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Author Leleu, C.; Cotrel, C.
Title Body composition in young standardbreds in training: relationships to body condition score, physiological and locomotor variables during exercise Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl
Volume Issue 36 Pages 98-101
Keywords Adipose Tissue/metabolism; Animals; Body Composition/*physiology; Body Constitution/*physiology; Body Weight/physiology; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Gait/physiology; Heart Rate/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Lactates/blood; Male; Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Body composition is an essential factor in athletic performance of human sprinters and long distance runners. However, in horses, many questions remain concerning relationships between body composition and performance in the different equine activities. OBJECTIVES: To determine relationships between body composition, body score, physiological and locomotor variables in a population of young Standardbreds in training. METHODS: Twenty-four 2-year-old Standardbreds were studied, body condition on a scale 0-5 and bodyweight recorded, and height at withers measured. Percentage of fat (%F), fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) were estimated echographically. During a standardised exercise test on the track, velocity, heart rate, respiratory frequency and blood lactate concentrations were measured. V4 and V200 (velocity for a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/l and velocity of 200 beats/min) calculated. Basic gait variables were measured at 3 different speeds with an accelerometric device. RESULTS: Body composition variables: %F and FM were significantly related to body condition score and physiological variables. Body score was highly correlated to %F (r = 0.64) and FM (r = 0.71). V4 was negatively correlated to %F (r = -0.59) and FM (r = -0.60), P<0.05. V200 was also negatively related to %F and FM, (r = -0.39 and r = -0.37, respectively, P<0.1). No relationships were found between body composition and gait characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Body composition was closely related to indirect measurements of aerobic capacity, which is a major factor of athletic performance in middle distance running horses. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: As in human athletes, trainers should take special note to evaluate optimal bodyweight and body composition of race horses to optimise performance.
Address Pegase Mayenne, Departement de Medecine du Sport, Centre Hospitalier, 53 015 Laval, France
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Notes PMID:17402400 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4015
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Author Licka, T.; Kapaun, M.; Peham, C.
Title Influence of rider on lameness in trotting horses Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 36 Issue 8 Pages 734-736
Keywords Animals; Biomechanics; Body Weight; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Forelimb/physiopathology; Gait/*physiology; Head Movements/*physiology; Hindlimb/physiopathology; Horse Diseases/diagnosis/*physiopathology; Horses; Humans; Lameness, Animal/diagnosis/*physiopathology; Male; Stress, Mechanical; Weight-Bearing/physiology
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Equine lameness is commonly evaluated when the horse is being ridden, but the influence of the rider on the lameness has not been documented. OBJECTIVE: To document the effect of 2 riders of different training levels on the vertical movement of the head and croup. METHODS: Twenty mature horses were ridden at trot by an experienced dressage rider and a novice rider, as well as trotted in hand. Kinematic measurements of markers placed on the horse's head and sacral bone were carried out. The asymmetries of the vertical head and sacral bone motion were calculated as lameness parameters and compared with paired t tests. RESULTS: Trotting in hand, 17 horses showed forelimb lameness (1-4/10) and 13 hindlimb lameness (1-2/10). Intra-individually, 11 horses showed significant differences in forelimb lameness and 4 horses showed significant differences in hindlimb lameness when ridden. Over all horses, hindlimb lameness increased significantly under the dressage rider compared to unridden horses. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a rider can alter the degree of lameness; however, its influence cannot be predicted for an individual horse. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: In order to evaluate mild lameness, horses should be evaluated at trot both under saddle and in hand. If lameness is exacerbated, a second rider may be helpful; the level of training of the rider should be taken into consideration.
Address Movement Science Group, Department V, Clinic of Orthopaedics in Ungulates, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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:15656506 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3715
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Author McGuigan, M.P.; Wilson, A.M.
