Evaluation of consistency of jumping technique in horses between the ages of 6 months and 4 years

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether differences in jumping technique among horses are consistent at various ages. ANIMALS: 12 Dutch Warmblood horses. PROCEDURE: Kinematics were recorded during free jumps of horses when they were 6 months old (ie, no jumping experience) and 4 years old (ie, the horses had started their training period to become show jumpers). Mean +/- SD height of the horses was 1.40 +/- 0.04 m at 6 months of age and 1.70 +/- 0.05 m at 4 years of age. RESULTS: Strong correlations were found between values from 6-month-old foals and 4-year-old horses for variables such as peak vertical acceleration generated by the hind limbs (r, 0.91), peak rate of change of effective energy generated by the hind limbs (r, 0.71), vertical velocity at takeoff (r, 0.65), vertical displacement of the center of gravity during the airborne phase (r, 0.81), and duration of the airborne phase (r, 0.70). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although there are substantial anatomic and behavioral changes during the growing period, certain characteristics of jumping technique observed in na?ve 4-year-olds are already detectable when those horses are foals.     

A study on the techniques used by untrained horses during loose jumping

Deterministic models¹ developed for the jumping horseindicated the important factors involved when jumping an obstacle². SVHS video recordings were obtained of 31 untrained horses (age: 3–5 years, height: 164.7±4.5 cm) jumping loose over a fence 1 m high by 0.5 m wide. The horses were designated to either a good group or a poor group based on a qualitative evaluation; good horses (n=18) cleared the fence with ease, and poor horses (n=13) consistently hit the fence. Video sequences were digitized to provide kinematic data on the horses' center of gravity (CG) and carpal and tarsal angles. Twenty kinematic variables were examined from the approach to the landing. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed significant between-group differences for the horizontal velocity of the last approach stride (Good: 5.77±0.80 m.s⁻¹; Poor: 6.42±0.95 m.s⁻¹; p=0.046). Significant differences were found in the relative carpal angles at take off (Leading limb: Good: 1.02±0.19 rad, Poor: 1.25±0.28 rad; p=0.010; Trailing limb: Good: 0.92±0.21 rad, Poor: 1.06±0.15 rad; p=0.046). The height of the CG over the center of the fence was also a significant variable that differed between the groups (Good: 1.83±0.08 m; Poor: 1.71±0.13 m; p=0.002). Finally the horizontal velocity of the landing was significant (Good: 5.26±0.92 m.s⁻¹; Poor: 6.27±0.84 m.s⁻¹; p=0.004) along with the angle of the CG to the ground at landing (Good: −0.45±0.08 rad; Poor: −0.38±0.07 rad). The velocity and CG variables which distinguished good and poor horses are likely to be strongly influenced by a rider; therefore, it is unlikely that these data alone could be used to predict elite jumping horses. The carpal angle data, however, may indicate a certain natural tendency by the young horses in the good group to keep their legs clear of the fence.     

The Biomechanics of Movement of Horses Engaged in Jumping Over Different Obstacles in Competition and Training

There exist numerous scientific studies, which are evaluating the biomechanics of the jumping movement of horse and rider over different types of obstacles. The most important results of the kinematic and kinetic investigations are the takeoff position, the acceleration of the hind limbs at takeoff as well as the load of the fore limbs at landing. The starting position directly before takeoff is described by the angle of the trunk, the associated height of the center of gravity (CG), and by the distances of the hind limbs to the obstacle. The acceleration of the hind limbs at takeoff, which is expressed by the vertical and horizontal velocity of takeoff at CG, is a further important indicator for a successful overcoming of a given obstacle. Based on the landing, the load bearing of the fore limbs is an important factor with regard to a long-term health maintenance of horses tendons. From methodological point of view, the majority of investigations use a variety of visual methods in two dimensions. Occasionally, accelerometers and force plates were used to get further information. A combination of visual methods and accelerometer seems to be promising.     

