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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Res Commun / The influence of speed and height at the withers on the kine...
Veterinary research communications1998; 22(6); 415-423; doi: 10.1023/a:1006105614177

The influence of speed and height at the withers on the kinematics of sound horses at the hand-led trot.

Abstract: The influence of speed and height at the withers on some biokinematic stride parameters (linear, temporal and angular) was measured in 15 Spanish Thoroughbreds (Andalusian Purebred) trotted hand-led along a track; analysis was made of the correlation between speed and height at the withers and of some biokinematic parameters of equine locomotion. Both height at the withers and speed were positively and significantly correlated to the linear parameters examined. Temporal parameters did not reveal a significant correlation with the height at the withers. The correlations with the angular parameters were variable, often being significant for both height at withers and speed, although in most cases the coefficient was relatively low, probably owing to the narrow ranges of speed and height at the withers and their low variability. It was concluded that horses at the hand-led trot tend to have low variability in speed during successive trials, although the speed at which they move does have a significant influence on both linear and temporal stride parameters, and also on several angular parameters, while height at the withers has a major effect on linear parameters but less on angular parameters, and does not affect the temporal parameters.
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Publication Date: 1998-11-12 PubMed ID: 9810638DOI: 10.1023/a:1006105614177Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article presents an analysis regarding the effects of speed and height at the withers on various kinematic characteristics of a horse’s stride while trotting. The study’s main conclusion is that both speed and height at the withers have a significant impact on linear stride parameters while effects on angular parameters are mixed and there is no impact on temporal parameters.

Research Methodology

  • The research involved 15 Spanish Thoroughbreds (Andalusian Purebred) horses which were made to trot hand-led along a track.
  • The researchers then measured the effect of speed and height at the withers (the ridge between a horse’s shoulder bones) on various biokinematic stride parameters, including linear, temporal, and angular elements.

Research Findings

  • The findings revealed a positive and significant correlation between both the speed of the horse and the height at the withers, and the linear parameters that were examined. In simpler terms, as the horses moved faster and the height at their withers increased, so too did the aspects of their stride that are measured in a straight line (linear parameters).
  • Nonetheless, the temporal parameters, which are related to time such as the duration of the stride, did not show a significant correlation with the height at the withers. This suggests that variations in the height of the horse’s withers do not impact the time-based elements of their stride.
  • Lastly, the correlation between speed, height at the withers, and the angular parameters (the angles made during their stride) showed mixed results. In some instances, they were significant regardless of the speed or the height at the withers, however, the correlation was generally low. The researchers attribute this to the narrow ranges of speed and height at the withers used during the experiment, suggesting there was not enough variety to establish a strong correlation.

Research Conclusion

  • In conclusion, the researchers determined that horses that are trotted by hand tend to maintain a steady speed throughout the trial.
  • Additionally, they found that the speed at which they move significantly influences both linear and temporal stride parameters, as well as several angular parameters.
  • Similarly, a horse’s height at the withers also influences their linear stride parameters. However, it has less of an impact on their angular parameters and no significant effect on their temporal parameters.

Cite This Article

APA
Galisteo AM, Cano MR, Morales JL, Vivo J, Miró F. (1998). The influence of speed and height at the withers on the kinematics of sound horses at the hand-led trot. Vet Res Commun, 22(6), 415-423. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1006105614177

Publication

Veterinary research communications
ISSN: 0165-7380
NlmUniqueID: 8100520
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 22
Issue: 6
Pages: 415-423

Researcher Affiliations

Galisteo, A M
  • Department of Comparative Anatomy and Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Córdoba, Spain.
Cano, M R
    Morales, J L
      Vivo, J
        Miró, F

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Biomechanical Phenomena
          • Gait / physiology
          • Horses / physiology
          • Locomotion / physiology
          • Male
          • Spain
          • Statistics, Nonparametric
          • Video Recording

          References

          This article includes 10 references
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          Citations

          This article has been cited 5 times.
          1. Schrurs C, Blott S, Dubois G, Van Erck-Westergren E, Gardner DS. Locomotory Profiles in Thoroughbreds: Peak Stride Length and Frequency in Training and Association with Race Outcomes. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 24;12(23).
            doi: 10.3390/ani12233269pubmed: 36496790google scholar: lookup
          2. Pagliara E, Marenchino M, Antenucci L, Costantini M, Zoppi G, Giacobini MDL, Bullone M, Riccio B, Bertuglia A. Fetlock Joint Angle Pattern and Range of Motion Quantification Using Two Synchronized Wearable Inertial Sensors per Limb in Sound Horses and Horses with Single Limb Naturally Occurring Lameness. Vet Sci 2022 Aug 25;9(9).
            doi: 10.3390/vetsci9090456pubmed: 36136672google scholar: lookup
          3. Roth IT, Schielke B, Rensing M, Bernau M. Comparison of American Quarter Horses Competing in Western Pleasure, Hunter under Saddle, and Reining Using Linear Traits. Animals (Basel) 2021 Sep 30;11(10).
            doi: 10.3390/ani11102861pubmed: 34679888google scholar: lookup
          4. Castejón-Riber C, Muñoz A, Trigo P, Riber C, Santisteban R, Castejón F. Comparative ergoespirometric adaptations to a treadmill exercise test in untrained show Andalusian and Arabian horses. Vet Res Commun 2012 Mar;36(1):41-6.
            doi: 10.1007/s11259-011-9510-xpubmed: 22183731google scholar: lookup
          5. Miró F, Santos R, Garrido-Castro JL, Galisteo AM, Medina-Carnicer R. 2D versus 3D in the kinematic analysis of the horse at the trot. Vet Res Commun 2009 Aug;33(6):507-13.
            doi: 10.1007/s11259-008-9196-xpubmed: 19082755google scholar: lookup
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