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Gait characterisation and classification in horses.

Justine J Robilliard1, Thilo Pfau, Alan M Wilson

  • 1Structure and Motion Laboratory, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK.

The Journal of Experimental Biology
|January 11, 2007
PubMed
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This study developed a new method to classify horse gaits using foot-fall patterns. Accelerometers and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) identified common criteria for distinguishing symmetric and asymmetric gaits in Icelandic horses.

Area of Science:

  • Equine locomotion biomechanics
  • Animal gait analysis
  • Comparative physiology

Background:

  • Quadrupedal locomotion involves numerous potential foot-fall sequences, yet only a subset is commonly utilized.
  • Understanding gait characteristics is crucial for equine performance and welfare.
  • Previous research has not established a unified criterion for classifying symmetric and asymmetric gaits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize equine gaits based on foot-fall patterns.
  • To develop a novel technique for classifying symmetric and asymmetric gaits using a common criterion.
  • To evaluate if gaits represent a continuum or discrete entities.

Main Methods:

  • Measured foot-fall timings (stance, swing, duty factor, stride frequency) of eight Icelandic horses using accelerometers during over-ground locomotion.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Applied linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to identify optimal criteria for gait discrimination.
  • Analyzed data across various speeds for gaits including walk, tolt, trot, pace, canter, and gallop.

    • Main Results:

    • Foot-fall timings were symmetrical between left and right hindlimbs and forelimbs in walk, tolt, trot, and pace.
    • Observed differences in stance times and duty factors between gaits were generally not biologically significant.
    • LDA analysis revealed clustering of gaits, suggesting running gaits form a kinematic continuum, while the relationship with walk may be more complex.

    Conclusions:

    • A novel LDA-based method accurately classifies equine gaits on a stride-by-stride basis using foot-fall timings.
    • Symmetry in foot-fall timing characterizes walk, tolt, trot, and pace.
    • Metabolic or limb force factors are unlikely primary drivers for gait transitions between walk, trot, pace, canters, and gallops, though they may influence tolt usage at speed extremes.