Distal Forelimb Kinematics During the Extended Trot of Dressage Horses Ridden on Two Different Arena Surfaces
Authors: Thornton J, Symons J, Garcia T, Stover S
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal
Summary
# Distal Forelimb Kinematics During the Extended Trot on Different Arena Surfaces Suspensory apparatus injuries represent a significant concern in dressage horses, with surface properties recognised as a key biomechanical variable influencing limb loading and injury risk. Researchers used high-speed video analysis (250 Hz) to track fetlock and hoof angles in six dressage horses performing extended trot on both dirt and synthetic surfaces, whilst simultaneously characterising the mechanical properties of each surface using a track testing device. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, horses demonstrated greater maximum fetlock extension on synthetic surfaces (mean 260°, approximately 2° greater than dirt), and notably, the synthetic surface exhibited a load rate five times higher than the dirt surface—a statistically significant difference that suggests a more abrupt loading phase rather than the gradual force application designers intended. Given that suspensory apparatus strain correlates directly with fetlock hyperextension, these findings suggest synthetic surfaces may paradoxically increase strain on the suspensory apparatus in dressage horses, indicating that surface specifications require discipline-specific refinement rather than one-size-fits-all design. For practitioners managing dressage horses, this research underscores the importance of evaluating individual arena surfaces biomechanically rather than assuming synthetic equals safer, and highlights the need for ongoing dialogue between researchers, surface manufacturers, and equestrian professionals to optimise injury prevention across different riding disciplines.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Synthetic arena surfaces may paradoxically increase fetlock stress in dressage horses despite their reputation for being joint-friendly; monitor training loads accordingly
- •Consider alternating training between surface types rather than relying solely on synthetic surfaces to protect the suspensory apparatus
- •Surface selection should account for discipline-specific movement patterns—extended trot kinematics differ from racing gaits for which synthetic surfaces were originally engineered
Key Findings
- •Fetlock angles were 2° greater on synthetic surfaces compared to dirt (mean 260° on synthetic, P=0.070)
- •Synthetic surfaces demonstrated 5 times greater maximum load rate than dirt surfaces (P=0.0086)
- •Despite design intent to reduce injury, synthetic surfaces may increase suspensory apparatus strain due to greater fetlock hyperextension