In equestrian sports the novice rider learns first to follow the movements of the horse's back and then how to influence the horse's performance. One of the rider's challenges is to overcome inherent horse and/or rider... more
In equestrian sports the novice rider learns first to follow the movements of the horse's back and then how to influence the horse's performance. One of the rider's challenges is to overcome inherent horse and/or rider asymmetry patterns when riding in straight lines, mirroring the movements on the left, and right sides when turning. This study compares the performance of novice and advanced riders when riding in sitting trot on straight lines and when riding shoulder-in to the left and right sides. Eight novice and eight advanced horse-rider combinations performed sitting trot in a straight line, shoulder-in left and shoulder-in right while wearing a full body set of inertial sensors. An experienced dressage judge indicated when the movements were being performed correctly and assigned scores on a scale of 0-10 for the quality of performance. Kinematic data from the inertial sensors were analyzed in time and frequency domain. Comparisons were made between trotting on the straight, shoulder-in left, and shoulder-in right. Advanced riders received higher dressage scores on all three movements, but significantly (P < .05) lower scores were found for shoulder-in right across the two groups. When riding shoulder-in, advanced riders had greater hip extension (advanced = -5.8 ± 17.7; novice = 7.8 ± 8.9 degrees) and external rotation (advanced = -32.4 ± 15.5; novice = -10.8 ± 13.2 degrees) in the outside leg compared with novices (P < .05), which reflects an important cue in achieving the required body rotation in the horse. Lower scores for shoulder-in right may be linked to significant (P < .05) changes in harmonics of trunk to pelvis rotation.
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SummaryThe objectives were to measure sagittal plane kinematics and kinetics of the forelimb pastern joint during the stance phase at the trot. Sagittal plane video (200 Hz) and force (1,000 Hz) recordings were analyzed from four trials... more
SummaryThe objectives were to measure sagittal plane kinematics and kinetics of the forelimb pastern joint during the stance phase at the trot. Sagittal plane video (200 Hz) and force (1,000 Hz) recordings were analyzed from four trials of six sound horses trotting in hand. Kinematic and force data were used to calculate net joint moments and joint powers. The pastern joint showed maximal flexion (155.3 ± 11.0°) at 34% stance and maximal extension (190.2 ± 3.8°) at 93% stance. Energy was absorbed on the palmar aspect throughout stance, with peak energy absorption occurring in the second half of the stance. It was concluded that the primary function of the pastern joint was to act as an energy damper.
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Reasons for performing study Osteoarthritis (OA) of the articular processes (APs) is recognised as a clinical condition in the equine cervical spine, but there is little information on the prevalence and distribution of OA in the APs of... more
Reasons for performing study Osteoarthritis (OA) of the articular processes (APs) is recognised as a clinical condition in the equine cervical spine, but there is little information on the prevalence and distribution of OA in the APs of the cervical and cranial thoracic vertebrae. Objectives To determine the prevalence and distribution of OA in the APs of the equine cervical and cranial thoracic vertebrae in relation to vertebral level, age and size of the horse and side of the neck. Study design A post mortem longitudinal randomised study of 53 horses. Hypotheses OA is more prevalent and more severe in the APs of the cervicothoracic junction, the prevalence and severity of OA increases with horse age and size, and OA is equally distributed on left and right sides. Methods The cervical (C1–C7) and cranial thoracic (T1–T7) vertebrae of 53 horses were removed at necropsy and boiled out. Based on the size (percentage) of the joint margin that was affected, OA of the 4 APs of each vertebra was graded on a scale of 0 (no osseous lesions) to 3 (severe osseous lesions). Based on these grades, a 3-factor ANOVA was used to test the random effects of horse, age (young, old) and size (small, large), and the fixed factors of side (left, right) and vertebral level (C1 to T7). Results OA lesions were most severe in the mid-cervical vertebrae (C3–C4) followed by the cervicothoracic curvature (C5–T1). Severity of OA increased with age and size of the horse but there was no difference between left and right sides. Conclusions OA is symmetrically present with higher severity in the mid-cervical and cervicothoracic regions and with higher prevalence in older and larger horses. These factors support bilateral injections in specific APs for clinical treatment of OA in the equine cervical spine. Ethical animal research: Approval for this study was obtained under Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee number 02-11/020-00. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study was not stated but general permission for post mortem examination was given. Sources of funding: Supported by the CVM Endowed Research Funds and the McPhail Endowment at Michigan State University. Competing interests: None.
