Ground reaction force and kinematic analysis of limb loading on two different beach sand tracks in harness trotters

• Published in: Equine veterinary journal 2010-11, Vol.42 (s38), p.544-551
• Main Authors: CREVIER-DENOIX, N., ROBIN, D., POURCELOT, P., FALALA, S., HOLDEN, L., ESTOUP, P., DESQUILBET, L., DENOIX, J. M., CHATEAU, H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Data acquisition; fetlock; forces; Hoof; horse; Horses; Kinematics; Life Sciences; sand; Sand & gravel; Skin; Solar surface; Tension; trot; Water content
• ISSN: 0425-1644; 2042-3306
• DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00202.x

Summary Reasons for performing study: Although beach training is commonly used in horses, limb loading on beach sand has never been investigated. A dynamometric horseshoe (DHS) is well adapted for this purpose. Objectives: To compare ground reaction force (GRF) and fetlock kinematics measured in harness trotters on 2 tracks of beach sand with different water content. Methods: Two linear sand tracks were compared: firm wet sand (FWS, 19% moisture) vs. deep wet sand (DWS, 13.5% moisture). Four French trotters (550 ± 22 kg) were used. Their right forelimb was equipped with a DHS and skin markers. Each track was tested 3 times at 7 m/s. Each trial was filmed by a high‐speed camera (600 Hz); DHS and speed data acquisition was performed at 10 kHz on 10 consecutive strides. All recordings were synchronised. The components Fx (parallel to the hoof solar surface) and Fz (perpendicular) of the GRF were considered. For 3 horses the fetlock angle and forelimb axis‐track angle at landing were measured. Statistical differences were tested using the GLM procedure (SAS; P