Dressage Horses Research Articles

Investigating Associations between Horse Hoof Conformation and Presence of Lameness.

Hoof trimming and shoeing determine the horse's hoof shape and balance. Hoof conformation plays a crucial role in limb biomechanics and can consequently prevent or predispose to injury. This study investigated the relationship between the morphometric characteristics of the horse's hoof, specifically, the dorsal hoof wall angle (DHWA), the coronet band circumference (CBC), and lameness in 73 horses categorised as undertaking either show jumping, dressage, or riding school activities. Results from logistic regression indicated that horses with either a combination of acute DHWA with large CBC, or more upright feet with larger DHWA and smaller CBC have higher probabilities of lameness. Show jumping and dressage horses showed a higher prevalence of lameness. Hoof morphometry should be monitored, and podiatric interventions should be regularly scheduled for the maintenance of correct hoof conformation to prevent injury. This study suggests that an aligned hoof-pastern axis managed by a DHWA of around 50 degrees may prevent lameness, with special emphasis on horses in dressage and show jumping activities. On the other hand, we can also speculate that the disturbed axis alignment of DHWA may be a cause of lameness.

Oral behaviour during riding is associated with oral lesions in dressage horses – A field study

The welfare of sports horses is debated both within and outside the horse community. One welfare concern is the frequent occurrence of oral lesions. Lesions may be caused by inappropriate training and ill-fitting equipment. Increased knowledge of behavioural signs of pain, discomfort and frustration (often jointly labelled ‘conflict behaviour’) in horses can increase awareness by riders, trainers, officials, and competition judges, which is a first step towards reducing the occurrence. This study included 11 warmblood dressage horses competing at upper national level (Intermediaire I). The horses were randomly selected (from a total of 22 horses) for an unannounced inspection for oral lesions immediately after leaving the dressage arena. Five of the 11 horses had abrasion of the skin and/or mucosa at one or both commissures of the lips and were eliminated from the competition according to the rules of the national equestrian federation. An experienced observer who was blind regarding the outcome of the inspection, scored behaviour in the 11 horses from official video recordings available online from the event. The frequency of mouth opening ranged from 5 to 59 times in the 11 horses. Horses with oral lesions had a significantly higher frequency of mouth opening compared to horses without oral lesions (t-test, mean ±SEM; lesions: 34.6 ±6.7 vs. no lesions: 12.2 ±2.4, t(9) = 3.4, P = 0.008). The frequency of other conflict behaviours did not differ significantly between the groups (e.g. tail swishing: MWU-test, median [25;75 %]; lesions: 25 [14;27] vs. no lesions: 10 [6,24], U = 7.0, P = 0.18). It is concluded that oral behaviour may be a useful indicator of oral lesions. Further studies are needed to investigate behavioural signs of discomfort and pain in riding horses, as behaviour can be an early predictor of compromised welfare. Increased awareness of subtle behavioural signs is therefore an important first step towards improved sports horse welfare.

Lesion Distribution in the Metacarpophalangeal and Metatarsophalangeal Region of 341 Horses Using Standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Pain localised to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) region represents a frequent cause of lameness in sport horses, and standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of these regions is increasingly being acquired. This multicentre retrospective study describes the ranges of abnormalities identified on standing MRI of the MCP/MTP region and compares patterns of abnormalities between forelimbs, hindlimbs and different sports disciplines. In total, 341 MRI reports were reviewed. Subchondral bone plate irregularities, condylar and proximal phalanx pathologies were frequently identified with subchondral bone defect, sclerosis and increased intensity on STIR images often described. Medial pathology was frequently identified in the forelimbs, and more lateral pathology was reported in the hindlimbs, which could potentially reflect differences in the loading patterns. Significant differences in MRI findings were found between different sports activities, with MCP/MTP bone pathology occurring more frequently in MRI reports from race and endurance horses and MCP/MTP soft tissue injuries being reported more frequently in dressage and show-jumping horses, particularly in the suspensory apparatus, including the distal sesamoidean ligaments. The findings of this study identify patterns of MCP/MTP abnormalities detected using standing MRI, with differences seen between forelimbs and hindlimbs and between different sports disciplines.

The difference in radiographic findings in the distal limbs of working Lipizzan horses, used for dressage or driving.

