Weighted boots influence performance in show-jumping horses.

Area of Science:

• Equine biomechanics
• Animal locomotion
• Sports science

Background:

• Understanding the impact of equipment on equine athletic performance is crucial.
• Weighted boots are sometimes used in training, but their effect on jumping biomechanics is not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of weighted boots on the jumping performance of horses.
• To analyze changes in limb-placement dimensions during jumping with and without weighted boots.

Main Methods:

• Six horses performed 10 jumping efforts over a 1.25 m oxer fence.
• Horses were assigned to two groups, alternating between wearing and not wearing weighted boots.
• Sagittal plane S-VHS recordings and t-test analyses were used to assess limb-placement dimensions.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in horizontal plane performance.
• Significant differences were found in vertical plane dimensions.
• Horses achieved greater hindlimb elevation (1.60 m) with weighted boots compared to without (1.46 m; P<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Weighted boots significantly enhance hindlimb elevation in horses during jumping.
• The increased elevation is likely due to increased hindlimb kinetic energy.
• These findings have implications for training and equipment use in equestrian sports.