bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Lungeing and Circle Size on Movement Symmetry in Sound Riding Horses
Authors: Thomsen MH , Sahl‐Tjørnholm C , Sørensen H , Tolver A 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionEvaluation of the movement during trot in circles is commonly used in clinical equine lameness examinations to exacerbate mild or bilateral lameness. Sound horses trotting in a straight line have a high degree of movement symmetry, which decreases with lameness. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lungeing and circle size on movement symmetry in sound horses.MethodsTwenty five riding horses categorized sound by inspection on straight line and lungeing were trotted in a straight line and in circles of 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 metres diameter on both reins. Overall symmetry (S), symmetry of diagonal limb pair loading (A), and symmetry of diagonal limb pair timing (W) were calculated from trunk accelerations measured over the 13th thoracic vertebrae (T13) with a 3‐axis accelerometer. Data were analysed via ANOVA with horse as random effect.ResultsS, A, and W showed high degree of symmetry of straight line trot with mean ± SE = −6.0 ± 0.1, 0.01 ± 0.02 and −0.001 ± 0.003, respectively, that decreased with circular trot (P<0.02 in pairwise tests). S and A showed decreasing symmetry with decreasing circle size. For 16 and 8 metres, respectively; S = −5.2 ± 0.1 and −4.7 ± 0.1; A = 0.10 ± 0.01 and 0.16 ± 0.01; W = −0.009 ± 0.002 and −0.012 ± 0.002.ConclusionsIn sound horses, movement symmetry measured over T13 decreased with circular trot and decreasing circle size as shown in earlier studies of movement of the poll and sacrum. The asymmetry mimicked inside diagonal lameness. Effect of circular movement and circle size should be considered in interpretation of lameness signs and asymmetry measured during circular trot.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the department ethical committee. The horses belonged to the Danish army, who gave their informed consent. As no invasive procedures were applied approval from the Danish Animal Experimental board was not needed. Sources of funding: Foreningen KUSTOS af 1861. Competing interests: none.
Effect of Weighted Boots Used with Different Shoeing Styles on Limb Movement and Ground Reaction Forces in Icelandic Horses at Walk, Tölt and Trot
Authors: Waldern N , Wiestner T , Ramseier L , Weishaupt M 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionWeighted boots and unnaturally high and long hooves (SH) are used to improve the 4‐beat rhythm of the tölt and enhance forelimb action.MethodsThe effect of these methods on loading and movement of the limbs was investigated in thirteen Icelandic horses at walk, tölt and trot on an instrumented treadmill. Vertical ground reaction forces and kinematic data of fore‐ and hindlimbs were measured. Four conditions were differentiated: SN (standard shoeing) and SH, without and with weighted boots of 240 g (WB240), respectively. Differences were tested using one‐way repeated measures ANOVA, separately for each gait (P<0.05).ResultsAt the tölt, in both shoeing styles, WB240 increased protraction height of the forelimbs by about 13%. The weight gain of 273 g at the distal limb induced by changing SN to SH had a similar and cumulative effect. Hoof length alone was also positively, but not significantly, associated with protraction height; the combination of SH and WB240 resulted in an increase of up to 35%. Lateral coupling (pace‐like rhythm) in tölt was reduced only with a combination of SH and WB240. Stride impulse increased with a change of hoof conformation alone at tölt, and combined with weight at all three gaits. Shorter relative stance durations in the forelimbs particularly at faster speeds resulted only in a minor increase of peak forces (+1.4%) due to an impulse shift to the hindlimbs.ConclusionsWeight, particularly in combination with SH, improved gait performance and marginally increased limb peak forces. However, enhanced inertial forces during swing might additionally stress internal distal limb structures.Ethical Animal ResearchThe experiment was carried out with the approval of the Animal Health and Welfare Commission of the Canton of Zurich (No. 206/2010). Owner written informed consent was obtained. Sources of funding: Stiftung Forschung für das Pferd, the Haldimann Stiftung, the Swiss Metall Union, the Stiftung Temperatio, the Swiss Veterinary Office (FVO) and the Islandpferde‐Vereinigung Schweiz. Competing interests: none.
