bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Loading of Leading and Trailing Forelimbs in Horses at Landing
Authors: Crevier‐Denoix N , Camus M , Falala S , Martino J , Pauchard M , Ravary‐Plumioen B , Desquilbet L , Denoix JM , Chateau H , Pourcelot P 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe objective was to compare, using a dynamometric horseshoe (DHS), the longitudinal and vertical components of the reaction force and corresponding impulses in the leading and trailing forelimbs of horses landing after a jump on a competition surface.MethodsBoth forefeet of 3 horses were equipped with a DHS. 1000 Hz films of the right forefoot at landing were synchronized with the DHSs recordings. Within a corridor delimited on a sand arena, each horse jumped a 1.20 m (horse 1) or 1.10 m (horses 2 and 3) high fence while cantering alternatively at both leads. Data were pooled and 37 strides analyzed both for the leading (LF) and trailing (TF) forelimbs. In addition to peak forces and impulses (integral of force over time) in the hoof reference frame, the forces on the right forelimb were projected in the track reference frame to determine true retardatory (TR) and propulsory (TP) phases. Differences between LF and TF were estimated with linear regression models, using generalized estimating equations to adjust for correlated repeated measurements within each horse (for all results, P<0.0005).ResultsMaximal vertical force and loading rate were respectively 1.2 and 1.4 times higher on TF. TR‐longitudinal impulse was 21 times, and TR‐vertical impulse 8 times higher in LF, whereas TP‐longitudinal impulse was 4 times, and TP‐vertical impulse 2 times higher in TF.ConclusionsDespite a lower maximal vertical loading, LF plays a major part in the retardatory (load‐absorption) phase, while TF is mainly involved in propulsion. Loading of anatomical structures is therefore different in both limbs, which provides insights for interpreting horses' preferred lead at landing depending on which structure is affected.Ethical Animal ResearchThe local Animal Care and Ethics Committee advised that no formal approval was required for this study. Sources of funding: Région Basse‐Normandie, the FEDER, the Fonds Eperon and the IFCE. Competing interests: none.
The Hoof Renewal Time of Thoroughbred Foals from Birth
Authors: Curtis S , Martin J , Hobbs S 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThoroughbred foals are born with fully developed hooves and stand within minutes. A ring in the horn occurs at birth and grows down the hoof wall, marking the fetal hoof (distal) and foal hoof (proximal). Birth rings in hoof horn have been noted in other species and used to estimate age. Hoof wall renewal in all ages of horse has been poorly reported; horn growth and complete hoof capsule renewal has not been measured in Thoroughbred foals. Partial hoof wall avulsions are relatively common. The objective was to measure the time taken for the fetal hoof of a newborn foal to grow out and be replaced by hoof grown since birth.MethodsThoroughbred foals (N = 150) on four Newmarket stud farms were studied during June to September. The age of the foal and the day that routine hoof trimming removed the remnants of the fetal hoof of the front hooves was recorded. Foals that were on restricted exercise, ill or where the remnants of the fetal hoof still remained after trimming were excluded from the data. 45 foals fulfilled the criteria. The data were tabulated in Excel, analysed in Minitab and assessed for normality (Anderson‐Darling).ResultsThe mean age at which the fetal hoof grew out was 145 ± 15 days (95% confidence interval, 141.77–147.16).ConclusionsThoroughbred foals replace the fetal hoof at twice the speed given for mature horses (270–365 days). Knowing the time of hoof renewal will allow accurate predictions of healing to be made in cases of partial hoof wall avulsion and other hoof lesions.Ethical Animal ResearchApproval was given by the University of Central Lancashire Animal Projects Committee. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: none. Competing interests: none.
