Massie S, McCrae P, Johnson S, Rolian C, David F. Kinematic Analysis During Straight Line Free Swimming in Horses: Part 1 - Forelimbs. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:752375.
- Darbandi H, Serra Bragança F, van der Zwaag BJ, Voskamp J, Gmel AI, Haraldsdóttir EH, Havinga P. Using Different Combinations of Body-Mounted IMU Sensors to Estimate Speed of Horses-A Machine Learning Approach. Sensors (Basel) 2021 Jan 26;21(3).
- Sapone M, Martin P, Ben Mansour K, Château H, Marin F. Comparison of Trotting Stance Detection Methods from an Inertial Measurement Unit Mounted on the Horse's Limb. Sensors (Basel) 2020 May 25;20(10).
- Matsuura A, Ohta E, Ueda K, Nakatsuji H, Kondo S. Influence of equine conformation on rider oscillation and evaluation of horses for therapeutic riding. J Equine Sci 2008;19(1):9-18.
- Crook TC, Cruickshank SE, McGowan CM, Stubbs N, Wilson AM, Hodson-Tole E, Payne RC. A comparison of the moment arms of pelvic limb muscles in horses bred for acceleration (Quarter Horse) and endurance (Arab). J Anat 2010 Jul;217(1):26-37.
- Miró F, Santos R, Garrido-Castro JL, Galisteo AM, Medina-Carnicer R. 2D versus 3D in the kinematic analysis of the horse at the trot. Vet Res Commun 2009 Aug;33(6):507-13.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