Sacroiliac Joint Morphology: Influence of Age, Bodyweight and Previous Back Pain
Authors: Goff L , Jeffcott L , Riggs C , McGowan C 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionDegenerative changes in sacroiliac joints (SIJ) are reported to cause poor performance in horses. The aim of this study was to document the frequency and nature of changes in SIJ surfaces of Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses and to correlate gross morphology and marginal new bone formation to age, body weight and history of back pain.MethodsSIJ surfaces from 37 deceased TBs retired from the Hong Kong Jockey Club were photographed and measurements taken to facilitate subjective and objective analysis of gross changes. SIJ surfaces were described, and the surface area of the joint surfaces determined from the photographs, using Image J. Area and shape of the joint surfaces were recorded and SIJs were graded and allocated a type according to pre‐determined criteria. Changes were compared for horses with and without clinical records of back pain.ResultsMean age was 6.6 ± 2.3 years; weight 494 ± 35 kg; with no differences between horses with (n = 14) and without (n = 23) a history of back pain. There was no relationship between bodyweight (r = 0.08) or age (r = 0.13) and SIJ surface area. SIJs of the back pain group were affected by obvious gross pathology that showed certain characteristics. There was a relationship between surface area of joint and degree of marginal bone formation (P<0.001). SIJs from the group of TBs with no back pain had fewer and less obvious gross findings.ConclusionsClinical evidence of back pain, which may reasonably be expected to have affected the horse's racing performance, was associated with characteristic gross pathology of the SIJ.Ethical Animal ResearchEthical approval for animal use was obtained by the institutional animal ethics committee (University of Queensland) and Hong Kong ethics committee. The study was performed on material collected during post‐mortem examination. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: Rural Industries Research and Development Council, Australia. Competing interests: none.
Measurement of Motion During Manipulation of the Equine Pelvis
Authors: Goff L , Van Weeren P , Jeffcott L , McGowan C 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionManipulation of the equine ilium and sacrum is utilised to assess range of motion at the SIJ. Motion of the ilium and sacrum during manual force application to the equine pelvis has been measured previously in vitro. The aim of this study was to measure the amount and direction of motion in vivo including comparison of bone fixated and skin mounted sensors.MethodsOrientation sensors were skin‐mounted over tuber sacrale (TS) and 3rd sacral spinous process (SP) of six standing Thoroughbred horses. Orientations of each TS and sacrum were recorded by one investigator during six trials of manual force applied to the pelvis, inducing cranial, caudal and oblique rotations. The study was repeated with the sensors mounted onto pins implanted into TS and SP. Mean values were reported in Euler angles for the three orthogonal planes lateral bend (LB), flexion‐extension (F‐E) and axial rotation (AR). Correlation between skin and bone fixated markers (Spearman R) was determined with significance set at P<0.05.ResultsThe largest mean values recorded during rotations applied to the pelvises were for F‐E (2.08 ± 0.35o) with bone fixated sensors. Axial rotation gave the largest values recorded with skin‐mountings (1.70 ± 0.48o). There was poor correlation between skin‐mounted and bone implanted markers.ConclusionsBony kinematics during external movement applied to the pelvis cannot be predicted from skin‐mounted sensors, due to differences between skin‐ and bone‐mounted sensors. Manipulation of the equine pelvis can be expected to produce motion in the plane of F‐E, but axial movement should be interpreted with caution due to the potential effects of skin motion.Ethical Animal ResearchEthical approval for animal use was obtained by the institutional animal ethics committee (University of Queensland). Sources of funding: Rural Industries Research and Development Council, Australia. Competing interests: none.