Subjective Evaluation of Lameness in Horses During Lungeing
Authors: Hammarberg M , Egenvall A , Rhodin M 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionLungeing is an important part of lameness examination since the circular path is thought to accentuate low‐grade lameness. Circle dependent, compensatory movement, and pain related asymmetries make lameness evaluation complex. Subjective evaluation, by watching the horse in motion, is standard practice but studies have shown that inter‐observer variation is high when assessing lameness (straight line movement). The aim was to estimate inter‐ and intra‐rater agreement between equine practitioners evaluating lameness from videos of sound and lame horses during lungeing.MethodsEquine practitioners (n = 86), including 43 deemed as experienced, participated in a web‐based survey. Horses (n = 23, including two horses with solar‐pressure induced lameness) [defined as forelimb‐, hind limb‐lame or sound from objective kinematic straight line measurements] trotted on a circle in both directions on soft/hard ground surfaces (one condition/video). Of 104 recordings, 60 were selected of which 10 were repeated (numbers chosen to make compliance possible). The practitioners were asked to report which limb was most lame on each video. Kappa statistics were used to analyze the inter‐rater and intra‐rater agreement. The κ agreement was set to poor <0.3, acceptable 0.31–0.5, good 0.51–0.8, excellent >0.8.ResultsInter‐rater agreement kappa (n = 86) was 0.31 (0.38/0.25 for experienced/less experienced). Evaluating forelimb compared to hind limb lameness agreement increased 11%. Intra‐rater agreement kappa (percentiles) was (P10‐50‐90, 0.21, 0.57, 0.84).ConclusionsSince identification of the lame limb/limbs is a prerequisite for successful diagnosis, treatment and recovery, the high inter‐observer variation when evaluating lameness during lungeing may decrease the accuracy of lameness examinations.Ethical Animal ResearchThe experimental procedures were approved by a local Ethical Committee on Animal Experiments (Uppsala, Sweden), and there was a written consent from the horse owners. Sources of funding: Swedish‐Norwegian Foundation for Equine Research. Competing interests: none.
What do Riders Want from an Arena Surface?
Authors: Holt D , Northrop A , Martin J , Daggett A , Hobbs S 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionRider preference appears to be a large factor determining the selection of an arena surface. The negative reaction of the competitors to the surface used for the Olympic test event in 2011 was sufficient to initiate a change in the surface composition used for the Olympic equestrian events in 2012. The aim of this study was to quantify surface characteristics that riders perceive to be the most favoured in a training and competition venue.MethodsA survey was used to ask riders (n = 342) to describe characteristics that they liked about their favourite venue across Northern England. The two most popular surfaces (both well‐established wax, sand and fibre) were harrowed before being measured at several plots. An Orono Biomechanical Surface Tester and traction device were used to compare the functional properties of the two surfaces. The respondent's reasons for choosing their favourite venue were associated with specific surface measures including peak load, rebound timing and traction. A Mann‐Whitney U test was used to establish differences between venues.ResultsThe favourite venue was selected because the surface was not too deep or slippery and provided good support, spring and cushioning. The peak load (P = 0.002) and traction (P>0.001) were significantly higher on the favourite surface compared to the second favourite (18.99 kN vs.17.29 kN and 20 Nm vs.19 Nm respectively).ConclusionsHigher peak load values may be responsible for supporting a good performance and higher traction values could explain why riders felt that the surface was not ‘slippery’, although this may have negative effects on the horse. The results suggest there is potential to quantify rider preferences.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by an ethics committee at the University of Central Lancashire (reference number: BuSH 057). Sources of funding: A student internship was awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. Competing interests: none.