Can jumping capacity of adult show jumping horses be predicted on the basis of submaximal free jumps at foal age? A longitudinal study

The purpose of this study was to quantify performance characteristics of good jumping horses, and to determine whether these were already detectable at foal age. Kinematic data were collected of horses performing free jumps over a 0.60 m high fence at six months of age and of these same horses jumping with a rider over a 1.15 m high fence at five years of age. At five years of age the horses were divided into three groups on the basis of a puissance competition: a group of seven best jumpers that made no errors and in the end cleared a 1.50 m high fence, a group of nine worst jumpers that were unable to clear a 1.40 m high fence, and an intermediate group of 13 horses. Longitudinal kinematic data was available for all seven best jumpers and for six of the nine worst jumpers. Average values of variables for the best jumpers were compared with those of the worst jumpers for the jumps over 1.15 m. In the group of best jumpers, the forelimbs were shorter at forelimb clearance due to increased elbow flexion, and the hind limbs were further retroflexed at hind limb clearance. The same superior technique in clearing fences with the limbs was also found in this group at six months of age. Nevertheless, for individual horses it turned out to be too far-fetched to predict adult jumping capacity on the basis of kinematic variables collected during submaximal jumps at foal age.     

Influence of individual competition level on back kinematics of horses jumping a vertical fence

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The costs and investments required for the purchase and training of showjumpers justify the need to find selection means for jumping horses. Use of objective kinematic criteria correlated to jumping ability could be helpful for this assessment. OBJECTIVES: To compare back kinematics between 2 groups of horses of different competition levels (Group 1, competing at high level; Group 2 competing at low level) while free jumping over a 1 m vertical fence. METHODS: Three-dimensional recordings were performed using 2 panning cameras. Kinematic parameters of the withers and tuber sacrale (vertical displacement, vertical and horizontal velocities), backline inclination and flexion-extension motion of the 3 main dorsal segments (thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral) were analysed. RESULTS: Group 2 horses had a lower displacement of their withers and tuber sacrale from the end of the last approach stride until the first departure stride (P<0.05). As a result, they increased the flexion of their thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junctions during the hindlimb swing phase before take-off (P<0.05). However, withers and tuber sacrale velocities were slightly modified. Group 1 horses pitched their backline less forward during the forelimb stance phase before take-off and straightened it more after landing (P<0.05), probably indicating a more efficient strutting action of their forelimbs. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Because significant differences in back motion were found between good and poor jumpers when jumping a 1 m high fence, criteria based on certain back kinematics can be developed that may help in the selection of talented showjumpers.     

Stride characteristics of horses competing in Grand Prix jumping

An investigation was made of the stride characteristics of horses jumping 2 obstacles during a Grand Prix competition. One obstacle was a picket fence and rail 1.3 m high (fence 2), and the other was a coop and rail 1.52 m high (fence 11). Thirteen distance and 22 timing measurements of 17 horses were extracted from high-speed films, using computer-aided analysis. These data were used to compare takeoff and landing of the lead and nonlead legs, the thoracic limbs and pelvic limbs, and fence 2 and fence 11. Paired t-tests were used to compare means and a stepwise regression analysis was done for each fence, using the total horizontal distance jumped as the dependent variable. Stride timing and distance measurements did not differ (P less than 0.05) between the 2 fences . Each horse approached the fences in a moderately fast canter and, at takeoff , placed the nonlead thoracic limb earlier and farther from the fence than the lead thoracic limb (P less than 0.05). The nonlead leg stance phase lasted longer than the lead leg stance phase (P less than 0.05). The lead and nonlead pelvic limbs acted more in unison than the thoracic limbs and did not differ in their time of placement, stance phase duration, or position from the fence (P less than 0.05). The overlap of the stance phases of the pelvic limbs was greater than that of the thoracic limbs (P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of early training on the jumping technique of horses