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ABSTRACT IntroductionThe position and magnitude of the ground reaction force (GRF) relative to the hoof influences loading within the limbs. In this study, we investigated changes to the point of force application (PFA) of the GRF in... more
ABSTRACT IntroductionThe position and magnitude of the ground reaction force (GRF) relative to the hoof influences loading within the limbs. In this study, we investigated changes to the point of force application (PFA) of the GRF in horses walking and trotting on circles compared to a straight line.Methods8 horses were lunged in 6 m diameter circles (left and right), and led straight, at walk and trot over force plates on firm ground. Hoof-mounted retro-reflective markers were tracked using a motion capture system (Motion Analysis Corp). The PFA was computed in a hoof-local coordinate system during 2018 strides. The instantaneous PFA was weighted by the GRF magnitude to compute an average PFA position within the hoof print for each total stance phase. The average PFAs were analyzed using an ANOVA in which type of locomotion (circle or straight), gait (walk or trot) and hoof (fore or hind) were used as independent variables. A Tukey post-hoc analysis identified pair-wise differences.ResultsAt trot, the PFA moved toward the center of the circle by 19.8 ± 10 mm (mean ± SD, P&lt;0.001). At walk there was no significant difference in PFA between straight and circle. The hoof (fore or hind) did not significantly affect the PFA shift.Conclusions The significant medio-lateral shift of PFA suggests that the balance of limb loading changes during circular locomotion. This is likely to affect the medio-lateral balance in the distal joints and cause sub-optimal loading of limb structures.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the MSU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, protocol #06/11-112-00. Sources of funding: This study was funded by the McPhail Endowment. SD Starke&#39;s collaborative research visit for this project was funded by the British Society for Animal Science, Murray Black Award. Competing interests: none.
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This study assessed the effect of offset normalizations on variability in kinematic data. The tarsal angles for 12 elderly horses, with mild lameness of the tarsal joint, were measured at the trot pre and post 2 weeks administration of a... more
This study assessed the effect of offset normalizations on variability in kinematic data. The tarsal angles for 12 elderly horses, with mild lameness of the tarsal joint, were measured at the trot pre and post 2 weeks administration of a dietary supplement intended to promote joint health (Corta-Flx, Nature's Own, Aiken, SC). For five strides, pre- and postsupplement, the tarsal angles measured on the flexor side (full exten. = 180°) were smoothed, normalized to 101 data points, and averaged. Four offset normalizations were applied: minus standing tarsal angle (Tarsal); minus impact angle (Impact); minus mean angle (Average); multiplicative scatter correction (MSC). For 11 angle variables across the stride there were no significant differences pre- and postsupplement, p > 0.05. Normalization had no effect on the timing of variables or magnitude of angles, but generally the variability in the angles was reduced. Least to greatest reduction occurred with the Tarsal, Impact, Ave...
