Influence of individual competition level on back kinematics of horses jumping a vertical fence

Abstract

Summary Reasons for performing study: The costs and investments required for the purchase and training of showjumpers justify the need to find selection means for jumping horses. Use of objective kinematic criteria correlated to jumping ability could be helpful for this assessment. Objectives: To compare back kinematics between 2 groups of horses of different competition levels (Group 1, competing at high level; Group 2 competing at low level) while free jumping over a 1 m vertical fence. Methods: Three‐dimensional recordings were performed using 2 panning cameras. Kinematic parameters of the withers and tuber sacrale (vertical displacement, vertical and horizontal velocities), backline inclination and flexion‐extension motion of the 3 main dorsal segments (thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral) were analysed. Results: Group 2 horses had a lower displacement of their withers and tuber sacrale from the end of the last approach stride until the first departure stride (P<0.05). As a result, they increased the flexion of their thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junctions during the hindlimb swing phase before take‐off (P<0.05). However, withers and tuber sacrale velocities were slightly modified. Group 1 horses pitched their backline less forward during the forelimb stance phase before take‐off and straightened it more after landing (P<0.05), probably indicating a more efficient strutting action of their forelimbs. Conclusions and potential relevance: Because significant differences in back motion were found between good and poor jumpers when jumping a 1 m high fence, criteria based on certain back kinematics can be developed that may help in the selection of talented showjumpers.

Association of a Subjective Muscle Score With Increased Angles of Flexion During Sitting Trot in Dressage Horses

“…This has been used extensively to determine back kinematics in ridden and unridden subjects at various gaits [27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] and does not need laboratory conditions. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between subjective grading of muscle development (the "muscle score") and back kinematics.…”

Kinematic characteristics of hoof landing in jumping horses at elite level

“…Kinematic studies of jumping horses have been made (Leach and Ormrod 1984; Thoulon 1991, Santamaría et al . 2002, 2004a,b, 2005; Cassiat et al . 2004; Catinaud 2005; Powers 2005), often with a limited number of animals.…”

“…Kinematic studies of jumping horses have been made Thoulon 1991, Santamaría et al 2002, 2004a,b, 2005Cassiat et al 2004;Catinaud 2005;Powers 2005), often with a limited number of animals. Hindlimb kinematics during push-off in the jump stride have been studied by van den Bogert et al (1994), hoof placement and limb contact variables by , Clayton and Barlow (1991), Deuel and Park (1991) and kinetics and joint moments have been studied by Schamhardt et al (1993) and Meershoek et al (2001).…”

Veterinary aspects of training the show jumping horse

“…17 Training influences the take-off and landing distance, bascule and height of the forelimbs above the fence. The impact of saddle selection and fitting should not be underestimated by the veterinarian.…”