Research Regarding the Kinematics Analysis of an Oxer Jumping in Young Horses from Dumbrava, Timişeşti Stallions' Storage, Romania

Abstract

Abstract. Individual characteristics of movement are considered as one of the primary factors in choosing a successful performance horse (Deuel and Lawrence, 1986). When a competition is the source of data collection, researchers are usually limited to capturing a single event such as a jump attempt. Aims: This study examined the kinematical differences between two groups of young untrained horses. Materials and methods: Video recordings (50Hz) were collected of 10 untrained horses (5 horses in first lot (Group 1) and 5 horses in the second lot (Group 2)) loose jumping over an oxer with l m by 0.50m. Three attempts for each horse were digitized. Filming took place in the Repository covered manege Stallions’ Timișești Grove, NeamA£, Romania. This allowed there cording of one approach stride and the jump stride for each horse, which includes the take off phase, the flight phase and the landing phase. Results: Five horses were successful at clearing the oxer on each occasion (Group 1) and five were consistently unsuccessful (Group 2). By using ANOVA statistical calculations revealed significant between-group differences for center of gravity (CG) height (p=0.019), and CG distance from the fence at take off (p=0.007). No significant differences were found for trial effect. Conclusion: The use of motion analysis has allowed identification of the most important factors at take off that determine success in loose jumping hones. Horses which were successful at loose jumping had a CG at take off that was higher and farther from the oxer compared to less successful horses. Successful horses tended to have lower horizontal velocities, greater vertical velocities, and greater flexion of the carpals than unsuccessful horses. It is anticipated that the unsuccessful horses could be improved using relevant training applications.