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It can be a challenge to find a conventional saddle that is a good fit for both horse and rider. An increasing number of riders are purchasing treeless saddles because they are thought to fit a wider range of equine back shapes, but there... more
It can be a challenge to find a conventional saddle that is a good fit for both horse and rider. An increasing number of riders are purchasing treeless saddles because they are thought to fit a wider range of equine back shapes, but there is only limited research to support this theory. The objective of this study was to compare the total force and pressure distribution patterns on the horse's back with conventional and treeless saddles. The experimental hypotheses were that the conventional saddle would distribute the force over a larger area with lower mean and maximal pressures than the treeless saddle. Eight horses were ridden by a single rider at sitting trot with conventional and treeless saddles. An electronic pressure mat measured total force, area of saddle contact, maximal pressure and area with mean pressure >11 kPa for 10 strides with each saddle. Univariate ANOVA (P<0.05) was used to detect differences between saddles. Compared with the treeless saddle, the co...
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This study addresses the presence and location of oral lesions in 342 dressage, show jumping, and eventing horses examined at an obligatory veterinary inspection before competing in the Danish National Championship in 2020. Ulcers in the... more
This study addresses the presence and location of oral lesions in 342 dressage, show jumping, and eventing horses examined at an obligatory veterinary inspection before competing in the Danish National Championship in 2020. Ulcers in the lip commissures were photographed for subsequent pathological analysis. If a lesion was found at the lip commissures on one side, there was an increased risk of finding a similar lesion on the other side (ulcer: p < 0.0001; scarring/depigmentation: p < 0.0001; fissure: p = 0.002; erosion/contusion: p < 0.0001). At the lip commissures, external (cutaneous) ulcers were correlated with internal (mucosal) ulcers (p < 0.0001) and with scarring/depigmentation (p < 0.0001). Both mucosal and cutaneous ulcers were correlated with scarring/depigmentation (p < 0.0001). Erosion/contusion at the lip commissures was associated with similar lesions on the bars (p = 0.0002), and ulcers of the buccal mucosa were associated with ulcers on the bars (...
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The study investigated between-rider differences in pelvic roll and pitch motion during horseback riding as the horse walked around circles without rein contact (walk on long reins), with rein contact, and with moderate collection. Ten... more
The study investigated between-rider differences in pelvic roll and pitch motion during horseback riding as the horse walked around circles without rein contact (walk on long reins), with rein contact, and with moderate collection. Ten horses were ridden by five riders on left and right 10 m circles, in a partly crossed design, yielding 14 trials. Each trial included each of the three walk variations in both directions. Riders wore an inertial measurement unit (IMU), logging at 100 Hz, dorsally on the pelvis. Pelvic roll and pitch data were split into strides based on data from IMU-sensors on the horse's hind cannons. Data were analyzed using signal decomposition into the fundamental frequency (the stride frequency) and its first two harmonics. Mixed models accounting for the type of walk were used to analyze how riders differed in roll and pitch pelvic motion in two ways: comparing amplitudes of the frequency components and comparing whole stride mean data. Graphically pelvic pitch showed substantial timing and amplitude differences between riders, and this was confirmed statistically. Pelvic roll timing was similar, but amplitude varied between the riders, both graphically and statistically. Individual rider patterns tended to persist across different horses and all exercises. These results suggest that exercises at walk can be ridden with different pelvis pitch timing, a fact that has so far not been discussed in the equestrian literature. Whether pelvic pitch timing affects the horse's performance remains to be investigated.
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Rein tension is relatively easy to measure, and the resulting data are useful for evaluating the interaction between horse and rider. To date, there have been a number of studies using different transducers, calibration methods and... more
Rein tension is relatively easy to measure, and the resulting data are useful for evaluating the interaction between horse and rider. To date, there have been a number of studies using different transducers, calibration methods and analytical techniques. The purpose of this paper is to make recommendations regarding the collection, analysis and reporting of rein tension data. The goal is to assist users in selecting appropriate equipment, choosing verified methods of calibration, data collection and analysis, and reporting their results consistently to facilitate comparisons between different studies. Sensors should have a suitable range and resolution together with a fast enough dynamic response, according to the gait, speed and type of riding for which they will be used. An appropriate calibration procedure is necessary before each recording session. A recording frequency of 50 Hz is adequate for most rein tension studies. The data may be analyzed using time-series methods or by e...
