The extended canter: a comparison of some kinematic variables in horses trained for dressage and for racing.

This research article evaluates the differences in canter stride mechanics between dressage and racehorses. The study finds no significant variations in velocity, stride duration, stride length, or the distances between limb placements, but notes discrepancies in stance durations and suspension phase duration.

Study Design and Methodology

• The study took its data from a selection of nine advanced-level dressage horses and seven Thoroughbred racehorses.
• The horses were filmed running at an extended canter on a sand track at a frame rate of 200 Hz.
• Each horse performed between six and seven trials, with two strides being recorded per trial.
• The collected temporal and linear data were then treated using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation).

Selection Criteria

• The captured strides that were selected for the study’s analysis had to fall within a velocity range of 6.0 to 7.0 m/s.
• This selection was done to maintain uniformity and relevance across the collected data.

Statistical Approach

• A multivariate analysis of variance was applied to the selected kinematic data of the strides to determine any significant differences between horses trained for dressage and those trained for racing.
• Any p-value of less than or equal to 0.01 was taken as a sign of significant difference.

Key Findings

• The study found that the average velocities of the dressage horses and the racehorses were virtually identical, at 6.37 m/s and 6.40 m/s respectively.
• There were no significant differences detected between the two groups in stride duration, stride length, or the distances between limb placements.
• However, in the dressage horses, the stance durations of all four limbs and the overlaps between them were longer while the duration of the suspension phase was shorter compared to the racehorses.
• The order of impact of the diagonal limb pair did exhibit some variability between individual horses, but the sequence of footfalls was not significantly different between the two groups.

Study Summary

• The study accurately compared the kinematic variables of dressage and racehorses at an extended canter.
• Although some degree of variance was seen in specific measurements, the study showed that the differences between dressage and racehorses are minimal in terms of these kinematic variables.
• The insights uncovered by this study can prove beneficial in understanding the biomechanics and gait characteristics of horses from different sports backgrounds.