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Circle Diameter Impacts Stride Frequency and Forelimb Stance Duration at Various Gaits in Horses
Alyssa A Logan1, Alyson J Snyder1, Brian D Nielsen2
1School of Agriculture, Middle Tennessee State University, 314 W. Thompson Ln., Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA.
Insights
Equine circular exercise affects stride frequency and forelimb stance duration, with smaller diameters and specific gaits significantly altering these parameters. Understanding these biomechanical changes is crucial for evaluating horse movement.
Area of Science:
- Equine biomechanics
- Animal locomotion analysis
Background:
- Gait and exercise diameter effects on equine kinematics are typically studied separately.
- Circular exercise presents unique biomechanical challenges compared to straight-line movement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined impact of exercise diameter (10-m vs. 15-m) and gait (walk, trot, canter) on equine forelimb kinematics.
- To analyze stride frequency and forelimb stance duration during circular exercise.
Main Methods:
- Nine mature horses were equipped with hoof sensors on their forelimbs.
- Data collected during circular and straight-line exercise on clay and sand surfaces.
- Statistical analysis using SAS 9.4 (PROC GLIMMIX) with fixed effects.
Main Results:
- Stride frequency decreased during walk and trot on circles compared to straight lines.
- Forelimb stance duration increased on the 10-m circle at walk and canter.
- The inside forelimb exhibited longer stance duration than the outside forelimb across all gaits on circles.
Conclusions:
- Exercise diameter and gait are critical factors influencing forelimb kinematics in equine circular exercise.
- Observed differences in stance duration suggest asymmetrical limb loading during circular movement.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering both gait and circle size in biomechanical assessments.
Abstract:
The effects of gait and diameter have been studied independently, but rarely together in equine circular exercise studies. This study aimed to determine the impact of diameter (10-m or 15-m) at various gaits (walk, trot, and canter) on stride frequency or forelimb stance duration. Nine mature horses were outfitted with Tekscan™ Hoof Sensors on their forelimbs during circular and straight-line exercise at various gaits on a clay and sand arena surface. Statistical analysis was performed in SAS 9.4 with fixed effects of exercise type, recording, leg, and breed (PROC GLIMMIX, p < 0.05 significance). At walk (p < 0.0001) and trot (p < 0.001), stride frequency was lower during circular exercise. Stride frequency was similar between forelimbs at all gaits. At walk (p < 0.001) and canter (p = 0.01), stance duration was greatest during 10-m circle exercise. At walk (p = 0.0007), trot (p < 0.001), and canter (p < 0.0001), the inside forelimb had longer stance duration than the outside forelimb. Differences between forelimb stance durations may support asymmetrical travel while horses exercise on a circle at the walk, trot, and canter. These results demonstrate diameter and gait are important factors when evaluating forelimb kinematics during circular exercise.
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