Title The effect of gait and digital flexor muscle activation on limb compliance in the forelimb of the horse Equus caballus Type Journal Article
Year 2003 Publication The Journal of Experimental Biology Abbreviated Journal J Exp Biol
Volume 206 Issue Pt 8 Pages 1325-1336
Keywords Animals; Biomechanics; Forelimb/anatomy & histology/*physiology; Gait/*physiology; Horses/anatomy & histology/*physiology; Muscle Contraction/*physiology; Running
Abstract A horse's legs are compressed during the stance phase, storing and then returning elastic strain energy in spring-like muscle-tendon units. The arrangement of the muscle-tendon units around the lever-like joints means that as the leg shortens the muscle-tendon units are stretched. The forelimb anatomy means that the leg can be conceptually divided into two springs: the proximal spring, from the scapula to the elbow, and the distal spring, from the elbow to the foot. In this paper we report the results of a series of experiments testing the hypothesis that there is minimal scope for muscle contraction in either spring to adjust limb compliance. Firstly, we demonstrate that the distal, passive leg spring changes length by 127 mm (range 106-128 mm) at gallop and the proximal spring by 12 mm (9-15 mm). Secondly, we demonstrate that there is a linear relationship between limb force and metacarpo-phalangeal (MCP) joint angle that is minimally influenced by digital flexor muscle activation in vitro or as a function of gait in vivo. Finally, we determined the relationship between MCP joint angle and vertical ground-reaction force at trot and then predicted the forelimb peak vertical ground-reaction force during a 12 m s(-1) gallop on a treadmill. These were 12.79 N kg(-1) body mass (BM) (range 12.07-13.73 N kg(-1) BM) for the lead forelimb and 15.23 N kg(-1) BM (13.51-17.10 N kg(-1) BM) for the non-lead forelimb.
Address Structure and Motion Laboratory, Veterinary Basic Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK. m.p.mcguigan@leeds.ac.uk
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:12624168 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3655
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Author Meershoek, L.S.; Roepstorff, L.; Schamhardt, H.C.; Johnston, C.; Bobbert, M.F.
Title Joint moments in the distal forelimbs of jumping horses during landing Type Journal Article
Year 2001 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 33 Issue 4 Pages 410-415
Keywords Animals; Biomechanics; Forelimb/physiology; Gait/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Joints/*physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Tendons/*physiology; Weight-Bearing
Abstract Tendon injuries are an important problem in athletic horses and are probably caused by excessive loading of the tendons during demanding activities. As a first step towards understanding these injuries, the tendon loading was quantified during jump landings. Kinematics and ground reaction forces were collected from the leading and trailing forelimbs of 6 experienced jumping horses. Joint moments were calculated using inverse dynamic analysis. It was found that the variation of movement and loading patterns was small, both within and between horses. The peak flexor joint moments in the coffin and fetlock joints were larger in the trailing limb (-0.62 and -2.44 Nm/kg bwt, respectively) than in the leading limb (-0.44 and -1.93 Nm/kg bwt, respectively) and exceeded literature values for trot by 82 and 45%. Additionally, there was an extensor coffin joint moment in the first half of the stance phase of the leading limb (peak value 0.26+/-0.18 Nm/kg bwt). From these results, it was concluded that the loading of the flexor tendons during landing was higher in the trailing than in the leading limb and that there was an unexpected loading of the extensor tendon in the leading limb.
Address Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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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:11469776 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3787
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Author Morales, J.L.; Manchado, M.; Vivo, J.; Galisteo, A.M.; Aguera, E.; Miro, F.
