Body lean angle in sound dressage horses in-hand, on the lunge and ridden.
Animals can minimise the risk of falling by leaning into a curve. The aims of this study were: (1) to quantify the difference between observed (measured by an inertial measurement unit, IMU) and predicted body lean angle (calculated as a cyclist when turning) in horses; and (2) to compare circles versus straight lines ridden versus in-hand and trot with canter, and investigate the influence of age, rein and ridden work quality in trot (Fédération Equestre Internationale grading scale 1-10) in horses. Thirteen non-lame horses were assessed prospectively in a non-random, cross-sectional survey. The horses were trotted in straight lines, lunged and ridden on both reins. A global positioning system-aided IMU attached to the skin over the tuber sacrale quantified body lean and recorded the velocity and the radius, which were used to calculate predicted lean. Horses ≤ 6 years of age leant more than predicted (mean ± standard deviation 2.9 ± 2.6°) and more than horses ≥ 7 years old (0.4 ± 3°) (P = 0.01). Horses that scored ≥ 7 in ridden work quality leant less than predicted (-1.1 ± 2.7°) and less than horses which scored ≤ 6 in ridden work quality (2.4 ± 1.5°) (P = 0.02). There were no significant differences between trot and canter, either on the lunge or ridden (P = 0.3), or between left and right reins (P = 0.2). Asymmetry of body lean between reins may be abnormal and may be helpful for recognition of lameness.
Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK; Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK. Electronic address: line.greve@aht.org.uk.
Line
L
Greve
Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
Sue
S
Dyson
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture; D013177:Sports
Balance; Body lean; Equine; Inertial measurement units; Musculoskeletal coordination