EQUINE gait analysis is a field which has grown considerably in recent years, whether as a tool for use when looking at the performance horse, investigating lameness or as a method for research. Since Edweard Muybridge set up a series of cameras in the 1880’s capturing the exact footfalls of a racehorse there has been an increased interest in looking at equine movement.

Muybridge’s images showed that what we believed about equine movement was incorrect and that the horse performed a complex pattern of footfalls in each gait which would have at times been too fast for the human eye to catch in enough detail. Research has found a range of factors which can affect equine gait including the addition of a rider, rider skill, training with certain aids/equipment, conformation and lameness to name but a few.

As riders, trainers and producers it is essential to maximise each horse’s potential whilst maintaining soundness and career longevity. Gait analysis can enable a more accurate analysis of the horse and rider which can potentially lead to improved outcomes i.e. improved training, earlier lameness detection and more appropriate shoeing interventions.

There is a range of methods which can be used but it is essential that gait analysis is used appropriately in a way that maximises the potential benefits. It is also important to remember that we already spend much of our time looking at equine movement and analysing by eye how the horse is progressing whilst always looking out for the signs of a dreaded lameness! Gait analysis allows these factors to be more measurable and hopefully therefore more accurate.

TYPES OF GAIT ANALYSIS

Within this field there are two main forms of gait analysis – kinematic or kinetic.

  • Kinematic analysis looks at the geometry of movement i.e. angles, distances and timings.
  • Kinetic analysis is concerned with forces.

    • Kinematic analysis is most commonly used to assess features of the gait which would most often otherwise be observed by eye. Using kinematic analysis a range of information can be gathered for example stride length and range of movement. This method can be carried out by putting markers on the horse at certain anatomical landmarks and then recording the horse going past a camera at a set distance away.

    The information can then be looked at using gait analysis software which is commercially available through a range of sources. The systems available range in what they offer, however, there are a number of useful systems on the market which would make this technology more accessible to a range of equine professionals and not just researchers.

    Often the systems used would be two dimensional. Within a research setting the systems become much more sophisticated often being three dimensional and involving the use of a number of high speed cameras.

    A list of some of the variables that can be measured using kinematic analysis is included below:

  • Stride Length – Measured as successive prints of the same foot. This is often measured in metres by noting the first point of contact between the hoof and the ground then noting the following contact between the same hoof and the ground.
  • Range of motion – Measured using three markers with the central marker being the centre of joint rotation. This can be done for a range of joints i.e. shoulder, hip, hock and carpal joint.
  • Stride time – Stride duration looks at the time taken for the limb to complete one stride. This is measured from the time the hoof of a specific limb lands to the time it reaches the same stage of a successive stride.

    • RELEVANCE

    In addition to gait analysis systems which use recorded footage from a camera there are alternative systems available which use sensors mounted within boots to provide information on limb phasing, hock angles and cannon angles. This information is gathered during exercise where it can then be downloaded and analysed straight after in a report format.

    The applications of these systems are broad ranging and relevant to a range of disciplines, for example racing where the stride frequency can be measured to establish how efficient the horse is and whether fatigue is setting in at a particular distance.

    There are a range of particular stride characteristics which have been found in some elite racehorses, such as having an optimum stride duration and having less overlap time within their stride (the timing of the limbs within their stride was more spread out than average horses). The information gathered can be used to target specific areas within a training programme and can even help to inform trainers as to whether the horse is likely to be a stayer or a sprinter.

    Whether using a sensor or camera based system it is possible to take a baseline measurement of each horse at a point where they are sound and performing well. This ‘blueprint’ can be used at a later stage to establish whether there has had an increase or decrease in performance.

    Lameness is a common concern for all those involved with the management and training of athletic horses and these injuries can often be hard to detect with the naked eye.

    A lame horse will often have an altered gait pattern which may also alter through the course of the lameness and subsequent rehabilitation. By using a baseline alongside regular screenings comparisons can be made to note any improvements or changes over time.

    The applications of equine gait analysis are wide ranging however a summary of some applications relevant to trainers and riders is included in the next four sections.

    FARRIERY

    There is no truer a saying within the horse world than ‘no hoof no horse’. Without correctly managed hooves soundness and performance cannot be maintained. The way in which the horse loads the limbs can have a direct effect on injury rates so it is essential to evaluate and monitor this as much as possible. Many farriers have highly developed skills when it comes to evaluating horse movement, limb loading and hoof balance. Gait analysis is not designed to take the place of the farrier but can be utilised as a tool to assist them with monitoring progress of individual horses over time.

    Through taking recordings focusing on the hooves it is possible to slow the image down to get a closer look at how each hoof is landing whilst taking any relevant measurements which can then be compared at a later stage.

    INJURY PREVENTION AND DIAGNOSIS

    Horses alter their gait patterns when suffering the effects of lameness. The exact alteration will depend on both the severity of the lameness and the location.

    Through using gait analysis it can sometimes be possible to identify changes to the gait which could be an early sign of injury. If an issue is identified early, rapid investigation can take place alongside early intervention which could help to prevent further damage.

    Within veterinary practice, developments in gait analysis systems have led to the development of sensor based systems which have been scientifically proven to detect small changes in a horse’s gait.

    Dr Thilo Pfau who is based in the Structure and Motion Laboratory at the Royal Veterinary College has focused on the development and application of an inertial sensor based system. When used alongside a clinical examination the system allows for more accurate diagnosis of lameness or dysfunction

    HORSE AND RIDER

    A technique used by a number of riders and trainers is to film the horse and rider during a training session and then play back the footage to look at areas which could be developed further. This method can be extremely useful when trying to develop the rider’s position as it leads to greater self-awareness. By taking this approach further and carrying out a more detailed analysis of how the combination of the horse and rider are functioning it is possible to measure improvements in performance and monitor the progress of a training programme.

    Previous research has identified a number of specific characteristics which are often seen in more advanced riders which allows for comparisons to be made which could enhance a training programme.

    RESEARCH

    There is a growing body of research on the effect of a range of factors on equine movement. This research is aimed at informing those managing horses to aid in improving both performance and welfare.

    Some studies have looked specifically at the gait characteristics of young horses as a predictor of future performance potential whereas others have evaluated whether there are certain developments noted within a horses stride as an effect of training. Developments within equine research are ongoing and will hopefully provide further insights in the future which will provide a great resource for all those involved within the equine industry.

    Although professional gait analysis screening is not something we all have the luxury of using, it is a technology which we are highly likely to see more of in future. Whether we are utilising this technology on our own horses or using the research carried out to inform our decision making processes, it is hard to deny that gait analysis has a number of potential benefits.

    If a professional gait screening for your horse is not possible there are a number of ways in which you can use some of the methods discussed to gain more insight into your horses health and performance whether that is through the use of a gait analysis software programme designed for owners and trainers or just getting out a video camera and taking some recordings to review in slow motion throughout your training programme.

    Laura Smith, Equine Lecturer at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus

    Web: Cafre.ac.uk