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Research Interests: Geology, Medicine, Veterinary, Biological Sciences, Lameness, and 3 moreHorse, Ground Reaction Force, and C
Gaits are typically classified as walking or running based on kinematics, the shape of the vertical ground reaction force (GRF) curve, and the use of inverted pendulum or spring-mass mechanics during the stance phase. The objectives of... more
Gaits are typically classified as walking or running based on kinematics, the shape of the vertical ground reaction force (GRF) curve, and the use of inverted pendulum or spring-mass mechanics during the stance phase. The objectives of this review were to describe the biomechanical characteristics that differentiate walking and running gaits, then apply these criteria to classify and compare the enhanced natural gait of collected trot with the artificial gaits of passage and piaffe as performed by highly trained dressage horses. Limb contact and lift off times were used to determine contact sequence, limb phase, duty factor, and aerial phase duration. Ground reaction force data were plotted to assess fore and hind limb loading patterns. The center of mass (COM) trajectory was evaluated in relation to changes in potential and kinetic energy to assess the use of inverted pendulum and spring-mass mechanics. Collected trot and passage were classified as running gaits according to all th...
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This study reports tension in the left and right reins when riding a horse simulator that moved only in the sagittal plane. The objective was to determine whether asymmetries in rein tension of novice riders at the rising trot, canter,... more
This study reports tension in the left and right reins when riding a horse simulator that moved only in the sagittal plane. The objective was to determine whether asymmetries in rein tension of novice riders at the rising trot, canter, and halt were present, and if so, to investigate their relationship with the rider’s handedness. The experimental hypothesis was that rein tension would be higher on the side of the rider’s non-dominant hand. 22 novice riders (19 right-handed; 3 left-handed) rode a horse simulator at halt, rising trot and canter. Rein tension was recorded in both reins at a sampling rate of 1000 Hz for 8 s at each gait. The variables measured in rising trot and canter were minimal and maximal tension, the change between minimal and maximal values and mean tension per step at rising trot or per stride at canter. At halt only mean tension during the 8 s recording was measured. Comparisons between right and left reins and between right-handed and left-handed riders were ...
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Research Interests: Biology, Agriculture, Medicine, Multidisciplinary, Anatomy, and 8 moreWalking, Vertebrae, Kinematics, Horses, PLoS one, Treadmill, Tubers, and elbow
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SummaryThe objective was to measure 3D rotations of the distal (DIP) and proximal (PIP) interphalangeal joints at walk and trot. 3D trajectories of markers fixed to the proximal phalanx, middle phalanx and the hoof wall of the right... more
SummaryThe objective was to measure 3D rotations of the distal (DIP) and proximal (PIP) interphalangeal joints at walk and trot. 3D trajectories of markers fixed to the proximal phalanx, middle phalanx and the hoof wall of the right forelimb of four sound horses were recorded at 120 Hz. Joint kinematics were calculated in terms of anatomically-based joint coordinate systems between the bone segments. Ranges of motion were similar at walk and trot. Values for the DIP joint were: flexion/extension: 46 ± 3° at walk, 47 ± 4° at trot; internal/ external rotation: 5 ± 1° at walk, 6 ± 3° at trot; and adduction/abduction: 5 ± 2° at walk, 5 ± 3° at trot. Within each gait, kinematic profiles at the DIP joint were similar between horses with the exception of adduction/abduction during breakover, which may vary depending on the direction of hoof rotation over the toe. Knowledge of the types and amounts of motion at the DIP joint will be useful in understanding the aetiology and treatment of inj...
