A review of research on equine locomotion and biomechanics.
Authors: Leach, Dagg
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Leach and Dagg's comprehensive review synthesises four decades of equine locomotion research, identifying significant gaps in foundational biomechanical knowledge despite progress in specific areas including gait classification, surface mechanics, and limb kinematics. The authors highlight a concerning pattern: much published work has generated descriptive data without establishing the underlying principles governing movement, force distribution, and neuromuscular coordination—the very building blocks needed to advance applied research. Where solid contributions exist—particularly in understanding racetrack surface design, limb load timing, and inter-limb coordination patterns—they remain insufficiently integrated into a coherent theoretical framework. For practitioners, this review underscores why seemingly straightforward questions about shoeing, training, lameness assessment and rehabilitation often lack definitive evidence-based answers: the biomechanical fundamentals remain incompletely understood. Until researchers prioritise establishing these foundational principles, applied innovations in farriery, physiotherapy and athletic conditioning will continue developing empirically rather than from robust mechanical understanding.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Understanding of basic biomechanical principles in equine locomotion remains incomplete; practitioners should seek evidence-based information from contemporary research rather than assuming established knowledge
- •Knowledge gaps exist in fundamental principles that underpin applied work; ongoing research into gait analysis and limb coordination may inform better assessment and training of performance horses
- •Racetrack surface design and limb mechanics are areas where research has made substantive contributions that may be relevant to reducing injury risk
Key Findings
- •Past research on equine locomotion and biomechanics has failed to provide sufficient information on basic principles of these disciplines
- •Useful contributions have been made in gait typology, racetrack surface analysis and design, and limb kinetics, kinematics and coordination
- •Further fundamental research is required before progress can be made on applied research topics in equine biomechanics