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Author Wilson, A.M.; McGuigan, M.P.; Su, A.; van Den Bogert, A.J.
Title Horses damp the spring in their step Type Journal Article
Year 2001 Publication Nature Abbreviated Journal Nature
Volume (down) 414 Issue 6866 Pages 895-899
Keywords Animals; Biomechanics; Elasticity; Forelimb; Gait; Horses/anatomy & histology/*physiology; Leg Bones/*physiology; Locomotion; Models, Biological; Muscle Fibers/physiology; Muscle, Skeletal/anatomy & histology/*physiology; Tendons/anatomy & histology/*physiology; Vibration
Abstract The muscular work of galloping in horses is halved by storing and returning elastic strain energy in spring-like muscle-tendon units.These make the legs act like a child's pogo stick that is tuned to stretch and recoil at 2.5 strides per second. This mechanism is optimized by unique musculoskeletal adaptations: the digital flexor muscles have extremely short fibres and significant passive properties, whereas the tendons are very long and span several joints. Length change occurs by a stretching of the spring-like digital flexor tendons rather than through energetically expensive length changes in the muscle. Despite being apparently redundant for such a mechanism, the muscle fibres in the digital flexors are well developed. Here we show that the mechanical arrangement of the elastic leg permits it to vibrate at a higher frequency of 30-40 Hz that could cause fatigue damage to tendon and bone. Furthermore, we show that the digital flexor muscles have minimal ability to contribute to or regulate significantly the 2.5-Hz cycle of movement, but are ideally arranged to damp these high-frequency oscillations in the limb.
Address Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK. awilson@rvc.ac.uk
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 0028-0836 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:11780059 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 2300
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Herder, S.L.
Title More cardiac dressage: galop, gallop, gal(l)opitty glop Type Journal Article
Year 1989 Publication JAMA : the Journal of the American Medical Association Abbreviated Journal Jama
Volume (down) 262 Issue 3 Pages 352
Keywords Animals; Gait; *Heart Rate; Horses; Humans; Terminology; *Wit and Humor
Abstract
Address
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 0098-7484 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:2739033 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3757
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Author Witte, T.H.; Knill, K.; Wilson, A.M.
Title Determination of peak vertical ground reaction force from duty factor in the horse (Equus caballus) Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication The Journal of Experimental Biology Abbreviated Journal J Exp Biol
Volume (down) 207 Issue Pt 21 Pages 3639-3648
Keywords *Acceleration; Animals; Biomechanics; Forelimb/physiology; *Gait; Hindlimb/physiology; Horses/*physiology; Locomotion/*physiology; Telemetry; Time Factors
Abstract Measurement of peak vertical ground reaction force (GRFz) from multiple limbs simultaneously during high-speed, over-ground locomotion would enhance our understanding of the locomotor mechanics of cursorial animals. Here, we evaluate the accuracy of predicting peak GRFz from duty factor (the proportion of the stride for which the limb is in contact with the ground). Foot-mounted uniaxial accelerometers, combined with UHF FM telemetry, are shown to be practical and accurate for the field measurement of stride timing variables, including duty factor. Direct comparison with the force plate produces a mean error of 2.3 ms and 3.5 ms for the timing of foot on and foot off, respectively, across all gaits. Predictions of peak GRFz from duty factor show mean errors (with positive values indicating an overestimate) of 0.8+/-0.04 N kg(-1) (13%; N=42; mean +/- S.E.M.) at walk, -0.3+/-0.06 N kg(-1) (3%; N=75) at trot, -2.3+/-0.27 N kg(-1) (16%; N=18) for the non-lead limb at canter and +2.1+/-0.7 N kg(-1) (19%; N=9) for the lead limb at canter. The substantial over- and underestimate seen at canter, in the lead and non-lead limbs, respectively, is attributed to the different functions performed by the two limbs in the asymmetrical gaits. The difference in load experienced by the lead and non-lead limbs decreased with increasing speed.
Address Structure and Motion Lab, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
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 0022-0949 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:15371472 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3658
Permanent link to this record
 
 
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 (down) 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
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
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
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Waldern, N.M.; Wiestner, T.; Ramseier, L.C.; Amport, C.; Weishaupt, M.A.
Title Effects of shoeing on limb movement and ground reaction forces in Icelandic horses at walk, tölt and trot Type Journal Article
Year 2013 Publication The Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Vet. J.