An Investigation Into the Relationship of Pelvic Misalignment with Forelimb Hoof Size
Authors: Ireson A , Cunliffe C 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe study aim was to determine whether there is a link between pelvic misalignment and uneven forelimb hoof size. Previous research suggests that increased loading increases hoof size, but correlation with pelvic misalignment is unknown.Methods30 healthy, sound, multidiscipline horses, regularly shod/trimmed every 6 weeks, were assessed. Tuber coxae heights were measured in triplicate from the dorsal aspect to ground level, with the horse standing square, using a plumb line and measuring stick. Difference between means indicated value and direction of pelvic misalignment. Using a 300 mm digital vernier calliper, triplicate measurements of hoof width (lateral to medial edge) and hoof length (dorsal to palmar edge) were made of both fore‐feet, prior to and after farrier trimming, and were obtained by the farrier (blinded to pelvic measurements) at two shoeing intervals 6 weeks apart. Both methods were tested for reliability and repeatability to ± 1 mm. Statistical analyses included Chi‐square, symmetry indices and one‐way ANOVA.ResultsVentral pelvic rotation was related to greater growth in hoof width on the contralateral forelimb and greater growth in hoof length on the ipsilateral forelimb. There was a significant relationship between uneven hoof width and pelvic rotation direction (P = 0.0002), and a significant relationship between uneven hoof length and pelvic rotation directional (P = 6.1 x 10‐7). There was a significant relationship between amount of growth in hoof width (P = 0.0002) and hoof length (P = 4.8 x 10‐6) with pelvic misalignment.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence of a statistically significant relationship between the alignment of the pelvis and growth of horse's front hooves. Further study would be beneficial in enhancing understanding of the chain of compensatory effects on the equine body.Ethical Animal ResearchProcedures were reviewed by the McTimoney Chiropractic College Ethical Review Committee. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: none. Competing interests: none.
Preliminary Investigations Into Photogrammetric Measurement of Hoof Shape
Authors: Malone S , Jazayeri I , Davies H 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionAdvances in close‐range photogrammetry offer an option for high accuracy measurements of the equine hoof. Automatic camera calibration using coded targets, image matching and triangulation enables 3D model reconstruction from photographs. This study aimed to identify an accurate photogrammetric method to measure proximal hoof circumference (PHC). PHC is currently measured by hand and shown to change in racehorses during training.MethodsA cadaver hoof was measured by hand, photographed, and laser scanned for method comparison. Then, the left front hooves of two adult horses were photographed under two treatments (exercise and control). Exercise involved 5 minutes brisk trot counter‐clockwise on a lunge‐line. During both experiments a Canon 40D camera (28–135 mm lens; F5 aperture; 1/60 sec shutter speed) was used. Hooves were marked with permanent marker and coded targets placed on the ground around the hoof for automatic point identification. Photos were taken from 10–16 different locations around the hoof. A paired t‐test was used for comparisons and significance set at P<0.05.ResultsPhotogrammetry produced a 3D model of the cadaver hoof which was considered good (accuracy of 0.25 pixel RMS). Points on the hoof were manually identified and model creation took 1.5 hours. PHC measurements from photogrammetry differed from the laser scan by 1.25 mm and from hand measurements by 1.73 mm. PHC decreased following exercise (0.8 mm; p = 0.25).ConclusionsClose‐range photogrammetry could be viable for highly accurate and quick measurements of hoof shape. Advantages include; ease of data acquisition, flexibility, low cost, evaluation of the loaded hoof, and high geometric accuracy. To measure only PHC eight images or less could be used. Additional research is required to determine repeatability and accuracy.Ethical Animal ResearchProcedures were approved by the University of Melbourne's Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee. Sources of funding: University of Melbourne. Competing interests: none.
Preliminary Assessment of Dressage Asymmetry within Sitting Trot and Shoulder‐in
Authors: Baxter J , Hobbs S , Chohan A 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionDespite dressage popularity, little research exists in relation to the rider's posture and effect on aids given to the horse. The aim was to investigate asymmetry during sitting trot and shoulder‐in between varying rider abilities.MethodsFull body kinematics were collected at 120 Hz (XSENS MVN Biomech) for 10 novice (age 28 ± 12 years, height = 168 ± 7 cm) and 10 advanced (age 29 ± 6 years, height = 163 ± 4 cm) predominantly right handed participants, with one left handed rider in each group. Range of motion for right hip, left hip, right knee, left knee, right ankle, left ankle, ASIS vertical movement, trunk rotation were generated in Visual 3D.ResultsIndependent t‐tests demonstrated significant differences between groups within right and left hip external rotation when straight (P < 0.001, d = 2.52; P = 0.02, d = 1.25), shoulder‐in right (P = 0.01, d = 1.47; P = 0.02, d = 1.31), only significant in right hip within shoulder‐in left (P = 0.01, d = 1.30). Axial rotation to the right was found in all conditions, with the range significantly (P<0.05) increased between groups in straight and shoulder‐in right, as did right ASIS vertical excursion when riding straight (P = 0.01, d = 1.90), and left ASIS excursion within shoulder‐in left (P = 0.04, d = 1.03).ConclusionsRight trunk axial rotation is considered closely linked to right hand dominance, rotating the rider's trunk to the dominant rein aid. Left shoulder‐in scored higher which may be because right trunk rotation is one of the aids given to the horse when executing this dressage movement.Ethical Animal ResearchStudy protocols approved by the University of Central Lancashire, before commencing the study. Sources of funding: none. Competing interests: none.