Lameness originating from the distal limb is common in sport horses and can vary depending on the dynamics of movement and the surface, with differences in shoeing exacerbating this variability. Driving horses work primarily on hard surfaces (pavement), whereas dressage horses work primarily on soft surfaces (riding arenas with sand). Driving horses are traditionally shod with small fixed studs made of hard metal, which are attached to the horseshoe at 4 points, while dressage horses are shod with a simple horseshoe. We investigated the hypothesis that there is a difference in the pathological radiographic findings of the distal limbs between driving and dressage horses. The variability in the stable management and training program was minimized by including horses from the same farm. Twenty horses in a driving training program and 20 horses in a dressage program were included in the study. Radiographs of the both front feet were obtained and quantitatively evaluated for radiographic changes by three surgery/diagnostic imaging specialists. Interrater reliability was measured, and multivariate analysis was performed to compare differences in pathological radiographic findings of the distal limbs between the two groups. Kendal's concordance coefficient indicated an agreement among raters (Kw ≠ 0) for all observations. Radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease of the distal interphalangeal joint were more common in the group of driving horses compared to dressage horses. Our hypothesis was confirmed, as there were significant pathological differences between groups in distal articular margin of middle phalanx, joint space narrowing, and irregular joint surface of the middle phalanx.

An explanatory model, using self-determination theory, of the motivations for horse ownership

ABSTRACT Human–animal interaction (HAI) is a growing interest research area, especially in relation to human wellbeing. There is a lack of theoretical framework to base human behaviour in horse-human interactions, and often assumptions of ‘traditionalism’ are touted as an explanation for human choices in relation to horse activities. Twenty-one highly involved dressage horse owners ranging in age, experience, and professional affiliation with horses were interviewed in an inductive qualitative approach. Analysis resulted in two core themes centred on becoming a horse-owner and maintaining ownership. The horse ownership motivation (HOM) model is anchored in self-determination theory and explains why horse-human interactions bring psychological satisfaction; supplemented by attachment theory, achievement goal theory, and biophilia hypothesis. Consequently, the HOM model explains motivation to become an owner and maintain ownership over time, and provides a novel theoretical framework in which to base further research into human motivation, wellbeing, and experiences of human–animal interactions, and potentially the animals themselves.

Warm-Up Strategies and Effects on Performance in Racing Horses and Sport Horses Competing in Olympic Disciplines.

Warm-up is a standard component of exercise preparation, intended to lower the risk of injury and improve performance. Comprehensive evidence-based guidelines per discipline are missing. This scoping review aimed to describe the physiological effects and strategies of active warm-up in horses according to different equestrian disciplines. The search strategies identified 479 papers for review. After application of selection criteria, 23 articles published from 1996 to January 2024 were included of which 12 discussed the effects of warm-up on physiological parameters and 11 discussed warm-up strategies in different disciplines. As shown in humans, warm-up enhanced aerobic capacity and increased blood and muscle temperatures, independently from its intensity. Riders emphasized the importance of warm-up to prepare horses for physical work and to increase their reactiveness to aids. A canter or trot was the preferred gait in elite or non-elite dressage horses, respectively, while the walk was in show jumping horses. Warm-up duration and intensity increased with increasing competitive level, but a longer and/or more intensive warm-up did not affect the final score. Dressage riders warmed up their horses for a longer time compared to show jumping riders. Future studies should objectively establish the most profitable warm-up strategies per equestrian discipline and level.

Phenotypic associations between linearly scored traits and sport performance in the Swedish Warmblood horse population