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The main functions of a saddle are to improve rider stability and comfort, with the stirrups providing support for the rider’s legs. The criteria upon which riders base their choice of stirrup length for different equestrian disciplines... more
The main functions of a saddle are to improve rider stability and comfort, with the stirrups providing support for the rider’s legs. The criteria upon which riders base their choice of stirrup length for different equestrian disciplines does not appear to have been reported. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the factors that play a role in a rider’s choice of stirrup length for different equestrian and para-equestrian disciplines. An online questionnaire consisting of open and closed demographic questions, and 28 Likert scale questions related to factors which are anecdotally associated with stirrup length was distributed via social media horse pages. Respondents were asked to identify factors that influenced their decision making when setting their stirrup length in dressage, showjumping and eventing (dressage, showjumping and cross-country phases). 2,183 participants took part in this study, the majority were female (97%; n=2,131). 8% of the sample (n=184) categori...
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The purpose of a saddle is to improve the rider's safety, security, and comfort, while distributing the forces exerted by the rider and saddle over a large area of the horse's back without focal pressure points. This study... more
The purpose of a saddle is to improve the rider's safety, security, and comfort, while distributing the forces exerted by the rider and saddle over a large area of the horse's back without focal pressure points. This study investigates the effects on rider stability of an innovative saddle design that differs from a conventional saddle in having no flaps. Five horses were ridden by their regular rider in their usual saddle and in a flapless saddle. A pressure mat (60 Hz) placed between the saddle and the horse's back was used to determine the position of the center of pressure, which represents the centroid of pressure distribution on the horse's back. Data were recorded as five horses were ridden at collected and extended walk, trot and canter in a straight line. Data strings were split into strides with 5 strides analysed per horse/gait/type. For each stride the path of the rider's center of pressure was plotted, maximal and minimal values in the anteroposterio...
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Since the ability to train the horse to be ambidextrous is considered highly desirable, rider asymmetry is recognized as a negative trait. Acquired postural and functional asymmetry can originate from numerous anatomical regions, so it is... more
Since the ability to train the horse to be ambidextrous is considered highly desirable, rider asymmetry is recognized as a negative trait. Acquired postural and functional asymmetry can originate from numerous anatomical regions, so it is difficult to suggest if any is developed due to riding. The aim of this study was therefore to assess symmetry of posture, strength and flexibility in a large population of riders and to determine whether typical traits exist due to riding. 127 right handed riders from the UK and USA were categorized according to years riding (in 20 year increments) and their competition level (using affiliated test levels). Leg length, grip strength and spinal posture were measured and recorded by a physiotherapist. Standing and sitting posture and trunk flexibility were measured with 3-D motion capture technology. Right-left differences were explored in relation to years riding and rider competitive experience. Significant anatomical asymmetry was found for the d...
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The diagonal limb support pattern at trot provides pitch and roll stability, but little is known about the control of moments about the centre of mass (COM) in horses. Correct COM location is critical in the calculation of pitching... more
The diagonal limb support pattern at trot provides pitch and roll stability, but little is known about the control of moments about the centre of mass (COM) in horses. Correct COM location is critical in the calculation of pitching moments. The objectives were to determine the effect of COM location on pitching moments in trotting horses and explore how COM location could influence balance. Kinematic (120 Hz) and GRF (4 force plates, 960 Hz) data were collected at trot from three trials of eight horses. The position of the COM was determined from the weighted summation of the segmental COMs and this was then manipulated cranially and caudally to test the model. Sagittal-plane moments around the COM were calculated for each manipulation of the model and their relationship determined using reduced major axis regression. Over the stride, the moments must sum to zero to prevent accumulation of rotational motion. This was found when the weight on the forelimbs in standing was 58.7% ± 3% (mean ± 95% C.I.), which corresponded closely to the COP ratio in standing. Moments were typically nose-up at foot strike changing to nose-down prior to midstance, and then reversing to nose-up in late stance. Mean moments were larger in the hindlimbs and more sensitive to COM location changes. Divergence of the COM from the COP creating a vertical force moment arm prior to midstance may assist the hindlimb in relation to propulsive effort. A similar effect is seen in the forelimb during single limb support.
