Inter‐Breed Differences in Equine Forelimb Kinematics at the Walk

Abstract

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.

Kinematic Characterization of the Menorca Horse at the Walk and the Trot: Influence of Hind Limb Pastern Angle

“…It was also similar to the SPB recorded on a treadmill (1.70 m/s, without inclination [27]) with Arab (AR) and AngloArab (AA) horses at a handled walk (1.63 and 1.64 m/s, respectively [15]) and European Warmblood (EW) ridden horses with a high degree of training in classic dressage at a medium walk (1.73 m/s [10]), although these studies used 2D methodology and any comparisons will therefore serve only for reference.…”

“…MEN horses showed lower propulsion activity at the trot (12%) than at the walk (23%), and this is not advantageous for gait collection. These values were lower than those reported for other breeds with both gaits [5,15]. The low collection ability at the walk and the trot was also shown by the average values of standing under hind limb (10.07 cm at the walk and 12.36 cm at the trot).…”

“…forelimb angle (60 ) of the MEN horses were found to be closer to those of the SPB breed (100.1 and 64.5 , respectively [15]). The forelimb locomotion pattern of the MEN horses at the trot did not have the same elevations as those of the SPB, but the natural ease of protraction can be highlighted, which was superior to that of the EW (65 [10]) horse.…”

“…MEN horses showed a lower range of elbow joint at the walk (52.29 ) than SPB horses (64.2 and 59.3 [12,15]) and was closer to that of the AA (55.9 [15]), whereas this trait at the trot (61.81 ) was close to the values obtained for the AA (60.1 [8]) or EW (63 [21]) breeds and lower than the value obtained for the SPB (67.1 [8]) horses. Thus, the elevated movement, which is also desirable in dressage horses, was not found to be characteristic of MEN horses, although this could be improved by selection.…”

“…Walk involves a natural gait which has rarely been analyzed in equine locomotion studies when horses are handled [15]. Modification of the magnitudes leading to greater amplitude of movement (mainly for angular and linear traits) could result in increased locomotive efficiency and sports aptitude [27].…”