1
|
Schrurs C, Blott S, Dubois G, Van Erck-Westergren E, Gardner DS. Locomotory Profiles in Thoroughbreds: Peak Stride Length and Frequency in Training and Association with Race Outcomes. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233269. [PMID: 36496790 PMCID: PMC9741461 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Racehorses competing in short (i.e., ‘sprinters’), middle- or longer-distance (i.e., ‘stayers’) flat races are assumed to have natural variation in locomotion; sprinters having an innately shorter stride than stayers. No study has objectively tested this theory. Here, racehorses (n = 421) were categorised as sprinters, milers or stayers based on known race distance (n = 3269 races). Stride parameters (peak length and frequency) of those racehorses were collected from prior race-pace training sessions on turf (n = 2689; ‘jumpout’, n = 1013), using a locomotion monitoring device. Pedigree information for all 421 racehorses was extracted to three-generations. In training, sprinters had a shorter stride of higher frequency and covered consecutive furlongs faster than stayers (p < 0.001). Relatively short or longer stride did not predict race success, but stayers had greater race success than sprinters (p < 0.001). Peak stride length and frequency were moderately heritable (h2 = 0.15 and 0.20, respectively). In conclusion, differences in stride were apparent between sprinters and stayers (e.g., shorter stride in sprinters) during routine training, even after accounting for their pedigree. Objective data on stride characteristics could supplement other less objectively obtained parameters to benefit trainers in the appropriate selection of races for each individual racehorse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Schrurs
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (D.S.G.)
| | - Sarah Blott
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | | | | | - David S. Gardner
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (D.S.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Thermographic Analysis of the Metacarpal and Metatarsal Areas in Jumping Sport Horses and Leisure Horses in Response to Warm-Up Duration. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11072022. [PMID: 34359150 PMCID: PMC8300377 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the impact of various types of warm-up on the metacarpal and metatarsal surface temperature in jumping sport horses in comparison to leisure horses, which work usually less intensively. Six clinically healthy sport geldings, contestants in showjumping competitions, and six geldings used for leisure riding were included in the study. The experiment was conducted for four consecutive days, during which the horses were warmed up by walking and trotting for various durations. Images were taken with a FLUKE Ti9 thermal imager to determine the resting, post-effort, and recovery temperature of the dorsal and plantar surface of the metacarpus and metatarsus of the four limbs. The obtained data were analysed with SmartView 4.1. software. The increase of measured rectal and surface temperatures was proportional to the warm-up duration. The surface temperature increase in the distal limb parts in jumping sport horses was greater than in horses used for leisure. The plantar surface was also warmer than the dorsal surface of the metacarpal/metatarsal areas, with a forelimb being warmer than a hind limb. Elevated temperatures after warm-up persist for 30 min in the recovery period, especially in jumping sport horses compared to leisure horses. Thus, the warming up effect is achieved earlier and lasts longer in heavily trained horses than in non-performance horses.
Collapse
|
3
|
Tranquille C, Clarke J, Walker V, Murray R. A descriptive study quantifying warm-up patterns in elite and non-elite dressage horses in a field environment. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3920/cep200032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
There is very little reported information on the content of the warm-up period in dressage horses. Our objective was to quantify warm-up content, patterns and duration in a simulated competition (field) environment in British dressage horses. Twelve elite (Group A) and 20 non-elite (Group B) mixed-breed dressage horses, all ridden by advanced level riders, were assessed. Riders warmed-up as they would normally for a competition prior to completing a test. The warm-up was videoed and assessed retrospectively. Total duration, time spent in the different paces, and on which rein, was recorded, along with information on which movements were performed, and the head and neck position. Appropriate statistical tests were used to compare variables between groups. Mean warm-up duration, time in walk and trot did not differ between groups, however Group A horses spent significantly more time in canter than Group B horses (P=0.0024). Group A horses also spent significantly more time in collected and extended paces, and performing advanced movements than Group B horses (P≤0.0421 for all variables). There was no difference in time spent on the left and right rein in either group. Results provide novel information on the warm-up content in a competition (field) environment for dressage horses. The findings indicate that that the content of the warm-up of elite and non-elite dressage horses was significantly different, with elite horses warming up for longer, spending more time in canter, performing more changes within paces and advanced movements. Dressage horses appear to warm-up more symmetrically than has been reported in jumping horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C.A. Tranquille
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
- Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucestershire GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - J. Clarke
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
- Scottgate Close 11, Great Hockham, IP24 1PS, United Kingdom
| | - V.A. Walker
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
- Brick Works Cottages 3, Factory Road, Burwell CB25 0BN, United Kingdom
| | - R.C. Murray
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
- VetCT, St John’s Innovation Centre, Cowley Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WS, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Walker V, Tranquille C, Harris P, Roberts C, McEwen J, Murray R. Back kinematics at take-off in elite showjumping horses over an upright and parallel-spread fence forming part of a three-fence combination. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.3920/cep180005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate head, neck and back kinematics during take-off in elite level horses jumping, and to compare these over an upright and parallel spread fence. Ten mixed-breed elite-level showjumping horses were opportunistically evaluated jumping the same 15-fence course (1.35 m) during a British Equestrian Federation World Class Performance three-day training session. Two fences were evaluated using high-speed motion-capture (250 Hz). Head, neck and back kinematics of the horse were determined at take-off, at vertical orientation of leading and trailing third metacarpus/tarsus and as the trailing hindlimb left the floor. Very consistent patterns between all horses over both upright and spread fences were observed in neck-trunk (NT) angle, lumbosacral (LS) angle, the angle of the thoracolumbar (TL) to horizontal and of LS to horizontal. Head-neck (HN), TL angle and distance to fence showed moderate variation between horses. There were no significant differences between fence-type in HN, NT, TL, LS angle or distance to the fence, but TL to the horizontal angle was greater over the spread for all stride phases. LS to the horizontal angle was greater over the upright when the leading forelimb was vertical at take-off and when the trailing hindlimb was vertical at take-off. These findings suggest that elite horses may use some similar strategies to achieve a successful jump. Further understanding regions which are most influenced by velocity, rider, and horse stability could enable us to modify jumping patterns for the performance and welfare of jumping horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V.A. Walker
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
| | - C.A. Tranquille
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
| | - P. Harris
- Equine Studies Group, WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Freeby Lane, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, United Kingdom
| | - C. Roberts
- Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge University, Sidney Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB2 3HU,United Kingdom
| | - J. McEwen
- British Equestrian Federation, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2RH, United Kingdom
| | - R.C. Murray
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|