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Author Peel, J.A.; Peel, M.B.; Davies, H.M.S. openurl 
  Title (up) The effect of gallop training on hoof angle in thoroughbred racehorses Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl  
  Volume Issue 36 Pages 431-434  
  Keywords Animals; Biomechanics; Hoof and Claw/*anatomy & histology/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; *Physical Conditioning, Animal/adverse effects/methods/physiology; Reproducibility of Results; Running/*physiology; Seasons; Toe Joint/anatomy & histology/physiology  
  Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The economic impact of soundness problems in racehorses is very high and low hoof angle at the toe has been associated with a lack of soundness. However, it is not clear what environmental and management factors might contribute to a low hoof angle. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the hypothesis that the hooves of racehorses become flatter when in gallop training, as well as to determine factors contributing to this trend. METHODS: Weekly hoof measurements were taken with a hoof gauge from 45 Thoroughbred racehorses; 4 Thoroughbred show horses kept in consistent conditions and shod by the same farrier as some of the racehorses; and 6 unshod free-ranging horses. A further 15 horses were measured twice in one day to determine the repeatability of the method. RESULTS: Repeatability coefficients were 0.31 degrees for the left hoof and 0.37 degrees for the right. Racehorses in training showed a significant decrease in hoof angle over time while free ranging horses and show horses did not. Free-ranging horses had a significantly lower angle in winter (wet) compared with summer (dry) in both left (P = 0.040) and right (P = 0.017). Show horses had no significant change in hoof angle. Racehorses that had a period of rest during the experiment (n = 11) showed a decrease in hoof angle during training and an increase over their rest period for both hooves (P = 0.005 for the left hoof, P = 0.0009 for the right). CONCLUSIONS: Training for fast exercise in Thoroughbred racehorses is associated with a reduction in hoof angle and wet pasture conditions may also be associated with a reduced hoof angle in free-ranging horses. Potential relevance: Gallop exercise has a potentially large effect on hoof angle and therefore, a change in angle should be expected to occur in racehorses starting fast exercise work. Hence management of horses with abnormally low hoof angles may require an adaptation to their training regime in order to minimise this effect.  
  Address Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17402461 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4006  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gomez Alvarez, C.B.; Rhodin, M.; Bobber, M.F.; Meyer, H.; Weishaupt, M.A.; Johnston, C.; Van Weeren, P.R. openurl 
  Title (up) The effect of head and neck position on the thoracolumbar kinematics in the unridden horse Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl  
  Volume Issue 36 Pages 445-451  
  Keywords Animals; Biomechanics; Head/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Lumbar Vertebrae/physiology; Male; Neck/*physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/physiology; Posture/*physiology; Sports; Thoracic Vertebrae/physiology; Weight-Bearing  
  Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: In many equestrian activities a specific position of head and/or neck is required that is dissimilar to the natural position. There is controversy about the effects of these positions on locomotion pattern, but few quantitative data are available. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the effects of 5 different head and neck positions on thoracolumbar kinematics of the horse. METHODS: Kinematics of 7 high level dressage horses were measured walking and trotting on an instrumented treadmill with the head and neck in the following positions: HNP2 = neck raised, bridge of the nose in front of the vertical; HNP3 = as HNP2 with bridge of the nose behind the vertical; HNP4 = head and neck lowered, nose behind the vertical; HNP5 = head and neck in extreme high position; HNP6 = head and neck forward and downward. HNP1 was a speed-matched control (head and neck unrestrained). RESULTS: The head and neck positions affected only the flexion-extension motion. The positions in which the neck was extended (HNP2, 3, 5) increased extension in the anterior thoracic region, but increased flexion in the posterior thoracic and lumbar region. For HNP4 the pattern was the opposite. Positions 2, 3 and 5 reduced the flexion-extension range of motion (ROM) while HNP4 increased it. HNP5 was the only position that negatively affected intravertebral pattern symmetry and reduced hindlimb protraction. The stride length was significantly reduced at walk in positions 2, 3, 4 and 5. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant influence of head/neck position on back kinematics. Elevated head and neck induce extension in the thoracic region and flexion in the lumbar region; besides reducing the sagittal range of motion. Lowered head and neck produces the opposite. A very high position of the head and neck seems to disturb normal kinematics. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study provides quantitative data on the effect of head/neck positions on thoracolumbar motion and may help in discussions on the ethical acceptability of some training methods.  
