bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Jumping Technique Alters Limb Kinematics in Showjumping Horses
Authors: Walker V , Tranquille C , McEwen J , Spalding V , Cnockaert R 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionShowjumping (SJ) horses are at increased risk of distal forelimb soft tissue injuries; generally attributed to limb loading on landing. This study investigated relationships between the back, trailing limb angles at take‐off, in flight and at landing.MethodsEight showjumpers jumped a 140 cm vertical obstacle (part of a 15‐fence course). Two‐dimensional high‐speed motion‐capture (250 Hz) was used to measure limb and regional back kinematics in the dorsoventral plane from markers placed at predetermined locations. Pearson's correlation tests were used to determine associations between limb and back angles at take‐off, in flight and upon landing.ResultsAll markers were clearly visible throughout. Greater head‐neck ventroflexion at take‐off was associated with decreased hock flexion (r = ‐0.81, P = 0.0141), and decreased neck‐trunk angle on landing (r = 0.77, P = 0.03). Greater head‐neck ventroflexion at landing, 50% and 75% flight was associated with decreased carpal extension on landing (r = 0.81, 0.84, 0.73; P = 0.02, 0.01, 0.04 respectively). Increased thoracolumbar and lumbosacral flexion at take‐off was associated with decreased metatarsophalangeal joint extension upon landing (r = 0.78, 0.75; P = 0.03). Greater lumbosacral flexion at 50 and 75% flight (r = ‐0.73, −0.77; P = 0.04, 0.03 respectively) and greater thoracolumbar flexion at 25, 50 and 75% flight was associated with decreased elbow flexion on landing (r = ‐0.87, −0.78, −0.76; P = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 respectively).ConclusionsDecreasing head‐neck angle and increasing thoracolumbar and lumbosacral flexion at take‐off and in flight appeared to alter peak joint flexion and extension on landing. This suggests that optimising jumping technique in training may be beneficial to reduce the strain placed on the limbs at landing, which could potentially be valuable given the risk of distal limb soft tissue injuries in SJ horses.Ethical Animal ResearchThe Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons confirmed that the procedures carried out were not Controlled Procedures under UK animal experimentation legislation. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: The World Class Development Programme is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, through Exchequer and National Lottery funds, via UK Sport. Competing interests: none.
Effects of Shoeing on Breakover Forces in Icelandic Horses at Walk, Tölt and Trot
Authors: Weishaupt M , Waldern N , Kubli V , Wiestner T 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionTo enhance expressiveness and regularity of the tölt, Icelandic horses are commonly shod with excessively high and long hooves. The aim of this study was to objectively assess the effect of shoeing on distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint moments of the left forelimb during break‐over at walk, tölt and trot.MethodsTwelve sound Icelandic horses accustomed to exercise with a rider on a treadmill were assessed with hooves trimmed and shod according to the standards of normal shoeing and with long and high front hooves; besides the 20 x 8 mm steel shoes, this condition included pads and packing material used in competition. Vertical ground reaction forces (GRFz) were measured with an instrumented treadmill. Time of break‐over was determined kinematically. Measuring systems were started synchronously; sampling frequency was 480 Hz. Measurements were taken at 1.34 ± 0.04 m/s (walk), 3.89 ± 0.10 m/s (tölt), and 3.90 ± 0.10 m/s (trot). The DIP joint moment arm was determined on size‐calibrated latero‐medial radiographs of the left front hoof. Differences were tested using a t‐test (walk) or repeated measures ANOVA (tölt, trot).ResultsIn the condition with the long and high hooves, DIP joint moment was increased by 18.5% at walk (P<0.001), 17.3% at tölt (P<0.001) and 13.4% at trot (P = 0.017) although vertical GRFz at break‐over was not statistically different between the two shoeing conditions. The increase could be attributed to the 22.7% increase of the lever arm.ConclusionsHigh hooves with long toes may have negative implications for the health of the palmar structures of the distal foot.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). Owners gave informed written consent. 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.
