Distal hindlimb kinematics of galloping Thoroughbred racehorses on dirt and synthetic racetrack surfaces.
Authors: Symons J E, Garcia T C, Stover S M
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Distal Hindlimb Kinematics on Different Racetrack Surfaces Whether racetrack surface composition influences injury risk in racehorses has long been suspected but rarely quantified at the distal limb level. Symons and colleagues used high-speed video analysis (500 Hz) to capture hindlimb kinematics in five Thoroughbreds galloping at competition speeds (12–17 m/s) on both dirt and synthetic tracks, measuring fetlock angles, joint velocities and hoof displacement during the stance phase. Dirt surfaces produced significantly greater fetlock hyperextension and earlier peak fetlock angles compared to synthetic surfaces, alongside greater horizontal heel displacement during the slide phase of stance. The practical implication is that synthetic tracks may offer a biomechanical advantage by reducing fetlock strain during high-speed work—a finding that warrants consideration when evaluating track surface choices for injury prevention and managing horses with pre-existing fetlock pathology. Greater hoof slide on dirt surfaces may explain some of the kinematic differences, suggesting that friction characteristics between hoof and surface play a material role in distal hindlimb loading patterns.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Synthetic racetracks appear to reduce excessive fetlock joint motion during high-speed work, potentially lowering injury risk compared to dirt surfaces
- •Surface choice may influence strain on fetlock ligaments and support structures; consider individual horse tolerance and injury history when selecting training/racing surfaces
- •Different hoof mechanics between surfaces (slide characteristics) may require adjustments to shoeing strategy or training protocols
Key Findings
- •Maximum fetlock angles were greater on dirt surfaces than synthetic surfaces (P<0.05) during high-speed gallop (12-17 m/s)
- •Peak fetlock hyperextension occurred earlier during stance on dirt surfaces (P<0.05)
- •Horizontal hoof heel displacement during slide was significantly greater on dirt surfaces (P<0.05)
- •Synthetic racetrack surfaces may reduce fetlock injury risk by limiting hyperextension and associated strain in support structures