Upwards or onwards? Assessment of objective gait quality parameters in three European horse breeds at walk and trot.

Overview

• This study compared the walking and trotting gait patterns of three European horse breeds using objective measurements.
• The findings revealed distinct breed-specific gait characteristics that reflect their different breeding goals and equestrian uses.

Background and Objectives

• Europe hosts a variety of horse breeds, each with unique body conformation, gait types, and genetics, shaped by distinct breeding aims.
• Previous research on how these objective gait parameters differ among breeds is scarce and outdated, typically over ten years old.
• The study’s main goal was to objectively measure and compare gait parameters of three prominent European breeds: Lusitanos (LUS), Franches-Montagnes (FM), and Swiss Warmbloods (WB).
• Understanding gait differences can provide insights into the genetic and functional evolution of horse movement adapted to their primary equestrian disciplines.

Methodology

• Population:
  • Lusitanos (LUS): 52 horses
  • Franches-Montagnes (FM): 311 horses
  • Swiss Warmbloods (WB): 40 horses
• Instrumentation:
  • Used an inertial measurement system placing sensors on the poll, withers, pelvis, and all four cannon bones.
  • This system allowed for precise recording of movement dynamics during walking and trotting.
• Gait Parameters Measured:
  • Speed of movement
  • Stride frequency (how many steps per unit time)
  • Stride length
  • Hind limb and front limb protraction angles (how far limbs are extended forward during stride)
  • Suspension duration during trot (time the horse is airborne)
  • Vertical range of motion detected at the withers (amount of vertical movement of the horse’s upper body)

Key Findings

• Speed:
  • Lusitanos moved significantly slower than the other two breeds at both walk and trot (approximately 0.65 m/s slower at walk and 1.35 m/s slower at trot).
• Stride Frequency and Length:
  • Franches-Montagnes had the highest stride frequencies, indicating quicker stepping.
  • Swiss Warmbloods showed longer stride lengths but took fewer strides per unit time.
• Limb Protraction Angles:
  • Both Franches-Montagnes and Swiss Warmbloods exhibited larger hind limb protraction angles than Lusitanos.
  • For front limbs, Warmbloods had the largest protraction angles at walk compared to the other breeds, but differences disappeared at trot.
• Trot Suspension and Vertical Movement:
  • Franches-Montagnes demonstrated longer suspension times in trot but smaller vertical motion at the withers, suggesting a smoother and more horizontal movement.
  • Lusitanos and Warmbloods showed more aerial, vertical, and elastic movement patterns during trot, consistent with dressage and jumping demands.

Interpretations and Implications

• The distinct gait characteristics reflect the historical and functional breeding goals:
  • Lusitanos were bred for collected, vertical movements suitable for dressage-like disciplines.
  • Franches-Montagnes horses were selected for efficient, horizontal movement adapted to pulling carriages and farm work.
  • Swiss Warmbloods exhibited traits favoring vertical elasticity and large ground coverage, ideal for jumping and dressage sports.
• The study highlights how breed-specific gaits have genetic underpinnings linked to sporting purposes and practical uses.
• Objective gait parameter analysis can help breeders and scientists understand movement genetics and optimize breeding programs for desired athletic capabilities.

Conclusions

• This research successfully identified clear and measurable differences in gait quality among three European horse breeds during walk and trot.
• The results advance the scientific knowledge of equine movement biology and provide a framework for future genetic and functional studies related to gait.
• Ultimately, such data could improve breed selection and training tailored to specific equestrian disciplines.