Determining Objective Parameters to Assess Gait Quality in Franches-Montagnes Horses for Ground Coverage and Over-Tracking - Part 1: At Walk.
Authors: Gmel Annik Imogen, Haraldsdóttir Eyrún Halla, Serra Bragança Filipe M, Cruz Antonio M, Neuditschko Markus, Weishaupt Michael A
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Objective Assessment of Walk Quality in Franches-Montagnes Horses Stride length and over-tracking are key indicators of gait quality in breeding evaluation, yet until recently lacked objective, quantifiable parameters—assessors relied entirely on subjective visual scoring. This investigation used 3D motion capture on 24 Franches-Montagnes stallions during treadmill walking (1.4–2.0 m/s) to identify which kinematic variables best predict these traits, testing both laboratory-grade optical systems and more portable inertial measurement units (IMUs). Maximal forelimb retraction angle explained the most variance in stride length (11%), whilst range of pelvis pitch emerged as the strongest predictor of over-tracking distance, accounting for 24–33% of variation and showing particular promise for field-based assessment via IMUs. The kinematic parameters most strongly correlated with experienced breeding judges' visual scores were forelimb and hind limb protraction angles, validating that objective measurements align with expert evaluation and providing equine professionals with evidence-based tools to standardise gait assessment beyond subjective impression. For practitioners, this research supports moving towards quantifiable gait parameters in breeding selection and performance evaluation, with IMU-derived measurements offering a practical pathway for on-site objective assessment without laboratory infrastructure.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Ground coverage and over-tracking can now be measured objectively using wearable IMU technology rather than relying solely on subjective expert assessment, enabling more consistent breeding decisions.
- •Pelvic movement (pitch range) is the single most important kinematic parameter for assessing over-tracking distance in walk, making it a practical target for gait evaluation.
- •Forelimb retraction angle and limb protraction angles are the key objective metrics that align with how breeding experts visually score gait quality.
Key Findings
- •Maximal forelimb retraction angle explained 11% of variance in stride length using optical motion capture at walk.
- •Range of pelvis pitch explained 10% of variance in stride length using IMUs and 24-33% of variance in over-tracking distance.
- •Fore- and hind limb protraction angles were significantly correlated with expert breeding scores (r ≥ |0.41|).
- •Both optical motion capture and inertial measurement units can objectively quantify ground coverage and over-tracking traits.