Ground reaction forces of elite dressage horses in collected trot and passage.
Authors: Clayton H M, Schamhardt H C, Hobbs S J
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary Using in-ground force plates, Clayton and colleagues measured vertical and horizontal ground reaction forces in eight elite dressage horses (four Dutch Warmbloods and four Lusitanos) performing collected trot and passage under saddle, analysing a minimum of three complete stride cycles per limb. Passage generated significantly greater vertical impulses than collected trot in both fore and hind limbs, alongside increased propulsive forces from the hindquarters, with the extended stance phase duration proving critical to achieving the elevated, cadenced movement characteristic of the gait. Breed differences emerged in collected trot, where Lusitanos demonstrated lower vertical impulses than Dutch Warmbloods—a finding that may reflect differences in conformation or training philosophy between the two breeds. These biomechanical insights help explain the mechanical demands of advanced dressage movements and suggest that the prolonged ground contact and augmented force production required for passage place considerable load through the limbs, making injury prevention strategies and targeted conditioning particularly relevant for horses in high-level competition. Understanding these force patterns provides farriers, physiotherapists and veterinarians with objective data to inform hoof care, rehabilitation protocols and performance management in elite dressage athletes.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Breed differences in ground reaction forces exist; Lusitanos naturally generate lower vertical forces in collected trot than Dutch Warmbloods, which has implications for training progression and injury prevention strategies
- •The transition to passage requires significantly greater vertical impulse generation, suggesting horses need specific conditioning to develop the muscular capacity for this movement
- •Extended stance time during passage is a biomechanical strategy to achieve the required vertical displacement; understanding this can help trainers recognize when horses lack the strength or coordination to perform passage correctly
Key Findings
- •Lusitano horses demonstrated lower vertical impulses than Dutch Warmbloods during collected trot
- •Passage produced larger vertical impulses than collected trot in both forelimbs and hind limbs across all horses
- •Propulsive impulse in hind limbs increased during passage compared to collected trot
- •Prolonged stance duration in passage contributed to elevated vertical impulses necessary for increased centre of mass vertical excursions