Biomechanical Consequences of Uneven Forefeet and Hoof Conformation in Riding Horses
Authors: Wiggers N , Nauwelaerts S , Bool S , Hobbs S , Back W 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe aims of this study were to quantify the morphological differences between uneven feet, and to evaluate the biomechanical locomotor consequences compared to horses with even feet, considered as normal.MethodsEight anatomical parameters that quantified conformational differences in the distal forelimbs of horses with a varied range of hoof asymmetries (n = 36, of which 2 were lame) were compared using discriminant analysis. Forefeet were subjectively scored for unevenness by one clinician. Kinetics and distal limb kinematics of clinically sound horses (n = 34; the 2 lame horses were excluded) were collected at trot and compared between even (n = 13) versus uneven (n = 21) forefeet and between all feet when classified as flat, medium and upright using MANOVA/ANOVA. The relative influence of contralateral differences in hoof angle and of absolute hoof angle on functional parameters was analyzed by multiple regression (P<0.05).ResultsUnevenness was best determined by the differences in dorsal hoof angle between the forefeet. In uneven footed horses, the flatter foot showed a significantly larger maximal horizontal braking and vertical ground reaction force, a larger vertical fetlock displacement and a suppler limb spring. A steeper hoof angle was linearly correlated with an earlier braking‐propulsion transition. No significant differences were found between individual flat, medium or upright feet.ConclusionsThe conformational differences between the forefeet were more important for loading characteristics than the individual foot conformation. The contralateral differences in vertical force could in fact imply an early, subclinical sign of lameness developing in the steeper forefoot, as these differences were smaller than those reported for subtle, clinically evident lamenesses.Ethical Animal ResearchHorse owners gave informed consent. Sources of funding: FWO grant to S. Nauwelaerts, Research Grant Qualisys to S.J. Hobbs. Competing interests: none.
Back‐Shape Changes in Sports Horses
Authors: Greve L , Dyson S 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionWe have observed major back‐shape changes over time in some horses, the speed of which may be influenced by work‐type, skeletal maturity, nutrition and saddle‐fit. Currently, there are no longitudinal data quantifying changes in back‐shape and no objective data assessing the importance of each variable. The objectives were to: quantify back‐shape changes over time; describe the effects of age, breed, weight, work‐discipline, saddle‐management and pain elicited on palpation.MethodsPreliminary data from 98 sport horses in regular work in an on‐going one‐year longitudinal study. Weight and management changes were recorded. The thoracolumbar shape was measured at T18, T13 and T8 using a Flexible Curve Ruler [1] every two months. Ratios were calculated for each site for the widths 3 cm and 15 cm ventral to the dorsal midline. Differences in back‐shape were determined using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Chi‐square test was used to assess associations between categorical variables, Spearman rank correlation for continuous variables, Mann‐Whitney‐U for continuous variables with binary outcomes and Kruskal‐Wallis to assess ≥3 groups.ResultsT8 and T18‐ratios were significantly different after two months (P<0.001) and T13 after four months (P = 0.004). Decreased ratio at T8 was related to ill‐fitting saddles (P = 0.005), saddles tipping back (P = 0.020), pain on palpation (P = 0.032) and greater age (P = 0.004). Increased T18‐ratio was associated with weight gain (P<0.001), more prevalent in stallions and geldings than mares (P = 0.035) and in dressage horses than other disciplines (P = 0.043).ConclusionsBack‐shape can change within two months, the speed and direction of which are influenced by saddle‐fit, age and bodyweight. Pain elicited on palpation of the back may indicate that changes have occurred. Thus saddle‐fit should be reassessed.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the Ethical Review Committee of the Animal Health Trust; there was informed owner consent. Sources of funding: Line Greve is the recipient of a Royal Veterinary College PhD stipend; we acknowledge financial support from World Horse Welfare. Competing interests: none.