Effect of an Oral Joint Supplement on Orthopaedic Evaluation Scores and Limb Kinematics
Authors: Murray R , Walker V , Tranquille C , Adams V , Frost R 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionNumerous oral joint supplements are available, but there is limited research into their efficacy. This study evaluated the effect of an oral joint supplement on orthopaedic evaluation scores and limb kinematics in horses.Methods24 mature horses (71% 1–4/10 lame) were included. Exclusions were poor body condition, health problems, or lameness >4/10. Supplement S (FlexAbilityTM, Science Supplements, containing chondroitin sulphate 162 g/kg, glucosamine 190 g/kg, vitamin C 80 g/kg, methyl sulphonyl methane 256 g/kg, DHA 66 g/kg); EPA 34 g/kg; or placebo P (carrier/flavours only) were fed to horses for 21 days each in a random order triple‐blind crossover design. Horses were evaluated at day 0 (baseline), 21 (after first treatment) and 42 (after second treatment). Clinical orthopaedic evaluation for straight line and lungeing circle (walk and trot), and during ridden exercise (walk, trot and canter) was performed. Side‐view high‐speed motion‐capture (240 Hz) determined midstance tarsal flexion, carpal extension and fetlock extension for straight line trotting. All evaluators were blinded to treatment. Effect of treatment, sequence, limb and interactions were investigated using linear mixed models.ResultsS was associated with significantly lower lameness grade in a straight line (P = 0.001) with individual horses improving up to 2/10 grades and circle (P = 0.010) than either P or baseline. For horses with hindlimb lameness, supplement S was associated with significantly greater tarsal flexion than baseline (4.2% greater, P<0.02) or P (2.7% greater, P<0.037).ConclusionsOral administration of supplement S was associated with less lameness than P or baseline. Increased midstance tarsal flexion of lame limbs may indicate improved mobility or comfort during peak loading.Ethical Animal ResearchExplicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: World Horse Welfare, Science Supplements. Competing interests: Rebecca Frost is employed by Science Supplements. Vicki Adams and Rachel Murray are involved with Science Supplements on a consultancy basis.
The Effect of Training on Stride Parameters in a Cohort of 40 Two Year Old Racehorses
Authors: Parkes R , Pfau T , Weller R , Witte T 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe biomechanical effects of training on gait in the Thoroughbred are not fully understood. We aimed to assess the effect of training, surface and incline on stride parameters.Methods40 two‐year‐old Thoroughbred racehorses entering training were recruited and followed from December 2012 until September 2013. Gait analysis was performed at eleven time points by equipping each horse with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) with inbuilt GPS, mounted on the dorsum immediately caudal to the most caudal palpable lumbar dorsal spinous process. Horses were exercised as per their regular training regimen on a variety of training surfaces and inclines. Data were analysed using custom software written in Matlab (Mathworks, UK), and statistical analysis was performed using R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Austria). A linear mixed model was used, with horse as a random effect and weeks in training, training surface, curve and incline as fixed effects.ResultsA total of 85,497 strides at speeds of between 6.00 and 19.03 ms‐1 were analysed. Stride length increased by 0.33 m ± 4.3 x 104 with each 1 ms‐1 increase in velocity. Training causes a reduction in stride length of 0.004 ± 0.0001 m per week and an increase in stride frequency of 1.29 x 103 ± 4.1 x 105 per week. Shallow inclines, steep inclines and declines cause a decrease in stride length of 0.07 ± 0.003 m, 0.10 ± 0.005 m and 0.04 ± 0.004 m respectively. Turf and peat moss training surfaces caused an increase in stride length of 0.03 ± 0.004 m and 0.06 ± 0.007 m respectively.ConclusionsThis study provides an insight into the effects of external factors on the gait of young Thoroughbreds in training. Ongoing research will further investigate these effects and interactions.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the local ethics committee. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: Horserace Betting Levy Board. Competing interests: none.