Title Angular kinematic patterns of limbs in elite and riding horses at trot Type Journal Article
Year 1998 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 30 Issue 6 Pages 528-533
Keywords Animals; Biomechanics; Breeding; Extremities/*physiology; Gait/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Joints/*physiology; Male; Video Recording
Abstract Normal speed videography was used to determine the angular parameters of 28 Spanish Thoroughbreds at trot. Horses were divided into 3 groups: Group UT, comprising 9 animals (provided by the VII National Stud, Cordoba, Spain) which had undergone no specific training programme and which were hand led at the trot; Group T, formed by 19 horses considered to be highly bred and trained, and which were also hand led; and Group RT, comprising the same horses as the latter group but this time trotted by a rider. Each animal was filmed 6 times from the right-hand side, using a Hi8 (25 Hz) video camera. Angular parameters for fore- and hindlimb joints were measured in each stride from computer-grabbed frames and entered into a spreadsheet for calculation; parameters included maximum and minimum angles, range of motion, and angles at landing, lift off and maximum hoof height; the times at which maximum angle, minimum angle, lift off and maximum hoof height occurred were calculated as percentages of total stride duration. Stride velocity (mean [s.d.]) was 4.01 (0.62), 3.60 (0.34) and 3.07 (0.36) m/s for Groups UT, T and RT, respectively. Data were then compared between Groups UT-T and Groups T-RT. Compared with Group UT, horses from Group T featured a shorter stance percentage (P<0.001) in both fore- and hindlimbs. The range of motion in forelimbs was smaller (P<0.05), due to lower retraction (P<0.001); moreover, maximum retraction appeared earlier (P<0.05). Greater scapular inclination was in evidence (P<0.05) and the shoulder joint extended further (P<0.05). Fore- and hind fetlock joints revealed a relatively shorter hyperextension period during the stance phase (P<0.01). Compared with Group T, horses from Group RT had a longer stance percentage, with belated maximum retraction of the fore- and hindlimbs. The range of movement in scapular inclination was greater (P<0.05), due to a smaller minimum angle (P<0.01), and the shoulder joint flexed more (P<0.05). The elbow joint extended more and for longer during the stance phase. Initial extension of the hip joint (P<0.05) and tarsus (P<0.001) lasted longer. The carpal and fore and hind fetlock joints recorded relatively longer hyperextension times, in addition to greater hyperextension during the stance phase. The results from the present study suggest that rider-effect must be taken in consideration when well gaited horses are selected for dressage purposes.
Address Department of Compared Anatomy and Pathology, University of Cordoba, Veterinary Faculty, Spain
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Language English Summary Language Original Title
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ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:9844972 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3734
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Author Powers, P.; Harrison, A.
Title Effects of the rider on the linear kinematics of jumping horses Type Journal Article
Year 2002 Publication Sports Biomechanics / International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Abbreviated Journal Sports Biomech
Volume 1 Issue 2 Pages 135-146
Keywords Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Biomechanics; Communication; Exertion/*physiology; Gait/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Humans; Locomotion/*physiology; Posture/*physiology; Task Performance and Analysis; Video Recording; Weight-Bearing/*physiology
Abstract This study examined the effects of the rider on the linear projectile kinematics of show-jumping horses. SVHS video recordings (50 Hz) of eight horses jumping a vertical fence 1 m high were used for the study. Horses jumped the fence under two conditions: loose (no rider or tack) and ridden. Recordings were digitised using Peak Motus. After digitising the sequences, each rider's digitised data were removed from the ridden horse data so that three conditions were examined: loose, ridden (including the rider's data) and riderless (rider's data removed). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences between ridden and loose conditions for CG height at take-off (p < 0.001), CG distance to the fence at take-off (p = 0.001), maximum CG during the suspension phase (p < 0.001), CG position over the centre of the fence (p < 0.001), CG height at landing (p < 0.001), and vertical velocity at take-off (p < 0.001). The results indicated that the rider's effect on jumping horses was primarily due to behavioural changes in the horses motion (resulting from the rider's instruction), rather than inertial effects (due to the positioning of the rider on the horse). These findings have implications for the coaching of riders and horses.
Address Department of PE and Sports Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1476-3141 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:14658371 Approved no
Call Number Serial 1904
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Author Rhodin, M.; Johnston, C.; Holm, K.R.; Wennerstrand, J.; Drevemo, S.
Title 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 Robert, C.; Valette, J.P.; Denoix, J.M.
Title 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
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Language English Summary Language Original Title
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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 Rollot, Y.; Lecuyer, E.; Chateau, H.; Crevier-Denoix, N.
