Quantitative Gait Analysis Before and After a Cross-country Test in a Population of Elite Eventing Horses.

This study investigates the incidence of gait irregularities in elite eventing horses, utilising quantitative gait analysis before and after cross-country exercises to detect subtle asymmetries. The results show a prevalent presence of gait asymmetries, although strenuous exercise didn’t lead to any exacerbation of these irregularities.

Objective and Methodology

• The study aims to utilise a quantitative gait analysis system, a more sensitive tool than the human eye, to detect minor gait irregularities in an elite population of eventing horses.
• In this endeavour, the research seeks to evaluate any existing correlation between these detected symmetries and post-exercise levels of certain muscle enzymes and blood lactate (LA).
• Gait asymmetries were assessed, focusing on movement of critical anatomical points like the head, wither, and pelvis.
• The test subjects included 33 elite eventing horses, with gait analysis conducted before and after their participation in a cross-country test of three Concours Complet International (CCI3* and CCI4*) events.

Findings

• The study observed that gait asymmetries exceeding recognised thresholds were found in 58% of horses before the cross-country course, with the numbers rising to 77% after its completion.
• Importantly, the study did not find any significant increase in the magnitude of pre-existing gait asymmetries after the cross-country test, suggesting that rigorous exercise did not further exacerbate any underlying gait irregularities.
• The research also could not establish any significant correlations between post-exercise muscle enzymes and LA levels with any gait irregularities, discounting any speculation of a causal relationship.

Notable Observations

• One significant observation made during the study was that the stride duration was noticeably shorter the day following the cross-country test.
• This shorter stride duration presented a correlation with LA levels and physical characteristics of the horses like their age and weight.
• The study concluded that a majority of the studied horses exhibited gait asymmetries, and while strenuous exercise resulted in decreased stride duration, it did not worsen the existing gait irregularities.