  Address Department of Equine Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 12, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
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  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17402464 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3702  
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Author Robert, C.; Valette, J.P.; Denoix, J.M. openurl 
  Title (up) The effects of treadmill inclination and speed on the activity of three trunk muscles in the trotting horse Type Journal Article
  Year 2001 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 33 Issue 5 Pages 466-472  
  Keywords Animals; Biomechanics; Electromyography/methods/veterinary; Exercise Test/veterinary; Gait/physiology; Horses/*physiology; Muscle, Skeletal/*physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Rectus Abdominis/physiology; Time Factors  
  Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of speed and slope on the activity of trunk muscles. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of the splenius (Sp), longissimus dorsi (LD) and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles was recorded with surface electrodes during treadmill locomotion at trot for different combinations of speed (3.5 to 6 m/s) and slope (0 to 6%). Raw EMG signals were processed to determine activity duration, onset and end and integrated EMG (IEMG). For the 3 muscles investigated, onset and end of activity were obtained earlier in the stride cycle when speed increased. A longer duration of activity for the LD, a shorter duration for the RA and an unchanged duration for the Sp were also observed. The IEMG of the latter was poorly affected by speed, whereas it increased linearly with speed for the 2 other muscles. When treadmill inclination changed from 0 to 6%, EMG activity of the LD and RA began and ended later; a longer activity duration was noted. Temporal parameters for Sp did not change with slope. A significant and progressive increase in the IEMG of the 3 muscles was observed with increasing slope. This evaluation of the activity of trunk muscles provides objective data for the use of speed or slope in training programmes.  
  Address UMR INRA-DGER, Biomecanique et Pathalogie Locomotrice du Cheval, UP Anatomie, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:11558741 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4052  
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Author Skedros, J.G.; Dayton, M.R.; Sybrowsky, C.L.; Bloebaum, R.D.; Bachus, K.N. doi  openurl
  Title (up) The influence of collagen fiber orientation and other histocompositional characteristics on the mechanical properties of equine cortical bone Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication The Journal of Experimental Biology Abbreviated Journal J Exp Biol  
  Volume 209 Issue Pt 15 Pages 3025-3042  
  Keywords Animals; Biomechanics; Bone and Bones/*physiology; Collagen/*physiology; Forelimb; Horses/*physiology  
  Abstract This study examined relative influences of predominant collagen fiber orientation (CFO), mineralization (% ash), and other microstructural characteristics on the mechanical properties of equine cortical bone. Using strain-mode-specific (S-M-S) testing (compression testing of bone habitually loaded in compression; tension testing of bone habitually loaded in tension), the relative mechanical importance of CFO and other material characteristics were examined in equine third metacarpals (MC3s). This model was chosen since it had a consistent non-uniform strain distribution estimated by finite element analysis (FEA) near mid-diaphysis of a thoroughbred horse, net tension in the dorsal/lateral cortices and net compression in the palmar/medial cortices. Bone specimens from regions habitually loaded in tension or compression were: (1) tested to failure in both axial compression and tension in order to contrast S-M-S vs non-S-M-S behavior, and (2) analyzed for CFO, % ash, porosity, fractional area of secondary osteonal bone, osteon cross-sectional area, and population densities of secondary osteons and osteocyte lacunae. Multivariate multiple regression analyses revealed that in S-M-S compression testing, CFO most strongly influenced total energy (pre-yield elastic energy plus post-yield plastic energy); in S-M-S tension testing CFO most strongly influenced post-yield energy and total energy. CFO was less important in explaining S-M-S elastic modulus, and yield and ultimate stress. Therefore, in S-M-S loading CFO appears to be important in influencing energy absorption, whereas the other characteristics have a more dominant influence in elastic modulus, pre-yield behavior and strength. These data generally support the hypothesis that differentially affecting S-M-S energy absorption may be an important consequence of regional histocompositional heterogeneity in the equine MC3. Data inconsistent with the hypothesis, including the lack of highly longitudinal collagen in the dorsal-lateral ;tension' region, paradoxical histologic organization in some locations, and lack of significantly improved S-M-S properties in some locations, might reflect the absence of a similar habitual strain distribution in all bones. An alternative strain distribution based on in vivo strain measurements, without FEA, on non-Thoroughbreds showing net compression along the dorsal-palmar axis might be more characteristic of the habitual loading of some of the bones that we examined. In turn, some inconsistencies might also reflect the complex torsion/bending loading regime that the MC3 sustains when the animal undergoes a variety of gaits and activities, which may be representative of only a portion of our animals, again reflecting the possibility that not all of the bones examined had similar habitual loading histories.  