Title Development of a 3D model of the equine distal forelimb and of a GRF shoe for noninvasive determination of in vivo tendon and ligament loads and strains Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 36 Issue 8 Pages 677-682
Keywords Animals; Biomechanics; Floors and Floorcoverings; Forelimb/*physiology/ultrasonography; Gait/physiology; Horses/*physiology; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods/*veterinary; Ligaments, Articular/*physiology; Locomotion/*physiology; Models, Biological; Shoes; Tendons/*physiology; Toe Joint/physiology/ultrasonography
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: As critical locomotion events (e.g. high-speed and impacts during racing, jump landing) may contribute to tendinopathies, in vivo recording of gaits kinematic and dynamic parameters is essential for 3D reconstruction and analysis. OBJECTIVE: To propose a 3D model of the forelimb and a ground reaction force recording shoe (GRF-S) for noninvasively quantifying tendon and ligament loads and strains. METHODS: Bony segments trajectories of forelimbs placed under a power press were recorded using triads of ultrasonic kinematic markers linked to the bones. Compression cycles (from 500-6000 N) were applied for different hoof orientations. Locations of tendon and ligament insertions were recorded with regard to the triads. The GRF-S recorded GRF over the hoof wall and used four 3-axis force sensors sandwiched between a support shoe and the shoe to be tested. RESULTS: Validation of the model by comparing calculated and measured superficial digital flexor tendon strains, and evaluation of the role of proximal interphalangeal joint in straight sesamoidean ligament and oblique sesamoidean ligament strains, were successfully achieved. Objective comparisons of the 3 components of GRF over the hoof for soft and hard grounds could be recorded, where the s.d. of GRF norm was more important on hard ground at walk and trot. CONCLUSIONS: Soft grounds (sand and rubber) dissipate energy by lowering GRF amplitude and diminish bounces and vibrations at impact. At comparable speed, stance phase was longer on soft sand ground. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The conjugate use of the GRF-S and the numerical model would help to quantify and analyse ground/shoe combination on comfort, propulsion efficiency or lameness recovery.
Address UMR INRA-ENVA de Biomecanique et Pathologie Locomotrice du Cheval, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire d'Alfort, 7, Avenue du General de Gaulle, 94704 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:15656495 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3769
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Author Santamaria, S.; Back, W.; van Weeren, P.R.; Knaap, J.; Barneveld, A.
Title Jumping characteristics of naive foals: lead changes and description of temporal and linear parameters Type Journal Article
Year 2002 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl
Volume Issue 34 Pages 302-307
Keywords Animals; Animals, Newborn/*physiology; Biomechanics; Female; Forelimb/physiology; Gait/*physiology; Hindlimb/physiology; Horses/*physiology; Locomotion/*physiology; Male
Abstract The selection of foals as future showjumpers remains a subjective process based on qualitative parameters; and hence, frequently suffers from disparity in the criteria used by experts in the field. A detailed biomechanical description of foals while jumping would be most helpful in providing a better basis for the accurate assessment of their future athletic ability. The Qualisys Pro Reflex system was used to capture 3-dimensional kinematics of 41 Dutch Warmblood foals age 6 months free jumping a vertical fence, preceded by a cross pole fence. The left lead was the most preferred lead for both the fore- and hindlimbs, from the landing following the cross poles to the first move-off stride after clearing the vertical fence. The foals displayed a high incidence of rotary gallop during both the jump stride (divided into take-off, jump suspension and landing) and the first move-off stride, while change of lead was frequently observed during jump suspension. At the take-off side of the fence, the trailing forelimb in the last approach stride was placed furthest from the fence, whereas the trailing hindlimb at take-off was placed closest (P<0.05). At the landing side, the trailing forelimb was the closest and the leading hindlimb of the move-off stride 1 was the furthest (P<0.05). The trailing forelimb in the approach stride 1 had a significantly longer stance phase duration than the leading forelimb. At landing, the leading forelimb stance phase lasted longer than that of the trailing forelimb (P<0.05). The hindlimbs did not differ in their stance phase duration at take-off. The height reached by the hooves above the fence top was significantly greater in the hind limbs (P<0.05). In addition, the hindlimbs (97.1 +/- 2.6%) shortened more than the forelimbs (92.6 +/- 5.7%) (P<0.05). It is concluded that the overall jumping technique of foals is similar to that reported in literature for mature horses. If the patterns are consistent throughout the rearing period, the quantitative analysis of the kinematics of free jumping foals may provide a valid quantitative basis for early selection.
Address Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Corporate Author Thesis
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ISSN ISBN Medium
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Notes PMID:12405705 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3784
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