Linear and temporal stride characteristics of 3-day event horses at a CCI*** 3-day event horse inspection

Aims. To quantify the linear and temporal characteristics of the trot of 3-day event horses during the preliminary horse inspection of an advanced grade CCI*** 3-day event.Methods. A cross sectional study was made of the kinematics of 24 3-day-event horses during the first horse inspection at a CCI*** level 3-day event. Video footage was digitised and linear and temporal measurements were made.Results. The horses trotted for an average of 10.44 ± 1.55 strides. Spatial measurements were made on an average of 5.66 ± 0.92 consecutive strides when the horses were within the calibration zone. The horses increased and then obtained a constant velocity within the calibration zone. Trotting on the asphalt track did not alter the relationships between stride length, stride duration and velocity when compared with previously published values. Horse-specific differences in stance and retraction percentages were identified.Conclusion. Horse specific differences were identified that may contribute to each horse's unique gait or “kinematic fingerprint”. It is proposed that the initiation of, and completion of, stance by the hind limb first may represent “engagement of the hind quarters” and be a response to dressage training. © 1999 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.