Volume (down) 198, Supplement 1 Issue Pages e103-e108
Keywords Icelandic horse; Gait analysis; Ground reaction force; Kinematics; Shoeing; Tölt
Abstract Abstract Tölt is a symmetric four-beat gait with a speed range extending into that of trot and canter. Specific shoeing methods, such as unnaturally high and long hooves, are used to enforce individual gait predisposition. The aim of this study was to assess the consequences of this shoeing style on loading and movement of the limbs at walk, tölt and trot, and at different velocities. Simultaneous kinetic and kinematic gait analysis was carried out at walk (1.4 m/s) and at two tölting and trotting speeds (3.3 m/s and 3.9 m/s) on an instrumented treadmill. Thirteen sound Icelandic horses were first measured with high, long front hooves (SH) and, 1 week later, after trimming the hooves according to standard shoeing principles (SN). Comparing SH with SN, front hooves had 21 ± 5 mm longer dorsal hoof walls, and the shoeing material per hoof was 273 ± 50 g heavier. In all three gaits, gait quality, as it is currently judged, was improved with SH due to a lower stride rate, a longer stride length and a higher, but not wider, forelimb protraction arc, which were also positively associated with speed. Forelimb–hind limb balance remained unchanged, but limb impulses were higher. Apart from an increase of ⩽2.2% in the forelimbs at the faster speed of both tölt and trot, SH had little influence on vertical peak forces.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1090-0233 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5912
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Author Clayton, H.M.
Title The extended canter: a comparison of some kinematic variables in horses trained for dressage and for racing Type Journal Article
Year 1993 Publication Acta Anatomica Abbreviated Journal Acta Anat (Basel)
Volume (down) 146 Issue 2-3 Pages 183-187
Keywords Animal Husbandry; Animals; *Gait; Horses/*physiology; *Physical Conditioning, Animal; *Sports
Abstract This study was designed to test the hypothesis that there is no significant difference in selected temporal and linear stride variables of the extended canter in horses bred and trained for dressage or racing. Nine advanced-level dressage horses and 7 Thoroughbred racehorses were filmed at a frame rate of 200 Hz at an extended canter on a sand track. Two strides were recorded per trial, and each horse performed 6 or 7 trials. Temporal and linear data were determined from the films, and descriptive statistics (mean, SD) were calculated. Strides were selected for analysis on the basis of having a velocity in the range of 6.0-7.0 m/s, and multivariate analysis of variance was used to detect significant differences in the stride kinematics of horses trained for the two sports (p < or = 0.01). The average velocity of the dressage horses was 6.37 m/s, compared with 6.40 m/s for the racehorses. There were no significant differences between the two groups in velocity, stride duration, stride length or the distances between limb placements. The stance durations of all four limbs and the overlaps between them were longer, whereas the duration of the suspension phase was shorter in the dressage horses than in the racehorses (p < or = 0.01). The time between impacts of the diagonal limb pair was close to zero in both groups, with individual horses showing some variability in the order of placement of the diagonal limb pair. However, the sequence of footfalls was not significantly different between the two groups (p < or = 0.01).
Address Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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 0001-5180 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:8470464 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3751
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Argue, C.K.; Clayton, H.M.
Title A preliminary study of transitions between the walk and trot in dressage horses Type Journal Article
Year 1993 Publication Acta Anatomica Abbreviated Journal Acta Anat (Basel)
Volume (down) 146 Issue 2-3 Pages 179-182
Keywords Animals; Forelimb/physiology; Gait/*physiology; Hindlimb/physiology; Horses/*physiology; Locomotion/physiology; *Physical Conditioning, Animal
Abstract The object of this study was to determine the limb support sequence during the transitions from walk to trot and from trot to walk in dressage horses under saddle and to test the null hypothesis that the limb support sequence during the transitions is not related to the level of training. Sixteen dressage horses training at novice to FEI Grand Prix level were videotaped performing an average of 9 transitions each from walk to trot and from trot to walk. The 30-Hz videotapes were viewed in slow motion, and based on the limb support sequence the transitions were categorized into two types. In type 1 transitions there were no intermediate steps between the walk and trot sequences. Type 2 transitions were characterized by intermediate steps, including a single support phase. The Kendall rank-order correlation coefficient showed that a higher level of training was positively associated with an increased percentage of type 1 transitions for both walk-to-trot transitions (p < or = 0.05) and trot-to-walk transitions (p < or = 0.01). No significant preference for initiating or completing the trot on the left or right diagonal was found using the binomial test for individual horses and the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test for the group.
Address Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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 0001-5180 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:8470463 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3752
Permanent link to this record
 
 
Author Uchiyama, H.; Ohtani, N.; Ohta, M.
Title Three-dimensional analysis of horse and human gaits in therapeutic riding Type Journal Article
Year 2011 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.