Effect of Pelvic Tilt on Synchronisation and Stability of Riders in Sitting Trot
Authors: Pettit I , Walker V , Tranquille C , Spear J , Murray R 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionRider movement may influence horse‐rider interaction, yet little is known about what physical attributes affect postural stability. This study aimed to compare pelvic control and postural stability of riders on the floor and whilst riding.Methods33 riders were assessed by a physiotherapist and subjectively graded according to ability to tilt the pelvis in isolation: 1 = poor, 2 = better plus compensations, which were either A = lumbar spine inclusion B = full body lean, 3 = good. Riders wore markers on (1) greater trochanter of the femur, (2) iliac crest, (3) greater tubercle of the humerus. A marker was placed over the horse's tuber sacrale (4). Two‐dimensional high‐speed motion‐capture (240 Hz) recorded four strides of collected sitting trot in a straight line from the left side. Distance between markers was measured at midstance, maximum hindlimb protraction and retraction. Synchronisation was determined by the difference in time (secs) between the tuber sacrale of the horse and pelvis of the rider at these stride points. One‐way ANOVA was used to compare synchronisation between groups. Student's independent t‐test was used to compare marker distance.ResultsFor pelvic tilt, no grade 3 riders were seen. Grade 2 riders were more synchronised with the horse during left hind diagonal suspension phase (P = 0.011) and had smaller horizontal distances between markers 1–2, 2–3 and 1–3 respectively at all points of the stride (midstance: P<0.042; hindlimb protraction: P<0.049; hindlimb retraction: P<0.013). Comparing compensation types, grade A riders were better synchronised with the horse at midstance phase (P = 0.014).ConclusionsResults suggest that control of pelvic movement may have an impact on horse‐rider synchronisation.Ethical Animal ResearchThis project was approved by the Animal Health Trust Clinical Research Ethics Committee. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: The Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust, British Dressage and Dr. Bechtolsheimer. Competing interests: none.
The Effect of Noseband Tightness on Tensile Forces While Using Side Reins on Horses
Authors: Pospisil K , Potz I , Peham C 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe fixation of the bridle, particularly the noseband, is important in the horse‐rider interaction. The goal of this study was to show the influence of noseband tightness on tensile forces elicited in side reins under traction to position the horse's head.MethodsTen Warmblood horses (2 mares, 8 geldings; mean age: 12.4 ± 5.3 years) were assessed during walk and trot on a treadmill. Side reins were used to position the horse's head so that the nose was nearly vertical. Measurements were made with a correctly tightened noseband (two fingers space between the noseband and nasal bone = N1) and with a tight noseband (= N2). Rein forces were measured with an electronic sensor based on a force sensing resistor (27 g, sample rate 120 Hz, Interlink Electronics corp.), synchronized with a kinematic system (10 cameras, 120 Hz, Motion Analysis corp.). The force sensors were calibrated with masses of 1 Kg (=9.81 N) and 4 Kg (=39.24 N). Statistical analysis was performed using the software SPSS. Normality of data was checked with the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov‐test and data were analysed with repeated measures ANOVA (P<0.05).ResultsSide rein forces in N1 were significantly higher than in N2 during walk and trot. Maximum forces at walk were 8.6 ± 0.9 N for N1 and 6.7 ± 0.95 N for N2. At trot the forces (7.2 ± 0.95 N for N1; 5.96 ± 0.9 N N2) were significantly reduced compared to walk. There was no significant difference between left and right rein forces.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that noseband tightness has an influence on rein tension. The rein forces that were exerted were lower than in ridden horses.Ethical Animal ResearchThis study was approved by the local ethics commission. Sources of funding: University of Veterinary Medicine of Vienna. Competing interests: none.