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of early training for jumping by comparing the jumping technique of horses that had received early training with that of horses raised conventionally. ANIMALS: 40 Dutch Warmblood horses. PROCEDURE: The horses were analyzed kinematically during free jumping at 6 months of age. Subsequently, they were allocated into a control group that was raised conventionally and an experimental group that received 30 months of early training starting at 6 months of age. At 4 years of age, after a period of rest in pasture and a short period of training with a rider, both groups were analyzed kinematically during free jumping. Subsequently, both groups started a 1-year intensive training for jumping, and at 5 years of age, they were again analyzed kinematically during free jumping. In addition, the horses competed in a puissance competition to test maximal performance. RESULTS: Whereas there were no differences in jumping technique between experimental and control horses at 6 months of age, at 4 years, the experimental horses jumped in a more effective manner than the control horses; they raised their center of gravity less yet cleared more fences successfully than the control horses. However, at 5 years of age, these differences were not detected. Furthermore, the experimental horses did not perform better than the control horses in the puissance competition. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Specific training for jumping of horses at an early age is unnecessary because the effects on jumping technique and jumping capacity are not permanent.     

Kinematic analysis of world championship three-day event horses jumping a cross-country drop fence

An analysis was conducted to characterize the leads and temporal patterns of ground contact variables of elite horses negotiating a drop jump obstacle during competition in the Cross-Country portion of the 1990 Stockholm World Equestrian Games Three-Day Event, and to associate those measurements with performance outcome variables. On Phase D of the second day of competition, a 16-mm motion picture camera filmed at 197 frames/second perpendicular to Obstacle 15, the “Dog Kennel” or “Hundgrden.” The movement filmed required a jump 0.96 m downward from a 3.12-m-wide face across a 1.98-m-wide open space. Of 84 horses that started in the competition in Dressage, 66 horses successfully completed the Cross-Country Phase D and 60 completed the entire Three-Day Event. Sixty-eight horses were filmed at Obstacle 15; with approach, jump, and departure strides of 65 of those horses analyzed for leads; and temporal measurements made on approach, jump, and departure strides of 58 of those horses. Strides in the sequence differed according to being disunited (rotary gallop) or united (transverse gallop). Of strides with discernible leads, 15% of approach strides, 31% of jump strides, and 43% of departure strides were disunited. Forty-four percent (44%) of horses changed forelimb leads over the jump, and 40% changed hind limb leads over the jump. Thirty-four of 60 horses negotiated the obstacle with a bipedal takeoff not dissimilar from the action of jumping an upright obstacle, even though it was not required to clear the jump spread. Kinematic variables tended to be related to horizontal velocity through the drop jump. Horses with superior performance tended to utilize the left lead in approach and departure strides and had less airborne time during the jump.     

The effect of fence height and width on the limb placements of show jumping horses

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of fence type (vertical, square oxer) and fence height (1.10 m, 1.25 m, 1.40 m) on the limb displacements from the base of the fence during the approach, take off, landing and move off. Four experienced Grand Prix jumpers were filmed using 2 high speed 16 mm cine cameras set up in series, perpendicular to the path of jumping motion. A minimum of 8 limb impacts on each side of the fence were recorded during a total of 96 jumping efforts. The variables measured were fence type, fence height, total distance jumped, and the limb displacements from the fence. The limb displacements were measured from the base of the first element on the take- off side and from the base of the last element on the landing side. A repeated-measures desing, multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine the effect of fence type and fence height on the displacement of the limbs from the fence and on the total jump distance. A conservative value of 0.01 alpha was used to minimize the likelihood of falsely classifying an effect as significant.There was no interaction between the effects of fence type and fence height for any of the variables. The positions of the limb placements on the take-off side of the fence were independent of both type and height. On the landing side the placements of the lead forelimb at landing and the lead hind limb in the first stride after landing were closer to the last element of the oxer than the vertical at all heights (P<.01). Fence height had a significant effect on the displacement from the base of the last element for both forelimbs at landing, and for the trailing hind limb and both forelimbs in the subsequent stride (P<.01). Duncan's multiple comparison test indicated that there was a progressive increase in the displacement of these 5 limbs from the last element as the height of the fence increased. The jump distance was independent of fence type, but was shown to increase significantly with fence height (P<.01). The results have implications for course designers in setting the distances between fences and for riders in anticipating the effects of these distances.     