The goal for most warmblood studbooks is to produce horses that are internationally competitive in sports like show jumping or dressage. The linear scoring system, describing the horse between two biological extremes, is commonly used for a more objective assessment of young horses in many studbooks. However, few studies have examined the phenotypic association between traits linearly scored at a young age and sport performance, and whether there might be an intermediate optimum on the linear scale. This study investigated the phenotypic association between linearly scored traits and competition performance in show jumping or dressage, using the results of linear scoring from young horse performance tests between 2013 and 2021 and competition data between 2014 and 2021 for Swedish Warmblood horses. Sport performance was defined as lifetime accumulated points achieved in show jumping or dressage competitions. Horses were classified as jumping (J) or dressage (D) horses according to their sires’ and grandsires’ classification. In total, 48 linearly scored traits, assessed on a biological scale from A to I, were analyzed. The phenotypic association between the linear score for each trait and sport performance was studied using linear models for sport performance including fixed effects of sex, birth year and linear and quadratic regression on adjusted linearly scored trait values. Significant differences in LS means between J and D horses were found for all linearly scored traits except for length of body and five traits referring to leg conformation. For J horses, 25 linearly scored traits (eight conformation traits, three gait traits, 13 jumping traits and one behavior trait) were found to be significantly associated (p < 0.05) with show jumping performance. A majority of these traits (21 out of 25 traits) showed a linear association with performance, indicating that stronger expression (towards A on the assessment scale) was favorable for performance in show jumping in J horses. For D horses, 21 linearly scored traits (eleven conformation traits and ten gait traits) were significantly associated with dressage performance. Most of these traits (15 out of 21 traits) showed a linear association with performance, while six traits showed an association with optimal scores, indicating that breeding for more extreme expression of the specific trait is not associated with better sport performance. These results underline the importance of linearly scored traits as indicator traits of later sport success.

Comparison of head–neck positions and conflict behaviour in ridden elite dressage horses between warm-up and competition

The use of specific head–neck positions (HNPs) in horse riding have been identified to directly affect wellbeing of horses. In the rulebook of the International Equestrian federation (FEI), HNPs with the nasal plane in front of the vertical are mandatory, as well as ensuring horses to be “happy athletes”. Deviations from this should be reflected in the scoring of dressage competitions. We investigated ridden elite dressage horses in warm-up areas and during competition, and hypothesised a relationship between the HNP, behavioural indicators and the scores. Forty-nine starters (83%) of an international dressage competition (Grand Prix Special (CDIO5*) at CHIO (Aachen (Germany) in 2018 and 2019) were examined. We analysed HNPs (angle at vertical, poll angle and shoulder angle) as well as conflict behaviour (CB), e.g. unusual oral behaviour (OB) and tail swishing (TS), in the warm-up area and during competition in 3 min-videos (6571 frames). Conflict behaviour was evaluated using the Observer XT with the focus animal method according to an ethogram. Scores given by judges in the competition were noted. Data were analysed with six linear mixed effects models, where phase of competition and year (both factors with two levels) were fixed effects, and the horse was a random effect. Dependent variables were poll angle, angle at vertical, shoulder angle, TS, OB and total CB. Further, we evaluated another three models to evaluate if the vertical angle affected the response variables (TS, OB or CB). Hereby, angle at the vertical (continuous) and year (factor with two levels) were fixed effects, and the horse was considered as a random effect. The horses’ nasal plane was behind the vertical more often during warm-up than during competition (−11° vs. −5°; P<.01). Further, the poll angle was larger during competition than during warm-up (28° vs. 24°; P<.01). Horses showed more total CB and OB during warm-up than during competition (count: 163 and 107 vs. 120 and 78; P<.01). Horses tended to show more CB and OB when their nasal plane was behind the vertical. Tail swishing was not affected by angle at the vertical. Scores given by the judges correlated with HNPs during competition (R = 0.38; P<.05). These results undermine animal welfare concerns during world class dressage competitions.

Giving Language to Taboos: Nation and Religion in Modern Educational Reasoning

Like all taboos, nation and religion are so powerful precisely because they are often not brought to language. Educators around the world see themselves as secular, not religious, and rational, not national, and they develop their elegant, moral, and bland arguments precisely on this premise. This is, of course, capable of gaining majority support because it keeps the sociological machinery of educational thinking stably alive, but epistemologically it is unsatisfactory. Educational reasoning is sometimes as elegant as the freestyle of a virtuoso ice skater, sometimes as captivating as a rhetorically gifted village preacher, sometimes as clumsy as a plow horse that thinks it is a dressage horse. Some are the stars in the arena of academic education, others the moralizers, and others the bland extras. This rather simple sociology of educational reasoning emphasizes the different roles that Academics occupy in what Fleck called a “thought collective,” but it obscures that “thought collectives” share common “thought styles” in which, often carefully administered by national professional associations, truth is produced. In education, these “thought collectives” have historically been shaped by two fundamental elements. They are veritable taboo subjects, which are presupposed but hardly ever reflected upon, namely religion and nation.

