Task-specific morphological and kinematic differences in Lipizzan horses
IntroductionEquine locomotion emerges from a dynamic interplay between morphology, biomechanics, and functional demands. This study examines the relationship between morphological measurements and gait kinematics in Lipizzan horses, a breed renowned for its diverse work tasks and standardized enviro...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Veterinary Science |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1569067/full |
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| author | Manja Zupan Šemrov Lucie Přibylová Elena Gobbo |
| author_facet | Manja Zupan Šemrov Lucie Přibylová Elena Gobbo |
| author_sort | Manja Zupan Šemrov |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionEquine locomotion emerges from a dynamic interplay between morphology, biomechanics, and functional demands. This study examines the relationship between morphological measurements and gait kinematics in Lipizzan horses, a breed renowned for its diverse work tasks and standardized environmental conditions. These horses offer a unique opportunity to explore task-specific adaptations in biomechanics, with significant implications for breeding strategies and welfare practices.Materials and methodsThe study involved 71 healthy Lipizzan horses that were housed at the Lipica stud farm and performed various work tasks. Morphological measurements were taken with the help of a sartorial meter and an equine measuring stick to determine head and body measurements. Both the left and right sides of the body were measured to ensure consistency. Kinematic data, including regularity, symmetry, cadence, dorsoventral power, propulsion power, stride length and speed, were recorded using the Equimetrix accelerometer at a sampling rate of 100 Hz. The data was collected during several walks and trots where the horses were led over a 50-meter track.ResultsTask-based analysis revealed strong links between morphology and gait in four working groups, with distal limb measurements, especially hoof and pastern lengths, most consistently associated with stride and rhythm parameters. No significant associations were found at the whole-cohort level. Several morphological measurements showed contrasting effects across working groups, and half of the bilaterally measured traits revealed side-specific correlations. The clearest patterns emerged in horses used for general training and riding school. In horses in general training, strong associations were found between distal limb measurements and stride length or cadence, particularly during walk. In riding school horses, broader body measurements were linked to kinematic parameters including propulsion power, dorsoventral power, and symmetry.DiscussionThis study highlights the dynamic interplay between conformation and functional demands in clinically sound horses. Rather than exerting fixed effects, morphological measurements interacted with work type to shape gait expression, even in the absence of pathology. These findings underscore the need to consider both structure and task when evaluating locomotion. Integrating morphometric assessment into training and selection strategies may support performance, soundness, and welfare in healthy working horses. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9d092cc328dc437bbe32f87386557cec |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2297-1769 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Veterinary Science |
| spelling | doaj-art-9d092cc328dc437bbe32f87386557cec2025-08-20T02:07:24ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Veterinary Science2297-17692025-06-011210.3389/fvets.2025.15690671569067Task-specific morphological and kinematic differences in Lipizzan horsesManja Zupan Šemrov0Lucie Přibylová1Elena Gobbo2Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Domžale, SloveniaDepartment of Ethology and Companion Animal Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, CzechiaDepartment of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Domžale, SloveniaIntroductionEquine locomotion emerges from a dynamic interplay between morphology, biomechanics, and functional demands. This study examines the relationship between morphological measurements and gait kinematics in Lipizzan horses, a breed renowned for its diverse work tasks and standardized environmental conditions. These horses offer a unique opportunity to explore task-specific adaptations in biomechanics, with significant implications for breeding strategies and welfare practices.Materials and methodsThe study involved 71 healthy Lipizzan horses that were housed at the Lipica stud farm and performed various work tasks. Morphological measurements were taken with the help of a sartorial meter and an equine measuring stick to determine head and body measurements. Both the left and right sides of the body were measured to ensure consistency. Kinematic data, including regularity, symmetry, cadence, dorsoventral power, propulsion power, stride length and speed, were recorded using the Equimetrix accelerometer at a sampling rate of 100 Hz. The data was collected during several walks and trots where the horses were led over a 50-meter track.ResultsTask-based analysis revealed strong links between morphology and gait in four working groups, with distal limb measurements, especially hoof and pastern lengths, most consistently associated with stride and rhythm parameters. No significant associations were found at the whole-cohort level. Several morphological measurements showed contrasting effects across working groups, and half of the bilaterally measured traits revealed side-specific correlations. The clearest patterns emerged in horses used for general training and riding school. In horses in general training, strong associations were found between distal limb measurements and stride length or cadence, particularly during walk. In riding school horses, broader body measurements were linked to kinematic parameters including propulsion power, dorsoventral power, and symmetry.DiscussionThis study highlights the dynamic interplay between conformation and functional demands in clinically sound horses. Rather than exerting fixed effects, morphological measurements interacted with work type to shape gait expression, even in the absence of pathology. These findings underscore the need to consider both structure and task when evaluating locomotion. Integrating morphometric assessment into training and selection strategies may support performance, soundness, and welfare in healthy working horses.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1569067/fullequinelocomotionnon-pathologicalmorphologypositive experiences |
| spellingShingle | Manja Zupan Šemrov Lucie Přibylová Elena Gobbo Task-specific morphological and kinematic differences in Lipizzan horses Frontiers in Veterinary Science equine locomotion non-pathological morphology positive experiences |
| title | Task-specific morphological and kinematic differences in Lipizzan horses |
| title_full | Task-specific morphological and kinematic differences in Lipizzan horses |
| title_fullStr | Task-specific morphological and kinematic differences in Lipizzan horses |
| title_full_unstemmed | Task-specific morphological and kinematic differences in Lipizzan horses |
| title_short | Task-specific morphological and kinematic differences in Lipizzan horses |
| title_sort | task specific morphological and kinematic differences in lipizzan horses |
| topic | equine locomotion non-pathological morphology positive experiences |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1569067/full |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT manjazupansemrov taskspecificmorphologicalandkinematicdifferencesinlipizzanhorses AT luciepribylova taskspecificmorphologicalandkinematicdifferencesinlipizzanhorses AT elenagobbo taskspecificmorphologicalandkinematicdifferencesinlipizzanhorses |