Thoracolumbar Flexion‐Extension During Water Treadmill Walking
Authors: Nankervis K , Entwistle L , Gervaise‐Brazier S , Earl S , Twigg‐Flesner A 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionWater treadmill exercise is used for rehabilitating horses with back dysfunction, yet little is known about the effect of this type of exercise on back movement.Methods8 horses walked in water level with the hoof, fetlock, hock and stifle. Reflective markers over the dorsal spinous processes of T6, T10, T13, T18, L3, L5 and S3 and left and right tuber coxae were used to measure flexion‐extension range of movement (F‐E ROM) around T10, T13, T18, L3 and L5, vertical displacement of the pelvis (Pelvic ROM) and vertical distance between T13 and L5 (lowest and highest point of the back). 3D coordinates were tracked using ProReflex cameras. 5–9 strides were analysed for each horse at each water height. Repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc tests were used to determine differences in measured variables between water heights (P < 0.05).ResultsPeak flexion of T10, T13, T18 and L3 occurred in hock height water. Peak extension of T18, L3 and L5 occurred in stifle height water without a significant difference in F‐E ROM between water heights (P>0.05). Pelvic ROM was greatest in stifle height water, with no significant difference between water heights. The vertical distance between T13 and L5 was greatest in stifle height water (P<0.05 between hoof and hock height water) as a result of an elevation of L5 relative to T13.ConclusionsAs water height increases L5 is elevated relative to T13, increasing the tendency for extension of the thoracolumbar spine. To maximise thoracolumbar flexion and avoid extension, water at hock height is more beneficial then stifle height water.Ethical Animal ResearchProject approved by Hartpury College Research Ethics Committee. Sources of funding: Hartpury College. Competing interests: none.
The Innate Immune Response in the Airways and in Blood is Altered by Training in Horses
Authors: Frellstedt L , Waldschmidt I , Dupuis‐Tricaud M , Lekeux P , Art T 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionLower airway diseases are common problems in sports and racing horses. In humans, exercise causes increased susceptibility to respiratory infections associated with down‐regulated expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), co‐stimulatory and antigen‐presenting molecules. Because numerous cell types are implicated in important defense mechanisms against airborne infections, we aimed to assess the effect of training on innate immune responses of pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM), equine bronchial epithelial cells (EBEC) and blood monocytes.MethodsPAM, EBEC and monocytes were collected at rest and after a standardized exercise test (SET) from eight untrained, trained and deconditioned horses. We compared their respective expression of TLR1‐9 by qPCR and their cytokinic responses following exposure to various TLR ligands by ELISA. Data were reported as least square means and analyzed by a global linear mixed model.ResultsThe mRNA expression of TLR3 was down‐regulated by training in PAM (P<0.0001) and monocytes (P<0.015), whereas the mRNA expression of TLR4 was up‐regulated in monocytes (P = 0.0004) only. Monocytes stimulated with TLR2‐ and TLR4‐ligands showed increased cytokine secretion after training and deconditioning (P<0.025). EBEC from trained horses produced less TNF‐alpha (P<0.05) after treatment with ligands of TLR2 and TLR3 compared with EBEC from untrained horses. The production of TNF‐alpha (P<0.001) and IFN‐beta (P<0.001) in non‐stimulated and stimulated PAM was decreased in trained and deconditioned horses.ConclusionsThe impaired cytokine production in PAM and EBEC after a training period might explain the increased susceptibility to respiratory viral infections and is associated with the activation of cells at the systemic level.Ethical Animal ResearchThis work was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the National Veterinary School of Alfort (agreement number: 13/12/11‐9). Sources of funding: Hippolia Foundation, the Conseil Regional de Basse‐Normandie, the European Regional Development Fund and the Fonds unique interministeriel. Competing interests: none.