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It has been suggested that the presence of a bit reflexly increases salivation but, at the same time, interferes with the horse's ability to swallow. The objective of this study was to compare swallowing frequency in 12 horses... more
It has been suggested that the presence of a bit reflexly increases salivation but, at the same time, interferes with the horse's ability to swallow. The objective of this study was to compare swallowing frequency in 12 horses exercising at canter while wearing a head collar, a bitless bridle, a jointed snaffle bit and a Myler correctional-ported barrel bit. Laryngeal movements were recorded videoendoscopically as the horses cantered (8 m s−1) on a high speed treadmill, with the use of side reins to flex the poll. Swallowing was stimulated artificially by infusion of sterile water at a constant rate of 5 ml min−1 through a cannula in the endoscope's biopsy port. The results showed large differences in swallowing frequency between horses. Swallowing frequency was lower for the Myler snaffle than for the other conditions (P<0.05). It is concluded that the presence of a bit does not preclude swallowing during exercise at canter with the poll in a flexed position, but certain...
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... In addition, heel and toe wedges appear only to influence sagittal plane and not out of pla-ne joint rotations (CHATEAU et al., 2006; HOBBS et al ... CLAYTON, HM, SHA, DH, STICK, JA, ELVIN, N. (2007b): 3D kinematics of the equine... more
... In addition, heel and toe wedges appear only to influence sagittal plane and not out of pla-ne joint rotations (CHATEAU et al., 2006; HOBBS et al ... CLAYTON, HM, SHA, DH, STICK, JA, ELVIN, N. (2007b): 3D kinematics of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint at walk and trot. ...
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The piaffe is an artificial, diagonally coordinated movement performed in the highest levels of dressage competition. The ground reaction forces (GRFs) of horses performing the piaffe do not appear to have been reported. Therefore, the... more
The piaffe is an artificial, diagonally coordinated movement performed in the highest levels of dressage competition. The ground reaction forces (GRFs) of horses performing the piaffe do not appear to have been reported. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe three-dimensional GRFs in ridden dressage horses performing the piaffe. In-ground force plates were used to capture fore and hindlimb GRF data from seven well-trained dressage horses. Peak vertical GRF was significantly higher in forelimbs than in the hindlimbs (7.39 ± 0.99 N/kg vs. 6.41 ± 0.64 N/kg; p < 0.001) with vertical impulse showing a trend toward higher forelimb values. Peak longitudinal forces were small with no difference in the magnitude of braking or propulsive forces between fore and hindlimbs. Peak transverse forces were similar in magnitude to longitudinal forces and were mostly directed medially in the hindlimbs. Both the intra- and inter-individual variability of longitudinal and transverse ...
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Activate Your Horse's Core is a step-by-step manual and 95-minute DVD showing exercises that mobilize the joints and engage the muscles used to round and stabilize the horse's neck,back, and pelvis during athletic activities.... more
Activate Your Horse's Core is a step-by-step manual and 95-minute DVD showing exercises that mobilize the joints and engage the muscles used to round and stabilize the horse's neck,back, and pelvis during athletic activities. These exercises are designed to improve a horses's posture, self carriage and balance; flexibility, especially in the neck and back; and ability to perform highly-collected movements. The exercises are performed from the ground and do not require sophisticated equestrian skills or special equipment.
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In a controlled trial in naturally infected donkeys the efficacy of mebendazole against Dictyocaulus arnfieldi infection was evaluated. A powder formulation of mebendazole given orally at a dosage rate of 4.3 to 5.7 mg per kg per day for... more
In a controlled trial in naturally infected donkeys the efficacy of mebendazole against Dictyocaulus arnfieldi infection was evaluated. A powder formulation of mebendazole given orally at a dosage rate of 4.3 to 5.7 mg per kg per day for five days had no apparent effect on existing lungworm burdens. However a paste formulation of mebendazole given orally at a higher dosage rate of 15.2 to 20.0 mg per kg per day for five days was 75 to 100 per cent effective in the removal of lungworms from individual animals.