Changes in Movement Symmetry During Long‐Term Exercise in Horses
Authors: Nissen AL , Andersen PH , Buhl R , Thomsen MH 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionAsymmetry of the trot may occur or increase during endurance rides due to lameness, pain or fatigue. By visual inspection of the movement it is difficult for veterinarians, riders and researchers to distinguish between fatigue and low‐grade lameness, which make objective movement analysis relevant for this purpose. The aim of this study was to determine changes in movement symmetry during long‐term exercise.MethodsMovement symmetry of 45 horses finishing endurance rides of 120–160 kilometres was determined by tri‐axial accelerometry according to an earlier published method. Data was collected in Denmark and Germany from 5 international competitions between 2011 and 2013. Movement was assessed at trot on a straight‐line in‐hand on the day before the race and 30 mins to 3 hrs after passing the final veterinary examination. An overall symmetry index S was calculated on the basis of trunk accelerations measured at 240 Hz during 8 strides. All trotting sequences were recorded on videotape. A paired t‐test was performed comparing symmetry indices before and after racing for each individual horse.ResultsA significant decrease in post‐ride symmetry was detected (P = 0.0042). This is seen as a lower S‐index before racing (‐6.18; SD = 0.86. CI [‐6.427; −5.923]) compared to after racing (‐5.67; SD = 0.79; CI [‐5.908; −5.434]).ConclusionsThis study indicates that the biomechanical method applied allows quantification of the symmetry of movement during field conditions. Most horses had decreased movement symmetry after the race. Accordingly the study provides the basis for further investigation of the causes, including surface, climate and fitness; and the possible health consequences of asymmetric movement developed during long‐term exercise.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was pre‐approved by the FEI, the local organizing committees, ground jury, and Danish riding association (DRF). Participation was voluntary and the owner or rider signed an informed consent. All information regarding the horses is kept confidential and the horses coded for anonymity. Sources of funding: This study is part of a university and government funded PhD project. Private funding from “Hesteafgiftsfonden” and KDH (Royal Danish Horse Insurance). Competing interests: none.
Cross‐Sectional Area Measurement of Cervical Spinal Muscles
Authors: Rombach N , Pease A , Stubbs N 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionIn people with neck pain, ultrasonography (US) can measure atrophy and response to physiotherapy in peri‐vertebral muscles of the cervical spine, i.e. m. multifidus and m. longus colli. This study compared the reproducibility of muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA) measurements made by US and MRI (the gold standard) at different levels in the equine cervical spine.MethodsFrom US and MRI images of three mature pony cadavers, CSA was calculated at vertebral levels C3‐C6 (m. multifidus) and C2‐C5 (m. longus colli). ANOVA analysis compared US and MRI image acquisition reliability (n = 360) and CSA (n = 1080) among subjects and vertebral levels.ResultsFor image acquisition of m. multifidus (C3‐C5), the ICC (95% CI) for MRI and US was 99% and 61%, respectively. Image acquisition was unreliable at C6. CSA calculation did not differ between MRI and US. For m. longus colli (C3‐C5), the ICC for image acquisition was 100% and 88% for MRI and US, respectively. Image acquisition was unreliable at C2. The ICC for CSA calculation was 98% for MRI and 100% for US. For both muscles, the mean CSA was largest at C4 and C5.ConclusionsBased on these results, ultrasonography could be used in the live horse for reliable CSA measurement of m. multifidus and m. longus colli in the mid‐cervical spine. This technique may advance knowledge of causes and effects of neck pain in horses.Ethical Animal ResearchApproval for this study was obtained under Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee number 02‐11/020‐00. 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: Michigan State University CVM Endowed Research Funds. Competing interests: none.
Is There a Relationship between Tail Carriage and Lameness in Horses?
