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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Med Int / Variation in Four Horse Gait Categories Illustrated by Quant...
Veterinary medicine international2025; 2025; 4906015; doi: 10.1155/vmi/4906015

Variation in Four Horse Gait Categories Illustrated by Quantitative Analysis With ANALOC-E.

Abstract: Horse gaits are a trait highly selected and prized in diverse breeds. Meanwhile, gait classification relies mostly on subjective visual observations by evaluators. Noninvasive equipment able to track locomotion in horses and output quantitative gait parameters is not only helpful in evaluating locomotion but also in designating gait types and its variations. Equine locomotion pattern designation based solely on observer evaluation can be subjective; therefore, utilizing tools that provide quantitative results and track individual limb movements, especially during intermediate-speed gaits, can result in increased phenotypic accuracy and better designation. A noninvasive automated locomotion analysis system (ANALOC-E) was used to acquire locomotion parameters in a small yet diverse set of 68 horses of 4 breeds. We aimed to evaluate kinematic variation in horse locomotion patterns for these 68 horses. Analysis demonstrates kinematic variation within breed-designated gaits. We also compared output parameters to previously described standards, as well as assessed principal component scores within the dataset. We illustrate two gait types not described by the previous standards (marcha de centro and marcha trotada) yet recognized by breed designations. Three parameters (lateral support, diagonal support, and triple support) can explain about 98.9% of the variance in gait types in this dataset. Results suggest that ANALOC-E could be used for locomotion analysis, but further validation is necessary to evaluate the accuracy of the system. Noninvasive technologies that encourage natural locomotion and output quantitative biomechanical/kinematic parameters may assist in real-time, accurate, locomotion descriptions.
Copyright © 2025 Elizabeth Ann Staiger et al. Veterinary Medicine International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2025-08-06 PubMed ID: 40809801PubMed Central: PMC12349990DOI: 10.1155/vmi/4906015Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 a study on the use of a noninvasive automated locomotion analysis system, known as ANALOC-E, to provide quantitative data on horse gait types. This tool aids in reducing the subjectivity in gait classification which traditionally relies on visual observations.

Overview of the Research

  • The study focuses on the use of new technology, ANALOC-E, which enables noninvasive tracking of horse locomotion and the generation of quantitative gait parameters.
  • By eliminating the reliance on subjective visual observations for gait classification, this system can potentially increase the accuracy of phenotypic characterization, and better gait type designation.
  • This research was carried out using a small, yet diverse set of 68 horses from 4 different breeds.

Results of the Study

  • The researchers found that there was kinematic variation in the horse gaits even within breed-designated gaits, highlighting the nuanced complexity of equine locomotion.
  • The team compared the output parameters of the ANALOC-E system to previously described standards and also evaluated principal component scores within the dataset.
  • Interestingly, the analysis identified two gait types not described by the previous standards (marcha de centro and marcha trotada) yet recognized by breed designations.
  • Three parameters (lateral support, diagonal support, and triple support) could explain approximately 98.9% of the variance in gait types in the dataset.

Implications and Conclusions of the Study

  • The study suggests that the ANALOC-E system could be used for a detailed analysis of horse locomotion, but further validation is necessary to assess the accuracy of the system.
  • Noninvasive technologies such as ANALOC-E that support natural locomotion and generate quantitative biomechanical/kinematic parameters can be valuable in providing real-time, accurate descriptions of locomotion.
  • This technology could potentially revolutionize the way horse gaits are evaluated, classified, and studied, which has significant implications for horse breeding and performance assessments.

Cite This Article

APA
Staiger EA, Pereira de Toledo A, Rizzato Paschoal V, Patterson Rosa L. (2025). Variation in Four Horse Gait Categories Illustrated by Quantitative Analysis With ANALOC-E. Vet Med Int, 2025, 4906015. https://doi.org/10.1155/vmi/4906015

Publication

Veterinary medicine international
ISSN: 2090-8113
NlmUniqueID: 101524203
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 2025
Pages: 4906015
PII: 4906015

Researcher Affiliations

Staiger, Elizabeth Ann
  • Department of Animal Science & Veterinary Technology, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, Texas, USA.
Pereira de Toledo, Adalton
  • Toledo Horse, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Rizzato Paschoal, Victoria
  • Departamento de Nutrição e Produção Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
Patterson Rosa, Laura
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, New York, USA.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Adalton Pereira de Toledo owns and manages the Toledo company as well as has developed and commercialized the ANALOC-E system. All other authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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