Linear and temporal stride characteristics of 3-day event horses at a CCI*** 3-day event horse inspection

Authors: Pfeiffer DU, Rogers CW, Davie PS, Davies AS
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 47, Issue 6, pp 193-197, Dec 1999
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Horse, Livestock
Subject Terms: Diagnostic procedures, Exercise/fitness/athletic performance, Locomotor, Clinical examination
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: AIMS: To quantify the linear and temporal characteristics of the trot of 3-day event horses during the preliminary horse inspection of an advanced grade CCI*** 3-day event.
METHODS: A cross sectional study was made of the kinematics of 24 3-day-event horses during the first horse inspection at a CCI*** level S-day event. Video footage was digitised and linear and temporal measurements were made.
RESULTS: The horses trotted for an average of 10.44±1.55 strides. Spatial measurements were made on an average of 5.66±0.92 consecutive strides when the horses were within the calibration zone. The horses increased and then obtained a constant velocity within the calibration zone. Trotting on the asphalt track did not alter the relationships between stride length, stride duration and velocity when compared with previously published values. Horse-specific differences in stance and retraction percentages were identified.
CONCLUSION: Horse specific differences were identified that may contribute to each horse`s unique gait or “kinematic fingerprint”. It is proposed that the initiation of, and completion of, stance by the hind limb first may represent “engagement of the hind quarters” and be a response to dressage training.
KEY WORDS: Horse, trot, kinematics, 3-day event.

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