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Injuries to the locomotor system are a common problem in athletic horses. Veterinarians address these injuries using appropriate medical, surgical, and pharmacological treatments. During or after recovery from the initial injury, horses... more
Injuries to the locomotor system are a common problem in athletic horses. Veterinarians address these injuries using appropriate medical, surgical, and pharmacological treatments. During or after recovery from the initial injury, horses may be treated for functional locomotor deficits using specific rehabilitation techniques aimed at restoring full athletic performance. This study reviews the literature to identify which rehabilitative techniques have been used most frequently in horses over the past 20 years, the protocols that were used, and the outcomes of the treatments in naturally occurring injuries and diseases. Publications were identified using keyword selection (Equine Athlete OR Equine OR Horse) AND (Rehabilitation OR Physiotherapy OR Physical Therapy). After removing duplicates and screening papers for suitability, 49 manuscripts were included in the study. The majority of publications that met the inclusion criteria were narrative reviews (49%) in which the authors cite...
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Riders need core stability to follow and guide the horse’s movements and avoid giving unintended or conflicting signals. This study evaluated the rider’s performance of exercises on a gymnastic ball with on-horse performance and... more
Riders need core stability to follow and guide the horse’s movements and avoid giving unintended or conflicting signals. This study evaluated the rider’s performance of exercises on a gymnastic ball with on-horse performance and indicators of stress in the horse. Twenty experienced riders were scored performing three exercises on a gymnastic ball and for quality and harmony when riding based on evaluation of video recordings in which conflict behaviours were evident. The horse’s heart rate and number of conflict behaviors during the riding test and cortisol levels after completion of the test were measured. The rider’s ability to roll the pelvis from side-to-side on a gymnastic ball was highly correlated with ability to circle the pelvis on the ball and with quality and harmony during riding. However, pelvic roll and riding quality and harmony showed a trend toward a negative correlation with balancing skills on the ball. It appears that the ability to actively move the pelvis is mo...
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SummaryRectus femoris muscle slings were transposed over femoral head ostectomy sites in four large breed dogs, while in three other dogs, standard femoral head and neck excision arthroplasty was performed. After the operation two dogs,... more
SummaryRectus femoris muscle slings were transposed over femoral head ostectomy sites in four large breed dogs, while in three other dogs, standard femoral head and neck excision arthroplasty was performed. After the operation two dogs, with rectus femoris muscle slings, showed transient swelling of the operated limb and remained weight bearing minimally throughout the 28-day study period. In the two remaining dogs with muscle transposition, the surgical sites were normal, but decreased weight bearing and marked lameness were apparent. The dogs with standard femoral head excisions did not have any postoperative problems with the surgical sites and were weight bearing, with slight to moderate gait abnormalities, after the operation. All of the dogs showed decreases in coxofemoral range of motion, standing hip angle and limb length of the operated leg but postoperative differences between the two treatment groups were not significant. Thigh muscle circumference was significantly less ...
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In dressage, the performance of transitions between gaits and halts is an integral part of riding sessions. The study aimed to evaluate rein tension before, during and after the transitions between different gaits and the transitions into... more
In dressage, the performance of transitions between gaits and halts is an integral part of riding sessions. The study aimed to evaluate rein tension before, during and after the transitions between different gaits and the transitions into halts. The kinematic (inertial measurement units) data for the head and croup, and rein tension data, were collected (128 Hz) from six professional riders each riding three of their own horses, training levels varying from basic to advanced, during normal training sessions. The activities were categorised into gaits, halts and transitions based on video evaluation. The transitions were categorised as without (type 1) or with (type 2) intermediate steps that are not normally present in the gaits preceding or following the transition. The differences in the median rein tension before/during/after transitions, between the types and left/right reins were analysed in mixed models. The rein tension just before the transition was the strongest determinant...