In some cases it could be proven that the effect claimed for a special shoe in fact did not exist. An important finding was that most of the vibrations, which are generated by the impact of the hoof on the surface and which are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, are absorbed in the interface between horny hoof wall and distal phalanx and hence are not further transmitted. The treadmill appeared to be a most useful tool for gait analysis in the horse, provided that some essential precautions were taken into account. In lameness evaluation the aspect of symmetry appeared to be most indicative. In the latter research project also some important data were collected on inertial properties of various body segments, enabling the definition of better multi-segment rigid body models which are presently used for the modelling of gait and inverse dynamic analyses.
Tendons are rather important, but yet frequently affected structures in the equine lower limb.
In the project aiming to determine the tendon forces during demanding activities such as jumping a considerable progress was made. A mathematical model was developed enabling to determine the tendon forces at landing. Model variables and tendon mechanical properties were determined. These data are currently analysed. Research on the kinematics of the equine back addresses an important, but extremely difficult problem in equine gait analysis.