2D Kinematic analysis of walk, trot, and canter gaits in Criollo breed horse

ABSTRACT: This study described the linear, temporal, and angular kinematic characteristics of thirty-five Criollo horses in walk, trot, and canter using 2D video motion capture and analysis. Retroreflective markers were placed on anatomical landmarks of the fore- and hindlimbs, and kinematic variables assessed with a motion analysis software. In walk, a mean stride length of 1.61 ± 0.14 m, stride duration of 0.90 ± 0.04 s, and mean velocity of 1.79 ± 0.13 m/s were observed. In trot, the mean stride length was 2.30 ± 0.23 m, stride duration was 0.60 ± 0.03 s, and the mean velocity was 3.82 ± 0.43 m/s. In canter, the stride length, stride duration, and velocity values were measured for the lead (2.86 ± 0.29 m, 0.51 ± 0.03 s, and 5.61 ± 0.64 m/s) and trail limbs (2.68 ± 0.25 m, 0.51 ± 0.02 s, and 5.28 ± 0.56 m/s). Regarding the angular variables, during the walk, the Criollo horses reached maximum protraction and retraction angles of the forelimbs of 16.90 ± 2.31º and 22.99 ± 3.47º, respectively. For the hindlimbs, the maximum protraction was 10.86 ± 2.45º, while the retraction was 31.47 ± 2.13º. The joints numerically showed smaller ranges of motion (ROM) during the canter, especially in the shoulder, elbow, and hip joints. The values increased for walk and trot and decreased again for the canter, indicating a relationship between gait velocity and joint ROM. These results provided reference kinematic values for Criollo horses; further studies are needed to evaluate specific training or management applications.