Abstract
A link between surface characteristics and injury has been identified in equine disciplines. Maintenance procedures are reported to affect surface characteristics and could influence horse movement. The study investigated limb and hoof movement on a synthetic surface following two different preparations (harrowing and rolling). Nine horses were recorded using infrared cameras and retro-reflective markers at walk, trot and canter on two surface preparations in a cross-over design. Hoof rotation and displacement, metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) extension and third metacarpal (McIII) inclination (roll, pitch and yaw) were analysed using a general linear model. Surface hardness and traction were also measured. No differences in hoof rotations or hoof displacements were found between preparations. However, following harrowing, greater (P<. 0.05) MCPJ extension at mid-stance and greater (P<. 0.05) McIII adduction at impact was found when gait was grouped. Hardness and traction were statistically similar for both preparations. Alteration to the surface cushion appears to be sufficient to produce subtle changes in stride characteristics.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | E137-E142 |
| Journal | Veterinary Journal |
| Volume | 198 |
| Issue number | SUPPL1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 2013 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors wish to thank Myerscough College, Bilsborrow, Preston, UK, for financial support for this project and N. Jennings, G. Crook and K. Owen for their assistance during the data collection.
Funding
The authors wish to thank Myerscough College, Bilsborrow, Preston, UK, for financial support for this project and N. Jennings, G. Crook and K. Owen for their assistance during the data collection.
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| Myerscough College |
Keywords
- Equine
- Kinematics
- Surface preparation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Animal Science and Zoology
- General Veterinary