Head and Neck Positions Affect Equine Kinematic Variables in Marcha Batida Gait-A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT: The Mangalarga Marchador (MM) breed naturally performs four-beat gaits known as "Marcha". Kinematic analysis can provide insights for optimizing training and competition performance in this breed while potentially mitigating welfare concerns associated with extreme head and neck positions (HNPs) applied without an adequate understanding of their impacts. We examined how different HNPs affect the MM horse's Marcha Batida gait. Four HNPs were evaluated: HPN1-loose reins, HPN2-the competition standard for MM, HPN3-an extremely elevated head and neck, and HPN4-a slightly behind-the-vertical position. Kinematic data were collected using an optoelectronic system, and diagonal dissociation, stride length, and step height were analyzed. HNP3 had the highest dissociation, shortest stride length, an

SUBMITTER: Martins NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12024456 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature