Evaluation of feedback methods for improved detection of hindlimb lameness in horses among riding instructors and trainers.
Authors: Leclercq Anna, Byström Anna, Söderlind Maja, Persson Elisabeth, Rhodin Marie, Engell Maria Terese, Hernlund Elin
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Hindlimb lameness detection presents a genuine challenge in equine practice, yet riding instructors and trainers regularly observe horses in motion and represent an underutilised resource for early identification of subtle gait abnormalities. This Swedish research evaluated 64 riding professionals of varying experience alongside 23 elite trainers using video-based assessment of trotting horses with lameness grades ranging from 0 to 3.5, establishing that only 44–48% correctly classified hindlimb lameness status initially—a sobering baseline that underscores the diagnostic difficulty. Following 14 days of computer-aided training with different feedback protocols, participants receiving slow-motion video replay (65% speed) combined with direct answers showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.0001), whilst those receiving identical feedback plus narrated explanations paradoxically showed no improvement (p = 0.51), suggesting that excessive information may actually impede learning in this context. Whilst post-training scores remained modest overall, the findings indicate that targeted, stripped-back feedback mechanisms—particularly slow-motion video analysis without additional cognitive load—warrant integration into professional development programmes for riding professionals, potentially enabling earlier intervention and improved equine welfare through better communication between yard staff and veterinary practitioners.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Most riding instructors and trainers cannot reliably detect hindlimb lameness in daily practice—structured training is needed to improve this critical skill
- •Slow-motion video review (65% speed) combined with correct answer feedback is the most effective training method; simply telling people the right answer or adding verbal explanation is insufficient
- •Even with training, hindlimb lameness detection remains difficult—lower threshold for referring horses to veterinary examination is warranted when lameness is suspected
Key Findings
- •Only 44-48% of riding instructors and trainers correctly identified hindlimb lameness on initial video assessment, similar to 47% accuracy in high-level trainers
- •Computer-aided training with video replay at full and 65% speed (group a) produced significant improvement in lameness detection (p<0.0001)
- •Adding narrator explanations to feedback (group b) provided no significant improvement over baseline (p=0.51)
- •Even after training, test 2 scores remained low, indicating hindlimb lameness detection remains challenging for riding professionals