Influence of Ground/track Surfaces on Locomotion and Its Impact on Performance and Injury

The quality of track or arena surfaces conditions equine locomotion and can be a risk factor for osteoarticular and tendinous lesions. A novel protocol of biomechanical measurements, investigating both the kinetics and kinematics of the limbs, has been developed to characterize the effects of ground surfaces on the locomotor system and locomotion of race and sport horses under training conditions. This protocol is based on simultaneous measurements performed by a 3D dynamometric horseshoe (Chateau et al., 2009b) and a 3D accelerometer fixed on the horse’s hoof(s), a superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon force ultrasonic sensor, high-speed cameras (600 to 1000 Hz) and a device to measure the horse’s speed. All the measurements are synchronized. Speed is standardized (registered in real time and controlled by the driver / rider) for reliable comparison between tracks. Each test on a given track (= condition to investigate) is repeated at least 3 times, 10 strides being analysed for each test, and conditions are repeated in a random order in order to reduce the influence of the horse’s fatigue on the results. […]