Abstract
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.
Highlights
IntroductionMoving on a circle requires steady changes in direction
Horse details are summarised in the Supplementary material
At the initial horse selection examination, 11 horses were sound under all circumstances
Summary
Moving on a circle requires steady changes in direction. The resultant force is not aligned with gravity, but directed towards the centre of the circle, with a magnitude that depends on the velocity of the horse (v) and the radius (r) of the circle (transverse acceleration = v2/r) (Pfau et al, 2012). If a trackway width is effectively zero (the left and right feet are set down along a single line), the animal would have to lean in at an angle to the vertical corresponding to tan-1 (v2/rg, where g is the gravitational acceleration, 9.8 m/s2), similar to a turning cyclist (Alexander, 2002; Cain and Perkins, 2012). For the same velocity a turn of smaller radius requires increased lean
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