Heart Rate Recovery Time in Exercise Testing of Endurance Horses
Authors: Madsen MF , Kanters JK , Buhl R 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionEndurance horses must attain heart rates below a certain limit (usually 64 beats/min) to pass veterinary inspections in endurance rides. The time necessary for heart rate recovery is therefore important in this equestrian discipline. The objective was to determine heart rate (HR) and heart rate recovery time (HRtime) of endurance horses exercised at various velocities.MethodsTwelve Arabian endurance horses completed an incremental field exercise test with concurrent ECG‐recording. Horses were actively competing at distances of 80–160 km. The exercise protocol defined five intervals with intended velocity range of 11–13 km/h, 15–17 km/h, 18–20 km/h, 21–25 km/h, and >25 km/h, respectively. Each interval was terminated by a halt lasting until HR declined to 64 beats/min. Velocity was determined by a global positioning system, while HR and HRtime were calculated from the ECG. Descriptive statistics was performed.ResultsVelocity, HR and HRtime (as mean ± SD); Interval 1: 12.4 ± 0.9 km/h, 104 ± 11 beats/min, 50 ± 34 s; Interval 2: 15.9 ± 0.5 km/h, 120 ± 9 beats/min, 128 ± 81 s; Interval 3: 20.0 ± 0.6 km/h, 133 ± 10 beats/min, 202 ± 120 s; Interval 4: 22.9 ± 1.0 km/h, 140 ± 11 beats/min, 264 ± 170 s; and Interval 5: 29.3 ± 3.8 km/h, 171 ± 15 beats/min, 341 ± 187 s. HR showed linear correlation with velocity. HRtime varied between horses especially after greater velocities, with a tendency of being shortest in the best performing horses. Four outliers of HRtime were excluded from horses reluctant to stand still during the halt due to anticipatory excitement.ConclusionsHeart rate recovery time shows great individuality and could potentially be used as a performance indicator in endurance horses. Possible fluctuations of HR due to anticipatory excitement during the halt may prolong HRtime and must be accounted for.Ethical Animal ResearchExplicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: University of Copenhagen. Competing interests: None.
Field Survey on Fetlock Problems in Young Horses
Authors: Morgan K , Kanstrup A , Rundgren M 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionProblems in the musculoskeletal system are the most common reason for impaired function and culling in insured riding horses in Sweden. Impaired function of the fetlock, e.g. arthritis, is a believed to be a multi‐factorial problem. The aim of the pilot study was to find factors associated with problems in the fetlock.MethodsThis study focused on horses 5–7 years with fetlock problems. A questionnaire on training and management (feeding, housing, shoeing) was sent to 200 horse‐owners with insurance policies on their horses; 100 had claimed insurance compensation for problems in the fetlock (I‐horses) and 100 owners had healthy horses that served as controls (C‐horses). The results of the proportions in each group were compared with a Chi‐squared test. The response rate was 42%.ResultsThe results showed significant differences for training‐related factors but not for management‐related factors. The healthy C‐horses were ridden for a longer period of time at each occasion (58.5 minutes per day) compared to I‐horses (51.3 minutes per day) (P = 0.043). The C‐horses jumped once a week and the I‐horses 0.5 times per week (P = 0.0075). There was a tendency for shorter period of training free weeks to be beneficial (C‐horses 4.0 weeks, I‐horses 5.5 weeks per year; P = 0.083). A larger proportion of the I‐horses participated in the Swedish Riding Horse Quality Test for four‐year old horses (P = 0.043).ConclusionsThe results indicated that training‐related factors were associated with whether a horse remained healthy or not. Further studies on training and educational systems of young horses are needed to prevent impaired function.Ethical Animal ResearchNo animals were used in the study. Sources of funding: This study was financed by the insurance company ‘Agria’ which approved submission of the results for presentation and publication in conjunction with ICEEP 9. Competing interests: none.
Effects of Different Exercise Intensities During Detraining on Aerobic Capacity in Thoroughbred Horses
Authors: Mukai K , Hiraga A , Takahashi T , Ohmura H , Jones JH 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThoroughbred racehorses often experience periods of detraining due to locomotor disorders and subsequent rehabilitation. We hypothesised that regularly exercising horses at different intensities during a period of detraining would differentially maintain their cardiopulmonary and O2 transport capacities.MethodsTwenty‐seven Thoroughbred horses trained for 18 weeks then underwent 12 weeks of detraining according to one of three protocols: 1) cantering at 70% maximal rate of O2 consumption (VO2max) for 3 min/d for 5 d/wk (C group), 2) walking for 1 h/d for 5 d/wk (W group) and 3) stall rest (S group). Standardised treadmill exercise tests were performed before and after detraining during which cardiopulmonary and O2 transport variables were measured. Data were analysed with two‐way ANOVA and pairwise comparisons made with Tukey's test. Significance was defined as P≤0.05.ResultsMass‐specific VO2max, maximal cardiac output and maximal stroke volume of all groups decreased after detraining with no differences between groups. The run time to exhaustion, speed eliciting VO2max, speed eliciting maximal heart rate and speed at which plasma lactate concentration reached 4 mmol/l of the C group did not change but those of the W and S groups decreased after detraining. Arterial‐(mixed‐venous) O2 concentration difference did not change after detraining in any group, and maximal heart rate decreased in the W and S groups.ConclusionsThese results suggest it may be possible to identify a minimum threshold exercise intensity or protocol during detraining in horses that maintains significant elements of performance‐related variables and minimises reductions in O2 transport capacity.Ethical Animal ResearchProtocols for the study were approved by the Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee of the Japan Racing Association (JRA) Equine Research Institute. Sources of funding: Japan Racing Association. Competing interests: none.