Case-control investigation of the factors affecting the risk of horses falling during steeplechase racing in the UK

A concurrent case-control study of 12 UK racecourses was made between March 1, 2000, and August 31, 2001, to identify and quantify the factors associated with the risk of horses falling in steeplechase races. Cases were defined as a jumping effort at a steeplechase fence that resulted in a fall and controls were defined as a successful jumping effort over any steeplechase fence at any of the 12 racecourses within 14 days before or after the case fall. Information on the horse, the jockey and the race were collected and all the fences on all the courses were surveyed. Conditional logistic regression was used to examine the relationships between the predictor variables and the risk of falling. There was one fall per 254 jumping efforts. The risk of a horse falling decreased the more times it had raced on a particular racecourse. The number of fences, the distance from the previous fence and the nature of the previous fence also affected the risk of falling. If the previous fence was a water jump the risk of falling increased; fences that were sited on flat or slight uphill gradients (up to approximately 1 in 25) were associated with a lower risk of horses falling than downhill fences, and higher takeoff boards were associated with a higher risk of falling.     

The Effect of Training on the Jumping Parameters of Inexperienced Warmblood Horses in Free Jumping

Seven Warmblood horses without sport experience were trained and filmed four times during free jumping, with a 1-month interval between each investigation. Jumping parameters were measured on selected frames by means of video image analysis. Linear and angular parameters describing takeoff, landing, and lifting of limbs above the obstacle were studied. Statistical analysis revealed that the following parameters were affected by training: hind limbs distances at takeoff and landing, lifting of the limbs above the obstacle, and the angle of bascule.     

Effect of walking velocity on ground reaction force variables in the hind limb of clinically normal horses

OBJECTIVE: To measure the effect of subject velocity on hind limb ground reaction force variables at the walk and to use the data to predict the force variables at different walking velocities in horses. ANIMALS: 5 clinically normal horses. PROCEDURE: Kinematic and force data were collected simultaneously. Each horse was led over a force plate at a range of walking velocities. Stance duration and force data were recorded for the right hind limb. To avoid the effect of horse size on the outcome variables, the 8 force variables were standardized to body mass and height at the shoulders. Velocity was standardized to height at the shoulders and expressed as velocity in dimensionless units (VDU). Stance duration was also expressed in dimensionless units (SDU). Simple regression analysis was performed, using stance duration and force variables as dependent variables and VDU as the independent variable. RESULTS: Fifty-six trials were recorded with velocities ranging from 0.24 to 0.45 VDU (0.90 to 1.72 m/s). Simple regression models between measured variables and VDU were significant (R2 > 0.69) for SDU, first peak of vertical force, dip between the 2 vertical force peaks, vertical impulse, and timing of second peak of vertical force. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Subject velocity affects vertical force components only. In the future, differences between the forces measured in lame horses and the expected forces calculated for the same velocity will be studied to determine whether the equations can be used as diagnostic criteria.     

Repeatability of free jumping parameters on tests of different duration

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the horse on various performance tests calculated for free jumping parameters. Free jumping parameters were measured on the basis of video image analysis. Three groups of horses were compared: 141 stallions on the 11-month test (744 jumps), 50 stallions on the 8-month test (301 jumps) and 43 stallions on the 100-day test (221 jumps). Linear measurements of taking off and landing distances, height of limb lifting above the obstacle, height of elevation of “bascule points” and position of the head were measured. The statistical model was comparable for all tests including the random effect of the horse, fixed effects of the test, height of the obstacle and successive number of the jump. Repeatability on the 11-month test was high for taking off, landing and bascule parameters and reached values from 0.50 to 0.60. Repeatability of heights of limb lifting in the 11-month test was lower, but at the same value of about 0.3 for front and hind limbs. In the test of the same duration but for horses selected as the best ones—the repeatability of limb lifting was higher for front limbs and almost the same for hind limbs. Repeatability of the parameters that characterised the length of the jump and the bascule of the horse was higher in the test for the best horses and reached 0.82 for landing and 0.66–0.77 for bascule points. Repeatability of almost all jumping parameters reached highest values in the group of the best horses with longer training.     

