Relationships between fore- and hindlimb ground reaction force and hoof deceleration patterns in trotting horses.

The study aimed to compare and analyze the hoof deceleration patterns between the fore- and hindlimbs of trotting horses. The results demonstrated significant force differences between the fore- and hindlimbs, although there were no significant variations in hoof deceleration, contributing to understanding these factors as potential risk elements in the development of subchondral bone damage in horses.

Methods Used

• Seven Standardbreds were trotted over a force plate covered with sand. During the trotting experiment, the horses had triaxial accelerometers mounted on their fore and hind hoofs.
• The researchers monitored variables representative of both decelerations, specifically the initial two major vertical deceleration peaks, characteristic maximum and minimum values in the craniocaudal deceleration, hoof braking time, and ground reaction forces, among other factors.
• A statistical analysis was carried out by using the differences between individual fore- and hindlimb time and amplitude variables.

Findings

• The data obtained from the force plate revealed that there are significantly higher vertical loading rates and horizontal loads in the forelimb than in the hindlimb of horses when trotting.
• However, the parameters collected from the accelerometer data showed no significant differences.
• The hoof deceleration, despite not showing a significant difference, followed a distinct pattern that described in depth the kinematics of the fore and hind hooves during the initial period of hoof braking.

Conclusion and Future Research

• The results contribute to a more detailed understanding of potential risk factors that may cause subchondral bone damage in horse limbs.
• The team noted that future research needs to further study the influence of the hoof braking pattern at higher speeds, different shoeing, and ground surfaces with varying properties.