Young Friesian Horses Show Familial Aggregation in Fitness Response to a 7‐Week Performance Test
Authors: Munsters C , van den Broek J , van Weeren R , Sloet van Oldruitenborgh‐Oosterbaan M 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe aims of the study were to monitor fitness level of young Friesian horses and to assess whether fitness data has a predictive value for the final performance score and whether familial aggregation of response to training could be detected.MethodsSixty‐six young Friesian horses, offspring of six different stallions (A, B, C, D, E and F), underwent a 7‐week performance test. Horses were given a performance score for their dressage ability (0–110 points), and fitness was evaluated with standardised‐exercise‐tests (SET) at the beginning (SET‐I) and the end (SET‐II) of the period. Heart rate (HR; beats/min) was measured in both SET, and plasma lactate concentration (LA; mmol/L) was measured only in SET‐II. The majority of data were analyzed with an ANOVA‐test or a linear‐model (P<0.05).ResultsFitness of horses improved significantly between SET‐I and II (P = 0.015). There was a large heterogeneity in responsiveness to training; some horses were high‐responders, whereas others were non‐ or low‐responders. There was a familial aggregation of HRcanter‐1 response to training (P = 0.039); offspring of stallion C decreased significantly more in HR than offspring of stallions A (P = 0.09), D (P = 0.013) and F (P = 0.009). HR had no predictive value for the performance score, but horses that did not reach the anaerobic threshold in SET‐II scored significantly better (73.8 ± 5.6 points) than horses that did (69.9 ± 5.9 points, P = 0.025).ConclusionsThe present study reports, for the first time in the horse, familial aggregation of HR‐response to training. HR could not predict final performance score, but LA‐concentrations during SET‐II were predictive.Ethical Animal ResearchConsent was obtained from the owners of all horses. Sources of funding: partly financially supported by the Royal Friesian Horse Studbook (KFPS). Competing interests: none.
Subjective Evaluation of Muscle Conformation in Horses Subjected to Pace Training or not
Authors: Ragnarsson S , Jansson A 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionMuscle conformation is often discussed among practitioners and it is sometimes suggested that specific training strategies affect muscle conformation. This study attempted to investigate; 1) if it is possible for practitioners to judge whether a horse is subjected to pace training or not based on subjective analysis of hind‐end muscle conformation and 2) which terminology practitioners would use when doing this.MethodsPhotos were taken from behind (transverse plane) in 10 Icelandic horses trained for mounted pace racing and 11 used for riding but not pacing. Body condition score was 7.4 and 7.5 (SE 0.3, P>0.05) in pacers and non‐pacers, respectively (9 degree scale, ANOVA, Tukey test). Three experienced horse practitioners (A, B, C) were informed that the 21 photos showed horses trained for pace racing and horses not trained as pacers and they were instructed to separate photos into two groups based on their subjective impression of muscle conformation.ResultsPractitioner A divided horses into groups called “even” (n = 13) and “narrow” (n = 8); B into groups called “strong” (n = 11) and “weak” (n = 10); and C into “high” (n = 9) and “wedged” ” (n = 12). The practitioners assumed that “even”, “strong” and “high” horses were pacers and 10, 10 and 12 observations were correct in practitioner A, B and C, respectively (mean ± SD: 51 ± 5%). The number of cases where all practitioners agreed and grouping also matched pacers and non‐pacers were 7.ConclusionsIt appears not to be possible to judge whether an Icelandic horse is pace trained based on observations of the hind‐end musculature. The terminology used appeared to refer either to the conformation or to a presumed strength.Ethical Animal ResearchExplicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: Holar University College, Iceland. Competing interests: none.