Effect of show jumping training on the development of locomotory muscle in young horses

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether training for show jumping that is commenced early after birth affects the characteristics of equine locomotory muscle. ANIMALS: 19 Dutch Warmblood horses. PROCEDURES: Horses were assigned to a trained or not trained (control) group. After weaning, training (free jumping [2 d/wk] that was alternated with a 20-minute period of exercise in a mechanical rotating walker [3 d/wk]) was started and continued until horses were 3 years old. Fiber type composition (determined from myosin heavy chain [MyHC] content), fiber area, diffusion index (area supplied by 1 capillary), citrate synthase activity, and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase content were assessed in gluteus medius muscle specimens collected at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 years. RESULTS: Developmental changes included an increase in MyHC fiber type IIa and a decrease in type IIad; increases in fiber area, diffusion index, and citrate synthase activity; and a decrease in Na(+),K(+)-ATPase content. The MyHC fiber type I and type IId were detected in high and low proportions, respectively. Training increased Na(+),K(+)-ATPase content, but did not affect other variables. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In horses, show jumping training at an early age resulted in increased Na(+),K(+)-ATPase content of the deep portions of the gluteus medius muscle. The lack of training effects on the other muscle characteristics can partly be explained by the fact that an appropriate (aerobic) fiber type composition was already established at training commencement. These data also suggested that the developmental changes in equine muscle represent sufficient adaptation to meet the demands of this specific training.     

Random regression model estimation of genetic parameters for show‐jumping results of Hungarian Sporthorses

The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters for show‐jumping competition performance of Hungarian Sporthorses using a random regression model. There were 21 210 records from 739 horses collected in Hungary between 1996 and 2004. Performance was expressed as shifted Blom normalized ranks and as the difference between fence height and fault points. The random regression model (RRM) included fixed effects for sex, year, location, and obstacle height and random effects for animal, rider and permanent environment. Regressions for the random effects in the RRM were modelled with Legendre polynomials from first to fifth order of fit. The model focused on performance of horses from 4 to 11 years of age, with heterogeneous residual variances considered. The heritabilities were low to moderate for both variables. Genetic and phenotypic correlations between different ages decreased with increasing distance between the ages.     

Lameness, athletic performance, and financial returns in yearling Thoroughbreds bought for the purpose of resale for profit

OBJECTIVE: To characterize lameness during training and compare exercise variables and financial returns among yearling Thoroughbreds that were bought for the purpose of resale for profit. ANIMALS: 40 yearling Thoroughbreds. DESIGN: Prospective study. PROCEDURES: Horses purchased at yearling sales (summer 2004) were trained prior to resale at 2-year-olds in training sales (spring 2005). Horses were monitored daily for diagnosis and treatment of lameness during training. Selected variables, including sex, age, purchase price, lameness, distance (No. of furlongs) galloped during training, and financial returns, were compared among horses that had performance speeds (assessed at 2-year-olds in training sales) classified as fast, average, or slow. RESULTS: 37 of 40 horses became lame during training, most commonly because of joint injury. Eighteen of the lame horses had hind limb injuries only; 5 horses had injuries in forelimbs and hind limbs. The frequency of new cases of lameness increased as the date of the 2-year-olds in training sales approached. At the sales, 4, 21, and 15 horses were classified as fast, average, or slow, respectively; median financial return was slightly (but significantly) different among horses classified as fast ($14,000), average ($0), or slow (-$8,000). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Incidence of lameness during training in yearling horses purchased for the purpose of resale for profit was high. Lameness more commonly affected hind limbs than forelimbs and was attributable to joint injury in most horses. Financial returns differed between horses classified as fast and average or slow at the 2-year-olds in training sales.     

Feeding practice and influence on selected blood parameters in show jumping horses competing in Switzerland