Authors: Weller R , Love A , Clark B , Smith R , Pfau T 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionTail deviation in horses is anecdotally viewed as an indicator of lameness. Compensatory mechanisms in lame horses are well documented, however there is no information published on the relationship between lameness and tail carriage in horses. The objectives of this study were to quantify differences in tail carriage in relation to the type of lameness (front/hind, left/right) and to establish a relationship with confounding variables.MethodsVideos of 150 horses presented for lameness examination were evaluated. Tail carriage angles were measured in 50 horses and subjectively assessed using a categorical 4‐point scale in 100 horses. Lame leg(s), lameness score(s), age, sex, breed, duration and cause of lameness were recorded. Differences in tail carriage between lameness types were assessed using paired T‐tests (continuous data) or chi‐square tests (categorical data). Logistic regression evaluated the effect of degree and duration of lameness, and age on degree of tail deviation.Results87.2% of the horses showed some degree of tail deviation. The mean ± SD tail angle was 92 ± 14.5° (90° = midsagittal) for forelimb and 87 ± 11.2° for hindlimb lameness. The mean ± SD tail angle was 91.1 ± 17.3° for right‐sided and 89.5 ± 16.9° for left forelimb lameness; 89.8° ± 8.8 for right and 86.5°± 9.8 for left hindlimb lameness with no statistically significant difference between front/hind (P = 0.52) or left/right lameness (P = 0.237). No statistically significant correlation was found between degree and duration of lameness, age of horse and presence or degree of tail deviation.ConclusionsNo significant relationship between tail carriage and lameness was identified in this study and tail carriage should therefore not be considered an indicator for lameness.Ethical Animal ResearchThis study was approved by the authors′ institution's ethics and welfare committee. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: Royal Veterinary College. Competing interests: none.
Vertical Displacement of the Equine Pelvis When Trotting on an Aqua Treadmill
Authors: York J , Walker A 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionHydrotherapy is increasingly applied within the equine industry for rehabilitation and therapy. Substantial anecdotal evidence exists suggesting the benefits of its application but while there is extensive literature on the use of aqua‐treadmills in humans and canines there is comparatively little in equines. Therefore, limited research exists supporting the role of the aqua‐treadmill in current therapy practices. This study aimed to investigate the effect of water depth on pelvic movement during aqua‐treadmill exercise.MethodsEight horses were trotted on an aqua‐treadmill at four water depths specifically measured to individual horses (P3, fetlock, MC3, carpus). Pelvic displacement was recorded using an optical motion capture system to collect coordinates from markers placed on the tuber sacrale, tuber coxae, withers and lumbar spine. Data were processed using custom written scripts (Matlab®) and ANOVA was performed.ResultsAll subjects demonstrated a significant increase in vertical displacement of the pelvis as water depth increased from P3 to carpus while displacement symmetry was not significantly altered with a change in water depth.ConclusionsThe common practice of increasing water depth to intensify the physical demands of the exercise while maintaining the desired movement symmetry is supported. Having knowledge of how a horse moves on an aqua‐treadmill is vital for tailoring specific therapy in order to most successfully rehabilitate the horse from injury. Investigation of the effects of increasing water depth on asymmetric horses should be carried out to further support its application as a tool for rehabilitation.Ethical Animal ResearchEthical approval was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee at Moulton College. Owner consent was granted for all subjects and all horses were handled in compliance with British Horse Society standards throughout the trials. Sources of funding: Thomas Harrison Trust at Moulton College. Competing interests: none.
The Impact of Playing Strategies on Recovery in Low‐Goal Polo‐Ponies
Authors: Fiander A , Williams J 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionPolo is a popular sport; teams compete in matches comprising 4–6 chukkas, each between 7–10 minutes. Players commonly change ponies between chukkas, but changing within a chukka, known as ‘half‐chukkering’ is permitted. This is believed to ‘save’ the horse by preventing fatigue and facilitating recovery. This study evaluated the impact of half versus full chukka playing strategies in low goal polo; team handicap 0–4 goals.MethodsResting heart rates (HR) were established for 48 polo‐ponies deemed of comparable fitness by riders, competing in low‐goal tournaments; riders selected their playing strategy either full‐chukka (n = 32) or half‐chukkering (n = 16). HR was recorded at the end of play and during recovery; for the full‐chukka and 2nd half‐chukka period at +2, 4, 6, 10 and 20 minutes, and until ponies returned to play after the 1st half‐chukka, >6 minutes. ANOVA analyses investigated HR variation during recovery between ponies playing full‐chukkas and the 2nd half‐chukka period, and within the two half‐chukkas played.ResultsAt the end of play, full‐chukka horses′ mean HR were 95 ± 13.1 bpm, compared to their 2nd half‐chukka counterparts at 103 ± 7.7 bpm, which was not significant. Significant differences in HR did occur throughout the subsequent recovery period: at 2 minutes (P<0.003) and between 4–20 minutes (P<0.0001), with full‐chukka ponies recovering faster. No differences occurred during recovery between the two half‐chukka periods although mean HR differed at the end of play (1st: 100 ± 7.7 bpm; 2nd: 103 ± 7.8 bpm).ConclusionsPlaying strategies influence cardiovascular recovery; full‐chukka ponies recover faster than those playing in consecutive half‐chukkas. Preparation of half‐chukka ponies may predispose to reduced fitness levels compared to full‐chukka ponies. Implementing a full‐chukka playing strategy is advocated to optimise pony welfare and performance in low‐goal polo.Ethical Animal ResearchEthical approval for the study was granted from the UWE Hartpury Ethics Committee. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: none. Competing interests: none.
