Gait Analysis in the Equine World - where it started : Sports Science and Sports Medicine are well-established areas within human medicine. Professional athletes in many disciplines apply a multitude of sports enhancing techniques to attain a higher level of performance and move ahead of their competitors. In addition, an ever-increasing array of technologies and treatments are available to aid diagnosis, accelerate rehabilitation and ultimately enhance performance.

Since the early findings of Mr Muybridge, whom was the first to show that the gallop had a moment of suspension, there have been significant advancements in technology and understanding. These advancements and the success of sports science in other sports have resulted in a similar trend emerging within equine sport. Individual sports organisations are looking for ways to improve competitiveness and professional bodies, such as the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), are actively promoting the application of Evidenced Based Veterinary Medicine (EVBM).  In addition, federations governing equine sports disciplines are actively involved in biomechanical testing as a means of providing winning adjustments which can help facilitate and improve performance of both the horse and rider.

Biomechanical Applications : To date Centaur Biomechanics has assessed 721 horses ranging from riding club to Olympic level alongside research studies. Currently equestrian Team GB use biomechanics as part of their management programme in the run up to London 2012. In previous years it has been seen that biomechanical testing was only available to those elite horses and riders competing at a high level. However, biomechanical analysis has benefits which all sectors of the equine industry can derive. Equal to performance is use in injury prevention and maintenance. Biomechanical testing has been used widely as part of a lameness prevention programme.

In addition as the number of sport horses continues to grow along with the competition for the top prizes, it is becoming more apparent that the prevention of injury to sports horses is a fundamental factor in maintaining and improving performance. This trend is highlighted by the aforementioned inclusion of biomechanical testing to team horses in the run up to London 2012.

In conclusion, biomechanics is extremely useful for elite horses and riders trying to make those subtle adjustments which can help performance. Alongside the elite level, biomechanics has an equally important role for any horse where the management and prevention of injury, two key areas in maintaining performance and well-being, are considered of high priority by the owner.

The Various Applications

Blue Print or Baseline : Horses should be assessed when perceived sound as unfortunately in equine science we are short of a blue print for the “normal gait pattern” specific to each horse. From an initial screening, any asymmetries which may have a detrimental effect to the horse going forward can be evaluated and where necessary supported with complementary medicine to then produce a proven Baseline or Blue Print for the normal gait of that horse. In addition, with baseline information, regular screenings can be compared to the blue print to note any improvements,  changes or tendencies which may occur over time.

Injury Prevention : Science has shown that horses have specific gait characteristics when lame and demonstrate certain characteristics pre-injury. These characteristics can be seen using high speed cameras and subtle changes which occur within the gait leading possibly to injury can be identified. The aim of biomechanical assessments is to identify these changes before they progress in to injury. Early identification can allow rapid investigation into the potential problem, allowing for adjustments in management /routine to decelerate or negate the propensity for injury.

Performance Enhancement : Biomechanics, as part of the sports science umbrella within the equine field is becoming widely used as a way of making small adjustments which can help improve movement or support the horse’s joints to help prevent injury. For example, changing the width of the shoe by 5 mm can improve carpal flexion of the horse by 15 degrees. In addition ensuring the foot is balanced can provide a horse with an extra 5% in power production compared to a horse which lands laterally.

Understanding : Unlike most investigations with horses, the output of biomechanics is simple, quantified and accurate. Biomechanical analysis reduces the inherent risk of subjectivity which is a key in equine assessments. The data and therefore results produced are accurate and reliable and resemble exactly how much a joint is flexing or extending. This information gives the owner a much more informed picture as to what is happening with their horse’s movement. Additionally it is a non-invasive and safe process.

Research : Biomechanics is used widely within the research field, both in post graduate and under graduate research projects alongside product testing. The way an animal moves can largely be affected by the equipment used, for example, a saddle can restrict or improve hind limb movement by 15 degrees. It is vital that this easily available information is used to ensure the horse stays supple and sound.

How Biomechanics / Gait Analysis Works...

Cameras : To ensure that subtle changes within the gait are observed, high-speed cameras are used. These cameras capture at 300HZ. To put this in to context, the human eye captures at approximately 12Hz, therefore with the use of high speed cameras is 25 times faster. The cameras are portable and work in most weather conditions. A standard 25Hz camera could be used when assessing a rider’s position.

Software : Centaur Biomechanics’ preferred software choice is Quintic Biomechanics 9.03 v17 with a 300Hz high-speed camera.

Procedures : Procedures and protocols are set out by leading scientists and followed by Centaur Consultants. It is imperative that the measurements are adhered to. Consultants are regularly assessed and updated with necessary specifications for data collection to ensure that clients can be confident that the product and consultant they are investing in is sound, proven and tested. Markers are placed on the horse by manual palpation of bony anatomical landmarks identify joint centres and segment ends. The horse is then walked and trotted along a designated track in front of the cameras. The trot strides are then captured and exported to Quintic Biomechanics v17 for analysis. The in depth analysis is usually done overnight but basic measurement / assessment can be produced on site.

Reports and Data Output: From a biomechanical assessment, you, as the owner, own the information. From this information you are equipped with accurate biomechanical information which relates to your horse’s movement, joint motion, acceleration and velocity. A multitude of measurements are taken such as stride length, stride time, velocity, carpal flexion, fetlock hyperextension, tarsal flexion and others. All of these measurements have been proven due to their reliability in determine/assessing gait abnormalities. Information is presented in a report style format - please see below for an example screening report.

Centaur Biomechanics
Centaur is a leading Equine company specialising in Equine Sports Science and in particular the individual and combined performances of horse and rider. Centaur has experience of working with several hundred horses and riders evaluating horses and riding positions to ensure best methods of training and medicine are being implemented to ensure horses and riders stay sound. Centaur also works in helping to maintain and improve performance; Centaur are official gait analysts to the British Equestrian Federation / Team GB.
Centaur has an impressive portfolio of published research studies. Most recent work has focused on saddle fit and design. Centaur is also the official distributor of Quintic software worldwide in the field of Equine Biomechanics.

Booking an Assessment : The use of biomechanics for both horse and rider analysis is readily available to all riders from grass roots to Olympic levels. To book an assessment please email info@centaurbiomechanics.co.uk or look at www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk.