Kinematic evaluation of the back in fully functioning riding horses.

This research aims to develop an objective clinical tool for evaluating the function of the equine back in riding horses. This tool comes in the form of a database documenting the movement and symmetry of the back while the horse is walking and trotting, with findings correlating to factors such as age, gender and use.

Methodology

• The study observed 33 fully functioning riding horses. Their kinematics, or the physical measurements that describe motion, and morphometrics, the quantitative analysis of form, were analyzed.
• The horses were made to walk and trot on a treadmill and the researchers tested for correlations to their age, height, weight, stride length, and differences between their gender (mares or geldings) and their use (dressage or showjumping).

Results

• A database was created documenting the range of movement and symmetry of movement for the extension and flexion of the back, lateral bending, lateral excursion and axial rotation.
• The symmetry values were very high for all the variables analyzed.
• Differences in use and gender resulted in significant variations in the qualities observed.
• As age increased, there was a decrease in the extension and flexion of the thoracolumbar junction, showing a negative correlation.

Conclusion

• Interrelationships were established between use, gender and age, and conformation (the physical appearance of the horse) and movement.
• The database created serves as a basis for objective referencing in the diagnosis, therapy, and rehabilitation of clinical cases of back dysfunction in horses. This can potentially improve the accuracy and effectiveness of treatments for such cases as it provides a more objective measure as opposed to subjective traditional clinical methods.