The effect of two preparation procedures on an equine arena surface in relation to motion of the hoof and metacarpophalangeal joint.

This research paper investigates how two different preparation methods (harrowing and rolling) on a synthetic riding surface can affect horse movement, with specific focus on hoof movement and the metacarpophalangeal joint. It found that while the preparation method didn’t significantly differ hoof rotations or displacements, it did subtly change certain stride characteristics.

Methodology

• The study was carried out on nine horses. Their movements were recorded using infrared cameras and retro-reflective markers as they walked, trotted, and cantered on two surface preparations – harrowing and rolling.
• The horses were subjected to a cross-over design, a type of experimental design that allows each participant to serve as their own control, reducing the influence of confounding variables.

Measurements and Analyses

• The researchers analyzed hoof rotation and displacement, the extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ), and the inclination of the third metacarpal (McIII) – parameters related to roll, pitch, and yaw.
• These measurements were analyzed using a general linear model, a statistical model that predicts the relationship between two or more variables.
• Surface hardness and traction for each preparation were also measured. These are common markers for the performance and condition of a riding surface.

Findings

• The study found no significant differences in hoof rotations or hoof displacements between the two preparations. This suggests that the method of surface preparation did not have a major impact on these aspects of equine movement.
• However, the study did find that following harrowing, greater MCPJ extension at mid-stance and greater McIII adduction at impact were present when considering all gaits together.
• The hardness and traction of the surfaces were statistically similar for both preparations, indicating that these surface characteristics did not significantly differ between the two methods.
• Despite the overall similarities, the research suggests that the change to the surface cushion due to different preparations can cause subtle changes in stride characteristics of the horses.

Overall, while major markers of equine movement did not differ significantly between the two preparation methods, subtle changes were identified. This implies that the maintenance procedures of equine arenas can have small but potentially relevant effects on horse movement.