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Ground reaction forces and limb function in tölting Icelandic horses
A R Biknevicius1, D R Mullineaux, H M Clayton
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA.
Equine Veterinary Journal
|January 20, 2005
Summary
Ground reaction forces (GRFs) in Icelandic horses performing the tölt gait resemble those of trotting, indicating a bouncing mechanism. This gait may reduce injury risk due to limb overlap and lower peak forces.
Area of Science:
- Equine biomechanics
- Animal locomotion
Background:
- Gaited horses utilize specialized 4-beat gaits, such as the tölt, reaching speeds comparable to trotting.
- Lack of reported ground reaction force (GRF) data for these gaits risks misinterpretation of equine kinetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare ground reaction force (GRF) profiles and magnitudes of Icelandic horses performing the tölt gait with those of trotting horses.
- To investigate the biomechanical characteristics of the tölt gait in Icelandic horses.
Main Methods:
- Forelimb and hindlimb GRFs were measured in 10 Icelandic horses during tölt at various speeds (<2, 2.5-5, >5 m/sec).
- Data analysis focused on vertical force peaks, impulses, and support durations across different speed ranges.
Main Results:
- Tölt GRF patterns were predominantly single-peaked vertically.
- Forelimbs generally exhibited higher peak vertical forces and impulses than hindlimbs.
- Speed positively correlated with peak vertical forces, braking/propulsive forces, and hindlimb impulses, while negatively correlating with support duration and forelimb impulse.
Conclusions:
- The GRF profiles of the tölt gait align more closely with trotting than walking, suggesting a bouncing gait mechanism.
- Increased limb support overlap in the tölt, even at high speeds, is linked to lower peak vertical forces compared to trot, potentially mitigating injury risk in Icelandic horses.