While the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been noted worldwide, media coverage has not addressed the impact on the equine population within these countries. This is particularly a concern for the Akhal-Teke as the main stud farms for this breed are located within these countries. Preservation of the genetic diversity of this breed and, in turn, the unique phenotypic characteristics is critical as the breed has been labeled by the Livestock Conservancy as “threatened” due to their limited numbers. While the Akhal-Teke is more known for their metallic-appearing haircoat, the smoothness of their intermediate gait, called the Akhal-Teke Glide, is noted by riders. Previous research describes the gait as a four-beat, diagonal stepping gait, similar to the Mangalarga Marchador batida gait, but the relationship between velocity and gait has yet to be studied in the Akhal-Teke. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the influence of velocity on the Akhal-Teke Glide. Horses (n=9) selected by the Akhal-Teke Association of America in collaboration with the Livestock Conservancy were filmed performing a slow and fast Akhal-Teke Glide. Frame-by-frame analysis was performed and means (SD) were determined for 10 strides for each horse per velocity. Velocity effect for each variable was tested using a one-way analysis of variance based on a general linear model procedure (SAS; P< 0.05). Stride and stance duration decreased with velocity as stride length increased (Table 1). The slower gait demonstrated diagonal limb coupling alternating between unipedal (Hind: 8±1%; Fore: 6±2%) and bipedal support. Suspension (19+3%) replaced unipedal support as diagonal limbs paired with increased velocity. The ability of the breed to perform both a four-beat stepping and two-beat leaping gait at trotting velocities allows for the rider to select gait for comfort and functionality and this unique ability should be a consideration in future breeding programs.
Almost 10% of U.S. youth are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and while this disorder is not a learning disability, these youth are often labeled academically as “at-risk”. While equine assisted activities and therapy (EAAT) has shown to promote an emotionally safe learning environment for at-risk youth, these programs are often limited and hard to locate, particularly within a rural setting. On the other hand, horse breed associations offer activities for all youth and can be located throughout all U.S. states, and while these programs do not have a therapeutic focus, they are accessible. Therefore, the objective of this study was to utilize a survey instrument to determine the benefit of participation in horse breed association youth programs for youth with ADHD. A survey instrument was developed with 6 fixed response questions consisting of 5 multiple choice questions and one question formatted as a rating scale with a list of 10 life skills for participants to rate. Paper surveys were distributed at various association-sponsored activities in 2021. Participants (n=58) included the following: 1) parents of ADHD youth that had participated or were participating in breed association youth activities or 2) individuals with ADHD that had participated as a youth in these activities. The majority participated in these programs >5 years (67%) with >2 horses (78%). As for tangible returns, the most common were trophies/ribbons (52%) and the least common was scholarships (17%). Respondents were in overwhelming agreement, either responding “somewhat” or “definitely yes”, that these programs had impacted academic (55%) and career (60%) goals. As for development of life skills, all skills reported improvement through participation with “respect” having the highest rating. While EAAT has shown promise for youth with ADHD, breed association youth programs may be an alternative or complimentary approach in working with youth with ADHD.
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