The aim of this study was to compare the nutritional management of show jumping horses in practice with recommendations from the literature. Additionally, the effects of these feeding practices on several blood metabolic parameters before and after exercise were studied. Blood samples were collected in the field from 27 different horses at 71 trials on the level M1 to S2 show jumping competitions in Switzerland and questionnaires on feeding practice of the studied horses were evaluated. The questionnaires revealed that during training and on tournament days horses received on average 3.1 kg of concentrate per day (min. 2.0 kg, max. 6.6 kg) divided into two to three meals. The horses were fed on average 6.9 kg of roughage per day (min. 4.0 kg, max. 13.0 kg). Additionally, it was observed that the horses received the last meal on average 6 h 10 min (min. 1 h 50 min, max. 12 h 30 min) before the start of the first show jumping turn, respectively, 7 h 30 min (min 1 h 50 min, max. 13 h 0 min) before the second turn. Seven horses (35%) had access to hay waiting in the trailer between two turns. The statistical analysis revealed no significant influence of the concentrate feeding time point on lactate, triglyceride and insulin levels, but a significant influence on free fatty acids (FFA) and blood glucose concentrations. Roughage feeding of the show jumping horses 2–4 h prior to exercise revealed the most remarkable changes in blood parameters during the show jumping course. These results received under field conditions should be approved in future under standardized conditions.     

Genetic analysis of the longevity of French sport horses in jumping competition

The longevity of sport horses is an economic and ethical issue. The aim of this study was to analyze the duration of the competitive life of jumping horses in France to assess the potential for genetic evaluation and to propose rules of management for sport horses. Data included lifetimes spent in jumping competitions for the 209,296 horses born from 1968 onward with performances between 1972 and 2008; the data set contained 22% right-censored records. Longevity was measured in years. Discrete survival analysis included fixed effects of region of birth, month of birth, year of recording, age at first competition, interaction between sex and level of jumping performance as measured by the logarithm of earnings adjusted for sex, age, year, and random sire and maternal grand-sire effects. There were 16,668 sires and maternal grand-sires. All fixed effects were highly significant (P < 0.001). Management of the sports career had an important effect on longevity: against common belief, the younger the horse started competing, the longer it stayed in competition. For horses that started competing at an age of 6 yr, the risk of culling was 1.33-fold that of horses having started at 4 yr of age. The less success in competition, the greater was the chance for leaving competition, especially for horses without earnings. For a gelding without earnings, the risk of culling was 1.40-fold that of an average-performance gelding and 2.57-fold that of a top-rated gelding (performance at least 2 SD above the mean). Mares always had greater relative risk than geldings or stallions because they may be culled from competition to be used for breeding. The risk of culling for females was 1.45-fold that of a gelding with the same performance. The heritability of the length of competitive life was 0.10. Breeding values were predicted for sires, and 3,303 sires showed an accuracy greater than 0.60. Among these sires, 262 were used for breeding in 2008.     

Lateralised motor behaviour leads to increased unevenness in front feet and asymmetry in athletic performance in young mature Warmblood horses

Reason for performing study: Foot stance in grazing significantly influences hoof conformation and development from foal to yearling age. Objectives: To conduct a longitudinal study to establish if the relationship between motor laterality and uneven front feet persisted in 3‐year‐old horses at the time of studbook selection and to investigate if such laterality and unevenness might influence the horses' ability to perform symmetrically while trotting, cantering and free jumping. Methods: Seventeen clinically sound but untrained (with only minimal experience of handling) and sound Warmblood horses that had participated in a previous study were assessed as per the protocol reported. Laterality was tested in a preference test (PT) and z‐values were calculated for analysis purposes. Laterality and hoof unevenness were related to both relative limb length and relative head size, while the ability to perform symmetrically was tested in free trot‐canter transitions and free jumping exercises. Differences in performance between horses with and without a limb preference in the PT and those with ‘uneven’ and ‘even’ feet were tested for differences in performance metrics using Students' t test, while linearity was tested using a regression analysis (P<0.05). Results: Significant laterality was still present in 24% of the 3‐year‐old horses and the relationship between laterality and uneven feet pairs was stronger than at foal and yearling stages. Horses with significant motor laterality had almost 4 times more unevenness, a smaller head and longer limbs and the relationship between body conformation and laterality was still present. There was a strong linear relation between unevenness, laterality and a bias or side preference for trot‐canter transitions. However, this relationship was not significant during the free jumping exercise. Conclusion: Motor laterality and uneven feet pairs were still present and significantly related in the 3‐year‐old horses and both variables were also strongly related to sidedness in trot‐canter transitions. Potential relevance: Warmblood studbooks should include quantitative data on laterality at the time of studbook admission as part of the selection criteria.