Is a 6-week training protocol effective in preparing young Lusitano horses in early athletic life?

Abstract A 6-weeks training program, aimed at improving the physical conditioning of dressage horses, was assessed to determine its’ effectiveness. The training program comprised of 40-80 min of daily preparatory exercises for dressage competition (transitions, circles, extended walk, trot or canter, stride length variation, diagonals, straight lines and serpentines) which were performed six times per week. Thus, nine (4 year old) Lusitano horses were evaluated before (M1) and six weeks after (M2) the introduction of the new training routine. On both occasions animals were physically examined and blood samples were collected before (T0), immediately after (T1) a dressage simulation test (DST) and at 30 min (T2) and 240 min (T3) of recovery. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (BT), erythrogram, blood lactate and glucose, serum proteins, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) values were recorded and the obtained variables were analysed using ANOVA and Tukey tests (). The training protocol produced significant changes in the measured biomarkers. Speed of work during the DST (5.8 vs 7.36 m/s; ) significantly increased, though no changes were observed in the HRpeak (∼158.1 beat/min; ), HRmean (∼113.9 beat/min; ) and distance (∼220 m). Additionally, at M1 significantly () lower values of RR and of blood lactate were recorded and at M2 low values of HR, BT, glucose, AST and CK were observed, the latter suggesting a cardiometabolic improvement. The biomarkers returned to basal levels 30 min post DST on both M1 and M2. The training regimen successfully improved the athletic conditioning of the Lusitano horses, preparing them for the practice of dressage without compromising their welfare.

Effect of gait on, and repeatability of heart rate and heart rate variability measurements in exercising Warmblood dressage horses

Abstract Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive measurement of the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation to the myocardium. Used as an indicator of health, welfare and fitness level, its measurement during exercise has been suggested to be helpful in sport horses. The aims of this study were to assess the within- and between-day repeatability of time-domain HRV-measurements during exercise, and to evaluate the effect of gait (as a factor of increasing exercise intensity) on HRV. Heart rate (HR), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) between normal heartbeats and the standard deviation of normal (R-R) intervals (SDNN) were assessed during a standardised exercise test (SET) on five consecutive days in a sample of 21 healthy Warmblood dressage horses. All variables showed good between-day repeatability (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient), while only RMSSD showed reliable within-day repeatability (Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Increase of exercise intensity was significantly associated with increased HR and decreased RMSSD and SDNN, with a negative correlation between HR and the two HRV-measurements. HR and HRV values varied significantly with intensity of exercise (rest, walk, trot, canter and whole SET), though HRV at rest was not different to that at walk, and HRV at trot was not different to that at canter. In conclusion, the results of this study support the use and show the repeatability of time-domain HRV-measurements during exercise in Warmblood dressage horses. Further investigation for use of HRV in other equestrian disciplines, levels and health state is warranted.

Between Leisure and Pressure—Veterinarians’ Attitudes towards the Care of Competition Horses in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Equine veterinarians face a range of challenges when attending competition horses. Athletic goals may significantly impact veterinary decision making, and the veterinarian’s work can be complicated by reputational considerations and rival opinions during an assessment of whether a horse is “fit to compete”. Using an online questionnaire, we found that the majority of German, Austrian and Swiss equine veterinarians (N = 172) surveyed agreed that the owners of competition horses are more likely than owners of leisure horses to approach them with clear treatment ideas, and that the former have higher expectations of the medical services provided. The data also show that the veterinarian’s reputation plays a more important role in the competition sphere. Using a case vignette, we established that, on the grounds of equine welfare, the majority of respondents indicated that they would decide against starting a dressage horse with low-grade lameness in a competition. Those respondents who indicated that they would approve a start of the dressage horse indicated that a horse with a low-grade lameness was fit enough “to compete”. We conclude that clearer definitions of phrases, such as “fit to compete”, may be helpful in guiding veterinarians as they discharge their professional responsibilities during competitions and reduce the reputational stress they experience in this working context.

Effects of a 15° Variation in Poll Flexion during Riding on the Respiratory Systems and Behaviour of High-Level Dressage and Show-Jumping Horses.