  Address Utah Bone and Joint Center, 5323 S. Woodrow Street #202, Salt Lake City, UT 84107, USA. jskedros@utahboneandjoint.com  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-0949 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:16857886 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1868  
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Author Rhodin, M.; Johnston, C.; Holm, K.R.; Wennerstrand, J.; Drevemo, S. openurl 
  Title (up) The influence of head and neck position on kinematics of the back in riding horses at the walk and trot Type Journal Article
  Year 2005 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 37 Issue 1 Pages 7-11  
  Keywords Acceleration; Animals; Back/*physiology; Biomechanics; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Gait/*physiology; Head/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Male; Movement/physiology; Neck/*physiology; Walking/physiology  
  Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: A common opinion among riders and in the literature is that the positioning of the head and neck influences the back of the horse, but this has not yet been measured objectively. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of head and neck position on the kinematics of the back in riding horses. METHODS: Eight Warmblood riding horses in regular work were studied on a treadmill at walk and trot with the head and neck in 3 different predetermined positions achieved by side reins attached to the bit and to an anticast roller. The 3-dimensional movement of the thoracolumbar spine was measured from the position of skin-fixed markers recorded by infrared videocameras. RESULTS: Head and neck position influenced the movements of the back, especially at the walk. When the head was fixed in a high position at the walk, the flexion-extension movement and lateral bending of the lumbar back, as well as the axial rotation, were significantly reduced when compared to movements with the head free or in a low position. At walk, head and neck position also significantly influenced stride length, which was shortest with the head in a high position. At trot, the stride length was independent of head position. CONCLUSIONS: Restricting and restraining the position and movement of the head and neck alters the movement of the back and stride characteristics. With the head and neck in a high position stride length and flexion and extension of the caudal back were significantly reduced. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Use of side reins in training and rehabilitation programmes should be used with an understanding of the possible effects on the horse's back.  
  Address Department of Anatomy, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:15651727 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3657  
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Author Santamaria, S.; Bobbert, M.E.; Back, W.; Barneveld, A.; van Weeren, P.R. openurl 
  Title (up) Variation in free jumping technique within and among horses with little experience in show jumping Type Journal Article
  Year 2004 Publication American Journal of Veterinary Research Abbreviated Journal Am J Vet Res  
  Volume 65 Issue 7 Pages 938-944  
  Keywords *Acceleration; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Biomechanics; Forelimb/physiology; Gait/*physiology; Hindlimb/physiology; Horses/*physiology; Locomotion/*physiology; Models, Biological; Video Recording  
  Abstract OBJECTIVE: To quantify variation in the jumping technique within and among young horses with little jumping experience, establish relationships between kinetic and kinematic variables, and identify a limited set of variables characteristic for detecting differences in jumping performance among horses. ANIMALS: Fifteen 4-year-old Dutch Warmblood horses. PROCEDURE: The horses were raised under standardized conditions and trained in accordance with a fixed protocol for a short period. Subsequently, horses were analyzed kinematically during free jumping over a fence with a height of 1.05 m. RESULTS: Within-horse variation in all variables that quantified jumping technique was smaller than variation among horses. However, some horses had less variation than others. Height of the center of gravity (CG) at the apex of the jump ranged from 1.80 to 2.01 m among horses; this variation could be explained by the variation in vertical velocity of the CG at takeoff (r, 0.78). Horses that had higher vertical velocity at takeoff left the ground and landed again farther from the fence, had shorter push-off phases for the forelimbs and hind limbs, and generated greater vertical acceleration of the CG primarily during the hind limb push-off. However, all horses cleared the fence successfully, independent of jumping technique. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Each horse had its own jumping technique. Differences among techniques were characterized by variations in the vertical velocity of the CG at takeoff. It must be determined whether jumping performance later in life can be predicted from observing free jumps of young horses.  
  Address Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 12, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0002-9645 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:15281652 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3772  
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Author Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan, M.M.; Blok, M.B.; Begeman, L.; Kamphuis, M.C.D.; Lameris, M.C.; Spierenburg, A.J.; Lashley, M.J.J.O. url  openurl
  Title (up) Workload and stress in horses: comparison in horses ridden deep and round ('rollkur') with a draw rein and horses ridden in a natural frame with only light rein contact Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde Abbreviated Journal Tijdschr Diergeneeskd  
  Volume 131 Issue 5 Pages 152-157  
  Keywords Animal Husbandry/methods; Animals; Biomechanics; Blood Glucose/analysis; Female; Heart Rate/physiology; Hematocrit/veterinary; Horses/blood/*physiology; Hydrocortisone/blood; Lactic Acid/blood; Physical Conditioning, Animal/adverse effects/*physiology; Stress, Physiological/blood/etiology/veterinary  
  Abstract 'Rollkur' or 'overbending' is the low and deep riding of a dressage horse during training or warming up. Lately, this technique has been criticized, and not necessarily objectively, on welfare grounds. To be able to evaluate these criticisms, more needs to be known about the workload and stress of horses being ridden 'rollkur'. The aim of the present study was to compare the workload of eight riding-school horses when being ridden deep and round with a draw rein ('rollkur') and when being ridden in a natural frame with only light rein contact ('free'). Workload (as measured by heart rate and blood lactate concentration) was slightly higher when horses were ridden 'rollkur' than when they were ridden 'free'. There were no differences in packed cell volume, or glucose and cortisol concentrations. No signs of uneasiness or stress could be determined when the horses were ridden 'rollkur'. Subjectively, all horses improved their way of moving during 'rollkur' and were more responsive to their rider.  
  Address Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 12, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands. m.sloet@vet.uu.nl  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0040-7453 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:16532786 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5638  
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