Kinematic detection of superior gait quality in young trotting warmbloods.

This research attempted to establish objective criteria for identifying high-quality gait in young Warmblood horses. This was done by comparing kinematic data from a treadmill with subjective scoring by a judge.

Objective of the Study

• The research aimed to identify objective parameters for determining the gait quality of young warmblood horses. This is a crucial factor for future performance, and traditional methods usually involve subjective evaluation. The study sought to address this lack of objective measurement.

Methodology

• The researchers used 24 26-month-old Dutch Warmblood horses in this study. Researchers led these horses on a loose shank and the trot was initially evaluated subjectively by a judge.
• Following the initial evaluation, the horse’s trot was objectively assessed on a treadmill using kinematic analysis equipment. The parameters included stride and swing duration, scapula rotation, and various maxima in limb protraction, retraction, extension, and flexion.

Findings

• Researchers found that several kinematic variables showed a significant correlation with the generally accepted subjective gait score. These variables include forelimb and hind limb stride and swing duration, scapula rotation, forelimb maximal fetlock extension, forelimb maximal retraction, hind limb maximal protraction, maximal stifle flexion, and maximal tarsal flexion.
• The study also reveals that the ranking of horses based on gait quality according to the kinematic variables was similar to the subjective ranking given by the judge. This indicates that the objective measurements capture similar aspects of gait quality as observed by experienced judges.

Conclusion

• The researchers conclude that they had successfully identified the variables in equine locomotion that could be objectively measured to determine quality of trot in warmblood horses. This study contributes to creating standard objective methods for assessing gait quality in horses, which could enhance the consistency and accuracy of horse training and breeding.