Quantification of Energy Expenditure in Field Conditions: Comparison of Direct VO2 Versus VO2 Estimation from Heart Rate Measurements
Authors: Fortier J , Goachet A , Deley G , Julliand V 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionIn humans, oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) are commonly used to assess energy expenditure (EE) during exercise in field conditions. We hypothesized that the estimation of EE from HR measurements could be a relevant parameter to estimate EE during submaximal field exercise. This study aimed to compare the EE from VO2 and HR measurements in exercising trotters.MethodsSix harnessed French Trotters were submitted to a continuous field incremental test (FIT) at trot to establish their individual VO2/HR relationship. Then they undertook a submaximal exercise bout (EX) over 2375 m during 3.41 ± 0.47 min at 70% of maximal velocity. VO2 and HR were recorded continuously (equine K4b2, COSMED, Rome, Italy) throughout FIT and EX. EE of EX was calculated by multiplying the total VO2 (Liters), either directly measured or predicted from HR, with its caloric equivalent (4.86 kcal/liter). Means were compared using a Student's t test.ResultsEE of EX was estimated at 2422 ± 390 kcal and 2630 ± 706 kcal from direct VO2 and HR methods respectively (P = 0.54).ConclusionsWe found no significant difference between the two methods for estimating EE of submaximal exercise. This suggests that the prediction of EE from HR monitoring might be used to evaluate EE of moderate intensity workouts.Ethical Animal ResearchThe project was conducted under the ethics committee approval B1110. Sources of funding: INRA PHASE, the Burgundy Region and AgroSup Dijon. Competing interests: none.
Value of Field Trials to Investigate Poor Performance in Sport Horses
Authors: Van Erck Westergren E 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionIn equestrian sports where horses exercise at submaximal levels, the identification of some clinical conditions leading to poor performance can remain difficult. The aim of this study was to design a graded exercise test, applicable in the field and to test the hypothesis that measured heart rate (HR) and lactate (LA) differ between healthy and subclinically‐affected horses, according to diagnosis.MethodsFifty‐four sport horses regularly participating in competitions were studied. A total of 106 examinations were performed, 85 were poor performance investigations (PP) and 21 were controls (C) in healthy performing individuals. The exercise test consisted of 4 consecutive 2‐minute steps, 2 at trot and 2 at canter. Heart rate (HR), ECG and lactate (LA) were recorded. Blood samples, tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage were systematically collected. Other examinations were performed when indicated. Differences in HR and LA between groups were compared using an ANOVA. Repeatability was checked in 12 horses.ResultsTests were highly reproducible. Diagnoses included upper (15%) and lower (48%) respiratory, cardiac (12%), locomotor (25%), and muscular (17%) disorders. Although horses did not systematically exceed the lactate threshold, HR and LA at steps 2, 3 and 4 and recovery HR differed significantly between groups (P<0.001–0.03). The rate of increase in LA and HR varied according to diagnosis, with LA reaching significantly higher values in horses affected with cardio‐respiratory conditions.ConclusionsField exercise testing in sport horses during the competitive season is a simple procedure that allows an objective measurement of the horse's capacity to exercise. The analysis of HR and LA provides indications for specific diagnostic examinations and helps assess the functional impairment caused by subclinical disease.Ethical Animal ResearchThis study was based on clinical cases referred to the Equine Sports Medicine Practice. Horse owners referred their horses and consented to all procedures described. Sources of funding: none declared. Competing interests: none.