Volume (down) 135 Issue 4 Pages 271-276
Keywords Equine-facilitated interventions; Horse gait; Human gait; Three-dimensional analysis; Horse riding
Abstract Therapeutic horse riding or hippotherapy is used as an intervention for treating individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Equine-assisted interventions are based on the hypothesis that the movement of the horse's pelvis during horseback riding resembles human ambulation, and thus provides motor and sensory inputs similar to those received during human walking. However, this hypothesis has not been investigated quantitatively and qualitatively. This study aimed to verify the hypothesis by conducting a three-dimensional analysis of the horse's movements while walking and human ambulation. Using four sets of equipments, we analysed the acceleration patterns of walking in 50 healthy humans and 11 horses. In addition, we analysed the exercise intensity by comparing the heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure of 127 healthy individuals before and after walking and horse riding. The acceleration data series of the stride phase of horse walking were compared with those of human walking, and the frequencies (in Hz) were analysed by Fast Fourier transform. The acceleration curves of human walking overlapped with those of horse walking, with the frequency band of human walking corresponding with that of horse walking. Exercise intensity, as measured by the heart rate and breathing rate, was not significantly different between horse riding and human walking. The levels of diastolic blood pressure were slightly higher during horse riding than during walking, but were lower during both conditions compared with those in normal conditions (P < 0.01). The present study shows that, although not completely matched, the accelerations of the horse and human walking are comparable quantitatively and qualitatively. Horse riding at a walking gait could generate motor and sensory inputs similar to those produced by human walking, and thus could provide optimum benefits to persons with ambulatory difficulties.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0168-1591 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5488
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Author Davies, H.M.S.
Title The timing and distribution of strains around the surface of the midshaft of the third metacarpal bone during treadmill exercise in one Thoroughbred racehorse Type Journal Article
Year 2005 Publication Australian Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Aust Vet J
Volume (down) 83 Issue 3 Pages 157-162
Keywords Animals; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Gait/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Metacarpus/*physiology; Motor Activity/physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Stress, Mechanical; Weight-Bearing/physiology
Abstract OBJECTIVE: To confirm that the midshaft dorsal cortex of the third metacarpal bone experienced higher compressive strains during fast exercise than the medial or lateral cortices, and that the strain peak occurred earlier in the hoof-down phase of the stride on the dorsal cortex than the medial or lateral cortices. DESIGN: Observations of a single horse. PROCEDURE: Strains were collected from a single, sound, 3-year-old Thoroughbred mare during treadmill exercise from rosette strain gauges implanted onto the medial, lateral and dorsal surfaces of the midshaft of the right cannon bone, simultaneously with data from a hoof switch that showed when the hoof was in the stance phase. RESULTS: Peak compressive strains on the dorsal surface of the third metacarpal bone were proportional to exercise speed and occurred at about 30% of stance. Peak compressive strains on the medial surface of the non-lead limb reached a maximum at a speed around 10 m/s and occurred at mid-stance. Peak compressive strains on the lateral surface varied in timing and size between strides at all exercise speeds, but remained less than -2000 microstrains. CONCLUSIONS: The timing of peak compressive strains on the dorsal cortex suggests a relationship to deceleration of the limb following hoof impact, so the main determinants of their size would be exercise speed and turning (as shown in previous experiments). This experiment confirms data from other laboratories that were published but not discussed, that peak compressive strains on the medial surface occur at mid-stance. This suggests that they are related to the support of body weight. The strains on the lateral cortex occurred at variable times so may be associated with the maintenance of balance as well as the support of body weight. Understanding the loading of the third metacarpal bone will help to determine causes of damage to it and ways in which the bone might be conditioned to prevent such damage.
Address Department of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010. h.davies@unimelb.edu.au
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 0005-0423 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:15825628 Approved no
Call Number Serial 1891
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Author Santamaria, S.; Bobbert, M.F.; Back, W.; Barneveld, A.; van Weeren, P.R.
Title Effect of early training on the jumping technique of horses Type Journal Article
Year 2005 Publication American Journal of Veterinary Research Abbreviated Journal Am J Vet Res
Volume (down) 66 Issue 3 Pages 418-424
Keywords Age Factors; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Biomechanics; Forelimb/physiology; Gait/*physiology; Hindlimb/physiology; Horses/growth & development/*physiology; Locomotion/*physiology; Models, Biological; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*methods
Abstract OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of early training for jumping by comparing the jumping technique of horses that had received early training with that of horses raised conventionally. ANIMALS: 40 Dutch Warmblood horses. PROCEDURE: The horses were analyzed kinematically during free jumping at 6 months of age. Subsequently, they were allocated into a control group that was raised conventionally and an experimental group that received 30 months of early training starting at 6 months of age. At 4 years of age, after a period of rest in pasture and a short period of training with a rider, both groups were analyzed kinematically during free jumping. Subsequently, both groups started a 1-year intensive training for jumping, and at 5 years of age, they were again analyzed kinematically during free jumping. In addition, the horses competed in a puissance competition to test maximal performance. RESULTS: Whereas there were no differences in jumping technique between experimental and control horses at 6 months of age, at 4 years, the experimental horses jumped in a more effective manner than the control horses; they raised their center of gravity less yet cleared more fences successfully than the control horses. However, at 5 years of age, these differences were not detected. Furthermore, the experimental horses did not perform better than the control horses in the puissance competition. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Specific training for jumping of horses at an early age is unnecessary because the effects on jumping technique and jumping capacity are not permanent.
Address Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 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:15822585 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4037
Permanent link to this record