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Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of a 10-month training programme on the linear, temporal and angular characteristics of the fore and hind limbs at the trot in the Andalusian horse, using standard computer-aided videography. Sixteen male Andalusian horses were observed before and after training. Six strides were randomly selected for analysis in each horse and linear, temporal and angular parameters were calculated for fore and hind limbs. The training programme used here produced significant changes in kinematic parameters, such as shortening of stride length, and increase in swing duration and a decrease in hind limb stance percentage. No significant differences were recorded in the angular values for the forelimb joints. In trained horses, the more proximal joints of the hind limb, especially the hip and stifle, had a greater flexion while the fetlock showed a smaller extension angle. At the beginning of the swing phase, hip and stifle joints presented angles that were significantly more flexed. When the hind limbs came into contact with the ground, all the joints presented greater flexion after training.

The Effect of 12 Weeks of Saddle Horse Conversion Training on Thoroughbred Horse Gait

“…Twelve horses were calculated via an a priori power analysis to provide 95% power with an effect size of approximately 1 at α = 0.05 to detect differences. The data used for the estimates were the results of stride lengths reported in a study that was performed by Cano et al on the influence of training in Trotting Andalusian horses [11]. The gender composition of the Thoroughbred racehorses is six geldings and six mares, the age is 3-5-years-old, the weight is 350-450 Kg, and the height is 165-168 cm.…”

“…There has been much research conducted on horse physiology and the impact of training on muscles, as well as the effects of training on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and blood chemistry [9][10][11]. Despite the fact that one of the goals of training should be to improve biomechanical properties, there have been few studies on the effects of training on gait in horses, and there is still no universal and objective method for assessing the mechanical adaptation of gait in response to training [12].…”