Influence of equine conformation on linear and hippotherapeutical kinematic variables in free walk

Abstract

Fourteen horses with different conformation were used to study the linear and hippotherapeutical kinematics of the free walk. Horses were recorded with two digital video cameras in a sagittal plane at a rate of 25 frames/s. Body proportions, linear and hippotherapeutical data were extracted from the recordings by APAS (Ariel Performance Analysis System). Results of ANOVA and Duncan`s multiple range test indicated that the linear and hippotherapeutical variables of horses were significantly different. Correlation coefficients between the equine conformation and kinematic variables were determinate. The study showed significant correlations (P<0.01) between step-, stride length and body parameters in free walk. It shows that taller and longer horses have longer step and stride length. Correlations were not observed between hippotherapeutical measurements and body parameters.