From previous studies, the International Society for Equitation Science has advised that further research be conducted on the physiological/psychological effects of less-exacerbated poll flexion angles. We aimed to evaluate the effects of two riding poll flexion positions with a difference of only 15° on the respiratory systems and behaviour of horses through an evaluation of dynamic airway collapse via over-ground endoscopy, the pharyngeal diameter, pleural pressure, arterial oxygenation and lactate, HR/RR, and the occurrence of conflict behaviours. Twenty high-level dressage and twenty show-jumping horses underwent a 40 min ridden test at a ground angle of 85°; 3 weeks later, they underwent a ridden test at a 100° ground angle (the angle between the ground and the line from the forehead to the muzzle) and in a cross-over design. Using a mixed model for repeated measures, Wilcoxon/Friedman tests were carried out according to the experimental design and/or error normality. For both groups, at 100°, conflict behaviours and upper airway tract abnormalities were significantly more frequent, and the pleural pressure was higher, and the pharyngeal diameter was lower. At 85°, relaxation behaviours were significantly more frequent. Lactate was significantly higher at 100° only in the dressage horses. Compared to the first test at 85°, the HR/RR were significantly lower at the beginning of the second test (at 100°) but higher at the end. The significant differences identified in these dressage and show-jumping horses support the idea that an increase of just 15° in riding poll flexion can have negative effects on the respiratory system and behaviour of a horse and therefore on its welfare.

The effect of elastic reins on rein tension and performance in dressage horses

Many interactions between horses and humans are mediated through some form of physical equipment, particularly when riding. Multiple styles of reins constructed with elastic inserts are available for purchase with the promise that they will help dressage riders develop a light, steady and ‘elastic rein’ contact for the betterment of both their scores in competition and their horse's wellbeing. Although a number of studies have investigated various aspects of elastic reins, results have been inconclusive with regards to their effect on equine welfare. This study examined the effect of elasticated reins on rein tension. Using a crossover design, ten dressage horses and their usual riders performed a standardized dressage test using both leather reins and leather reins with integrated elastic inserts. Rein tension (Newtons) was recorded using strain-gauge transducers and the mean, maximum, and minimum tensions and the coefficient of variation, as a measurement of rein tension stability, were then assessed as potential indicators of impact on equine welfare and performance. Horse-rider pair performance was self-assessed by the riders and independently by a dressage judge who scored each test. Although no overall statistical differences were found in rein tension or performance measures between elasticated and non-elasticated reins, there were clear indications that this depends on the individual horse (Coefficient of Variation values ranged from 59.8 to 118.8). A commonly used descriptor regarding horse “rideability” in terms of response to rein use is whether the horse is “hard-mouthed” (i.e., generally non-responsive or responds in an unwanted manner) or “soft-mouthed” (responsive). Analysis of rein tensions and dressage test scores suggested that whilst riding “hard mouthed” horses in elasticated reins may be detrimental to welfare through impaired release of pressure, riding “soft mouthed” horses in elasticated reins may be beneficial. It is therefore apparent that the success of use of elastic in reins may depend on individual attributes of the horse, learnt or otherwise, such as whether the horse is “hard-mouthed” or “soft-mouthed.” This study confirms that the application of specific equipment, even that designed to promote better welfare outcomes for the horse, needs to be considered on an individual horse basis.

COMPARE THE DEGREE OF INFORMATION OF MODERN METHODS OF DIAGNOSTICS OF SPORT HORSES

In connection with the development of equestrian sports, the proportion of traumatic injuries of the musculoskeletal system of sports horses is also increasing. In the working activity of a modern veterinary specialist, visual research methods should have certain qualities, namely: they should be small in size for ease of transportation to various points in the city or region, easy to apply in practice, and also qualitatively visualize the location of the pathological focus. That is why the search for the most effective method of visual diagnosis of diseases accompanied by injuries of the musculoskeletal system is an important direction in scientific research. To conduct this study, 10 dressage horses with traumatic injuries of the superficial flexor of the thoracic limbs were examined in the conditions of equestrian complexes in the Leningrad Region. Conducted a study on the information content of various diagnostic methods, in particular thermographic, ultrasound and radiological. Comparing the degree of information content of modern methods, we can conclude that for an accurate diagnosis and a complete analysis of traumatic injuries, it is necessary to use various methods of visual diagnostics. Improvement of known methods, in particular, such as infrared thermography, will make it possible to identify injuries of the musculoskeletal system of horses at the early stages of the development of the disease, immediately before the onset of clinical signs, and to monitor changes in dynamics for the selected treatment regimen. Accordingly, timely diagnosis and prognosis of injuries remains an open topic for research in the scientific activities of veterinarians, therefore, we consider the search for new methods that meet the criteria used to identify several groups of diseases at once is relevant and significant.

