The morphometric values of the structures examined were consistent with those reported for other breeds, although some differences were observed.

The aim of the study was to determine morphometric values of the superficial and deep digital flexor tendon, the inferior check ligament and the suspensory ligament in the palmar metacarpal region of sound Haflinger horses using ultrasonography and to assess the influence of different factors on them. The findings were compared with the literature. A total of 30 sound Haflinger mares aged 4-20 years were used. Transverse ultrasound images were obtained with an 8-10 linear MHz transducer and the cross-sectional area, the circumference and the dorsopalmar and lateromedial width were determined for each structure at six regions of interest (ROI) in both forelimbs. The coefficient of variation was <3%. The structures were compared between each other and the values of each structure at the ROIs. Age, height at the withers, body mass index, diameter of the Os metacarpale III and the circumference of the mid-metacarpal region showed significant influences on some of the parameters. Reference values for the tendons and ligaments in the palmar metacarpal region in sound Haflinger mares were obtained and the influence of different factors was tested. Description of the dimensional relationship between the structures and comparison of the data with the literature provide knowledge required for adequate veterinary care.

SummaryThe study was aimed at obtaining kinetic and timely data of the flying pace of Icelandic Horses and evaluating the influence of weights applied to the palmar aspect of the hooves of both forelimbs on variables tested. Seven Icelandic Horses were ridden in flying pace, once without and once with added weights. Force at impact, force at end impact, force at lift off, cycle duration, stance phase duration, swing phase duration, swing phase length and overlap were recorded using computerkinematographic devices on the metacarpal and metatarsal region of each limb. Data was analyzed using a generalized linear model, type III sums of squares to determine F-and p-values, with significance threshold of p≤ 0.05, post-hoc analyses were performed as t-tests over least square means. Mean values with standard deviations were obtained, when looking at all horses together, weights influenced force at impact, force at end impact and force at lift off significantly, as well as the overlap, resulting in greater gait-uniformity. Great individual differences were noted. The effect was greatest in less experienced horses. Insight into effects of the widely practiced use of weight-application to the distal forelimbs in Icelandic Horses is given. Conclusively, this use might be most beneficial in less experienced horses, but be less effective in horses well-trained in performing the flying pace.Keywords: Icelandic Horse / flying pace / biomechanics / weight / gait analysis Einfluss von Ballengewichten auf biomechanische Parameter des Rennpasses von IslandpferdenMit der Studie wurden einerseits kinematische und zeitliche Daten des Rennpasses von gerittenen Islandpferden erfasst und zum anderen der Einfluss von an den Ballen beider Vorderbeine angebrachter Gewichte auf die zuvor verwendeten Parameter evaluiert. Sieben Islandpferde wurden jeweils einmal ohne und einmal mit Ballengewichten 100m auf einer geraden Strecke mit festem ebenem Untergrund im Rennpass geritten. Mittels computerkinematographischer Sensoren am lateralen Metacarpus bzw. -tarsus aller vier Gliedmaßen wurden die verwendeten Parameter Beschleunigungen zum Zeitpunkt des ersten Aufsetzens, des vollständigen Bodenkontakts und des Abhebens vom Boden, Dauer eines Bewegungszyklus, der Stützphase und der Schwingphase, sowie Dauer des gemeinsamen Bodenkontakts der ipsilateralen Beinpaare (Overlap) während beider Läufe aufgezeichnet. Statistische wurden die Daten unter Verwendung eines verallgemeinerten linearen Modells Typ III Quadratsummen zur Bestimmung der F-und p-Werte mit einem Signifikanzwert von p≤ 0,05, post hoc-Analysen in Form von t-tests unter Verwendung der Least square-Mittelwerte analysiert. Für die Parameter wurden Mittelwerte mit der jeweiligen Standardabweichung ermittelt. Alle Pferde zusammen betrachtet beeinflusste der Einsatz der Ballengewichte die Parameter force at impact, force at end impact und force at lift off für jeweils drei Beine signifikant, ebenso den Overlap sowohl des rechten als auch des linken ipsilateralen Beinpaares. Die Veränderungen...

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the changes in kinematic and timely characteristics of the toelt of Icelandic Horses induced by the addition of weights applied to the palmar aspect of the hooves of the forelimbs. These effects were then compared with those seen in flying pace by use of the same weights, recorded in a preceding study. Six Icelandic Horses were ridden in a medium speed tölt, once without and once with added weights. Force at impact, force at end impact, force at lift off, cycle duration, stance phase duration, swing phase duration, duty factor, ipsilateral and diagonal overlap were recorded using computerkinematographic devices on the metacarpal and metatarsal region of both forelimbs and the right hindlimb. Data were analyzed using a generalized linear model, type III sums of squares to determine F-and p-values, with significance threshold of p≤ 0.05, post-hoc analyses were performed as t-tests over least square means. Mean values with standard deviations could be obtained. Following parameters were influenced significantly: force at impact, stance phase duration, swing phase duration and duty factor in the hindlimb, force at end impact in both forelimbs. The changes found resulted in a shift of the rhythm of the gait from a pacy tendency towards a clearer four-beat. The finding of significant changes in the kinematic parameters might implicate a higher risk of injury with the use of weights through higher accelerations acting on the musculoskeletal apparatus.