Kinematic characteristics of hoof landing in jumping horses at elite level

Abstract

SummaryReasons for performing study: Biomechanical events of the distal limb during the landing phase of a jump have been proposed to be risk factors for injury, indicating need for further characterisation of the landing and the hoof-surface interaction. This is essential also for valid testing of arena surfaces when simulating actual conditions. Objectives: To investigate the hoof landing characteristics for different limbs of elite showjumping horses during the landing phase when jumping 1.30-1.50 m competition fences on 2 different arena surfaces. Materials and methods: A single, fixed high speed camera (1000 frames/s) was aimed at landing spots after different fences during 2 competitions. A total of 64 hoof landings were recorded on one sand and one turf surface (using studs on the turf). Hoof movements were tracked from calibrated video sequences. Landing velocities, landing angles, maximal vertical and horizontal deceleration and timing of maximal deceleration peaks were calculated and compared between leading/trailing fore-/hindlimbs. All outcomes were analysed for limb, using generalised linear models and controlling for effects of surface and obstacle. Results: Landing speed differed among limbs (P<0.02 for all speeds and models). The leading hoof approached the ground more acutely angled to the horizontal plane than the trailing comparing fore-(P<0.001) and hindlimbs (0.05ՆP>0.01), respectively. Differences in landing and braking kinematics were also found between surfaces and obstacles; however, these effects were hard to separate because of the nonexperimental design. Conclusions: The landing and braking characteristics of the hooves varied substantially between hind-, fore-, trailing and leading limbs. Developing mechanical testing devices for arena surfaces, this fairly wide range of biomechanical events must be considered, in order to simulate the horsesurface interaction.

Bone marrow lesions of the distal condyles of the third metacarpal bone are common and not always related to lameness in sports and pleasure horses

“…In Thoroughbred racehorses, the dorsal aspect of the medial condyle was the least frequently affected by bone marrow lesions . The difference in location between these three types of horses (sports horses, Standardbreds, and Thoroughbreds) may be explained by the biomechanical differences in load distribution during type‐specific exercise …”

“…These vertical excursions would make the applied forces more vertical, thus transferring more loading to the dorsal part of the condyle rather than to the palmar part as for racehorses. The vertical movement applied to the metacarpophalangeal joint during the landing phase of a jump in showjumpers, increases the contact area between the third metacarpal bone and the proximal phalanx and the highest pressure is located in the dorsal part of the joint . These observations are compatible with the dorsal location of bone marrow lesions in showjumpers and dressage horses in our study.…”

“…Indeed, we frequently find bone marrow lesions in sports horses and especially in showjumpers. During the landing phase of a jump, the landing speed is almost entirely composed of vertical movement . The increased vertical load applied on the metacarpophalangeal joint, increases the contact area between the third metacarpal bone and the proximal phalanx, especially in the dorsal aspect of the joint, and therefore, may increase the risk of subchondral bone damage.…”

Discrimination of two equine racing surfaces based on forelimb dynamic and hoof kinematic variables at the canter

“…Given the difficulties of direct dynamometric measurements, some studies have focussed on kinematic analysis of hoof landing and braking using high speed cameras (Hernlund et al, 2010). On a given surface (all-weather waxed track), Parsons et al (2011) used high speed videography measurements of horizontal and vertical velocity of the hoof immediately prior to impact, and subsequent vertical sink and horizontal slip distances travelled by the hoof into the surface, to make indirect inferences about expected impact forces.…”

Veterinary aspects of training the show jumping horse

“…33 Studs, or shoe caulks, are frequently used in jumping horses to improve grip, particularly on slippery surfaces. 37 If energy dissipation is not achieved by slide, or alteration in ground surface, then the structures of the limb may experience abnormal forces which could potentially increase risk of injury. Studs alter foot-ground interaction, significantly reducing slip, particularly in the trailing limb at canter.…”