Different equestrian sports horses’ reactivity to startle

Management of athletic horses for a particular sport modality can affect their reactivity to daily stress situations. The present study aimed to compare the stress reactivity in horses of different equestrian sports (polo, endurance, and dressage) through the evaluation of endocrine (cortisol levels), autonomic (heart rate variability) and behavioural responses to a model of startle. Male and female equines of 3 equestrian sports (polo, Thoroughbred, n = 6; dressage, Brazilian Sport Horse Riding, n = 9; endurance, Arabian Purebred, n = 9) were subjected to an experimental model of startle in which an umbrella was opened near the horse. Heart rate variability was analyzed using segments of cardiac intervals of 64 seconds (ultra-short analysis) and the HRV spectra were integrated into low (LF; 0.01-0.07 Hz; index of sympathetic modulation) and high (HF; 0.07-0.50 Hz; index of parasympathetic modulation) frequency bands. Cortisol was measured by radioimmunoassay and the behavioral response was measured by the latency and the duration of the reaction. The Endurance horses showed a less intense startle-induced autonomic response compared to the Polo and Dressage horses (lower LF/HF ratio following the startle test) and higher startle-induced increase in cortisol levels than the Polo horses. The Polo horses had higher baseline levels of cortisol than the other 2 groups and exhibited no change in their cortisol levels in response to startle. The behavioral response following the startle test was similar among the 3 groups. These results reinforce the importance of a combined analysis of behavioral, endocrine, and autonomic data for a global and integrated view of stress reactivity.

Cardiac morphology changes in horses as a response to various types of sports

ABSTRACT Cardiovascular problems can cause poor performance and sudden cardiac death during high-intensity competitions in athletics both humans and horses. A cardiac examination is one of the most important parameters used to define cardiac performance and cardiovascular diseases in sports horses. Some studies look at the cardiac morphology of horses from racing, eventing, endurance, and dressage. However, there is no information directly comparing these sports on the cardiac response. The objective was to evaluate the cardiac response of horses to various types of sports. Forty-eight horses were enrolled in this study and divided into 4 groups according to the type of sport: 12 control nonathlete horses, 12 show-jumping horses, 12 dressage horses, and 12 endurance horses. Electrocardiography with modified precordial leads was used to obtain electrophysiological heart function, and transthoracic echocardiography was evaluated. There were no significant differences among the groups concerning mean age and body weight. The electrocardiography and echocardiography results suggested that left ventricular internal diameter was highly associated with long-duration high-intensity exercise, such as endurance sports, and left ventricular wall thickness was significantly associated with short-duration high-intensity sports, such as show jumping. This study demonstrated exercise-induced cardiac morphology changes in each type of sports training.

Consequences of specialized breeding in the Swedish Warmblood horse population.

In many European warmblood studbooks, clear specialization toward either jumping or dressage horses is evident. The Swedish Warmblood (SWB) is also undergoing such specialization, creating a possible need for separate breeding programs and a discipline-specific Young Horse Test (YHT). This study investigated how far specialization of the SWB breed has proceeded and the potential consequences. Individuals in a population of 122,054 SWB horses born between 1980 and 2020 were categorized according to pedigree as jumping (J), dressage (D), allround (AR), or thoroughbred (Th). Data on 8,713 J horses and 6,477 D horses assessed for eight traits in YHT 1999-2020 were used to estimate genetic parameters within and between J and D horses and between different periods. Future scenarios in which young horses are assessed for either jumping or dressage traits at YHT were also analyzed. More than 80% of horses born in 1980-1985 were found to be AR horses, while 92% of horses born in 2016-2020 belonged to a specialized category. The average relationship within J or D category was found to increase during the past decade, whereas the relationship between these categories decreased. Heritability estimates for gait traits were 0.42-0.56 for D horses and 0.25-0.38 for J horses. For jumping traits, heritability estimates were 0.17-0.26 for J horses and 0.10-0.18 for D horses. Genetic correlations between corresponding traits assessed in J and D horses were within the range 0.48-0.81, with a tendency to be lower in the late study period. In the future scenarios, heritability and genetic variance both decreased for traits that were not assessed in all horses, indicating that estimation of breeding value and genetic progress for these traits could be affected by a specialized YHT. However, ranking of sires based on estimated breeding values (EBVs) and accuracy of EBVs was only slightly altered for discipline-specific traits. With continued specialization in SWB, specialization of the YHT should thus be considered.

