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Linear, temporal and angular biokinematic characteristics of the forelimb at the walk in different breeds were determined, highlighting inter-breed differences. Twenty-three healthy stallions were used: ten Andalusians (AN), seven Arabs (AR) and six Anglo-Arabs (AA). Height at the withers was significantly different between groups (P < 0.001). Six trials per horse were recorded using a levelled video camera (sampling frame rate 25 frames/s), digitized and analysed using a semi-automatic movement analysis system. No statistically significant differences in speeds were recorded between breeds (P > 0.05). The only temporal parameter which was similar in the three breeds was the moment at which the hoof reached the highest point in its trajectory. The variables presenting the most significant differences were the percentages of deceleration and propulsion within the stance phase. ANOVA for angular variables showed that the greatest difference was in the range of angular movement of the carpal joint, being higher in AN, due to a lower minimum value. In the fetlock joint, the greatest difference was observed in minimum values, which differed in all three breeds. Significant inter-breed differences were also observed for maximum limb retraction, being lowest in the AN group, followed by the AA and AR groups. This finding was reflected in the angular range of motion, despite smaller differences in the degree of limb protraction; very similar values were reported in all three breeds. As regards the elbow joint, no inter-breed differences were observed in terms of minimum values, whereas differences were recorded for maximum and angular range of motion, higher values being displayed by the AR and AN groups than by AA animals. In conclusion, inter-breed differences may be determined in equine forelimb biokinematics at the walk. This study distinguished between AN, AR and AA horses.

Abstract. In the breeding program of breeds such as the Pura Raza Español horse, selection by gait quality is of great interest because of their use for dressage performance. However, biokinematic analyses are expensive and data processing is time consuming. So, indirect measurements related to movement quality are alternatively used for a precocious selection of the animals. The aim of this study is to estimate the genetic correlations between 13 conformation measurements and 16 biokinematic variables at trot (4 linear, 6 temporal and 6 angular) in order to identify objective selection criteria for locomotion ability. A total of 130 Pura Raza Español horses from 24 studs, aged between 4–7 years old, were measured and their biokinematic variables were obtained in experimental conditions on a treadmill. There were 155 significant genetic correlations between conformation and biokinematic traits. Croup length was the most correlated trait with biokinematic variables at trot (16), and croup width was the least correlated one (7). Forelimb length and forelimb duration were the most correlated with conformation measurements (12), whereas minimal angle of carpus was the least correlated one (5). All the conformation measurements were genetically correlated with biokinematic variables, and through these relationships when trotting, a total of 6 body measurements were selected for the indirect and precocious selection of gait quality, which could be included directly or combined in body indices.

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Horses have been selected for their function, as a war animal, for harness, for sport or, on the other hand, simply because their morphology conformed to that favoured at the time. As result of the selection a characteristic pattern of movement might have been determined. Andalusian horses (PRE) have been selected traditionally almost exclusively for their morphological features and for nice and elevated movements, mainly in the fore quarter, being mostly used as a saddle and farm work. This is one of the oldest known breeds, and it has played a role in the development of many others breeds (Lussian, Lipizzan, Kladruber, Connemara, Cleveland Bay or Cob Gales). The background of the Dutch Warmblood breed (DWB) is more recent, being basically a product of Gelderland and Groningen horses, both originally from The Netherlands, being subsequently refined by the Thorougbred. DWB has very good aptitudes for dressage, saddle and jumping [5], being mainly selected for their functional characteristics.