Movement and Structure of Equine Athletes Flashcards
Gait
a repetitive series of hoof movements
Stride length
the distance from the point of ground contact of a hoof, to the next point of ground contact for that hoof at a specific gait
Stride rate
the number of strides per any unit time (example: strides/minute)
What speed range does an average horse have?
about 3 - 30 mph
What speed may elite racehorses achieve?
speeds greater than 40 mph for short distances
What changes in movement would you employ to move faster?
-longer strides (lengthen)
-higher stride rate (faster)
-change gait
Beat
when a hoof (or hooves) make ground contact
Period of suspension
when all legs are off the ground
How do horses select what gait to travel?
the gait that is most comfortable for them in a given situation
How are horse gaits distinguished?
-number of beats
-footfall pattern (the order and timing of the limbs hitting the ground)
-comparing the movement of paired legs
-the presence or absence of a moment of suspension
Asymmetrical gait
the paired legs do not move the same
Symmetrical gait
the paired limbs move the same
What type of gait is usually used in lameness exams?
symmetrical gaits
Why use one gait instead of the other?
-to achieve different speeds
-to adapt to different surfaces
Humans have selected for what gaits in horses?
specialized (often to make the horse more useful)