Low‐field MRI findings and follow‐up of central tarsal bone fractures in four non‐racehorses

SummaryBackgroundCentral tarsal bone fractures in non‐racehorses are uncommon and their MRI appearance and follow‐up have not been described.ObjectivesTo describe the clinical and MRI characteristics and follow‐up of central tarsal bone fractures in non‐racehorses.Study designRetrospective descriptive case series.MethodsThe low‐field MRI appearance of central tarsal bone fractures in sports horses identified over a 9‐year period, was reviewed. Follow‐up MRI examinations, treatment and clinical outcome were included.ResultsFour horses with five vertical fractures of the central tarsal bone were included. There were three Warmbloods, of which two were showjumpers and one a dressage horse, and one Quarter Horse used for western performance. All fractures could consistently be visualised on low‐field standing MRI and were associated with marked sclerosis in the surrounding bone, with little to no associated bone marrow lesion of the central tarsal bone. One horse had bilateral fractures. Three fractures were complete (full‐thickness) slab fractures and two were incomplete (partial‐thickness) slab fractures. Fractures occurred in a consistent dorsomedial to plantarolateral oblique orientation and were non‐displaced. Incomplete fractures occurred at the dorsomedial proximal aspect of the central tarsal bone. All horses were treated conservatively initially. The dressage horse with bilateral fractures and the Quarter Horse remained lame after conservative treatment and were subsequently treated surgically. Three horses returned to their previous level of performance, one horse in spite of persistent MRI evidence of a fracture line (non‐union), while the Quarter Horse returned to a lower level of reining.Main limitationsSmall number of horses.ConclusionsStanding low‐field MRI is helpful in the diagnosis of central tarsal bone fractures. Central tarsal bone fractures occur in a dorsomedial to plantarolateral orientation in sports horses, can be complete or incomplete, unilateral or bilateral and remain non‐displaced. The prognosis is good for return to performance.

Detection of Horse Locomotion Modifications Due to Training with Inertial Measurement Units: A Proof-of-Concept.

Detecting fatigue during training sessions would help riders and trainers to optimize their training. It has been shown that fatigue could affect movement patterns. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are wearable sensors that measure linear accelerations and angular velocities, and can also provide orientation estimates. These sensors offer the possibility of a non-invasive and continuous monitoring of locomotion during training sessions. However, the indicators extracted from IMUs and their ability to show these locomotion changes are not known. The present study aims at defining which kinematic variables and indicators could highlight locomotion changes during a training session expected to be particularly demanding for the horses. Heart rate and lactatemia were measured to attest for the horse’s fatigue following the training session. Indicators derived from acceleration, angular velocities, and orientation estimates obtained from nine IMUs placed on 10 high-level dressage horses were compared before and after a training session using a non-parametric Wilcoxon paired test. These indicators were correlation coefficients (CC) and root mean square deviations (RMSD) comparing gait cycle kinematics measured before and after the training session and also movement smoothness estimates (SPARC, LDLJ). Heart rate and lactatemia measures did not attest to a significant physiological fatigue. However, the statistics show an effect of the training session (p < 0.05) on many CC and RMSD computed on the kinematic variables, indicating a change in the locomotion with the training session as well as on SPARCs indicators (p < 0.05), and revealing here a change in the movement smoothness both in canter and trot. IMUs seem then to be able to track locomotion pattern modifications due to training. Future research should be conducted to be able to fully attribute the modifications of these indicators to fatigue.