Research examples

Explore research studies where the Equestic SaddleClip serves as a key measuring device, providing invaluable data for equine motion analysis. Each study showcases the diverse applications and insights gained from this advanced technology in equine research.

The Equiband Pro System improves gait symmetry in horses at the trot

Zarski LM, et al., The Equiband Pro System improves gait symmetry in horses at the trot. 2024. agriRxiv, doi:10.31220/agriRxiv.2024.00238

In the study, the Equestic SaddleClip (Smart Horse Technology BV, Sint Anthonis, Netherlands), attached to the saddle, provided detailed, non-invasive data on the horses’ motion.

It enabled the researchers to quantitatively assess changes in gait symmetry brought about by the Equiband Pro System (Equicore Concepts, LLC, Michigan, USA), highlighting its immediate impact on muscular adaptation and gait patterns.

For a detailed look at the study, please refer to the full text here.

Abstract

It has been shown that there is a relationship between spinal stability and gait symmetry in horses (1-3). Use of the Equiband Pro System, an elastic band system used for in-hand or ridden work with horses, has previously been shown to improve spinal stability and abdominal muscle engagement (4-6).

More recently, it was demonstrated that a 4 week handwalking protocol with the System improves hindlimb symmetry in horses with a mild hind limb lameness (7).

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Equiband Pro System affects gait symmetry immediately in horses trotting on the lunge, using a repeated measures crossover study design. Six horses with varying degrees of gait asymmetries trotted on a lunge in both directions, with and without the abdominal and hindquarter bands of the Equiband Pro System.

After evaluation of movement symmetry data, generated by an inertial measurement unit (the Equestic SaddleClip), landing forces were found to be significantly more symmetrical between the left and right diagonal limbs in horses while using the Equiband Pro System (p = 0.05).

These results suggest that the Equiband Pro System can immediately alter motor patterns, leading to improved gait symmetry. More work is needed to understand the precise mechanism of this effect.

Equestic implementation

Gait symmetry analysis is a useful technique to quantify lameness in horses, and to provide benchmark data to monitor efficacy of treatment program.

For this experiment, the Equestic SaddleClip had been chosen, as this device provides reliable, comprehensive, effortless, and non-invasive data acquisition. The device is commercially available to horse owners and practitioners and can be used to monitor training or rehabilitation progress of individual horses.

Experimental design

This study was carried out via a repeated measures/crossover design as seen below. The horses were randomly assigned prior to the study into one of two groups:

• Group 1 worked without the Equiband Pro System for the first half of the study, and the System (abdominal and hindquarter bands) was attached for the second half.
• Group 2 worked in the Equiband Pro System for the first half of the study, and the bands were removed for the second half.

The Equestic SaddleClip was placed on the left saddle flap, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Abdominal and hindquarter Equiband Pro bands were fitted for each horse prior to the study by measuring the horse from buckle-to-buckle of the Equiband Pro saddle pad. Band length was determined by multiplying this distance by 0.67 as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Trot work was performed on a 15-meter circle on the lunge by the horse’s regular handler.

Landing force symmetry was significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) in horses while wearing the Equiband Pro System, with greater symmetrical forces when comparing the diagonal pairs (Figure 1a).

Push-off force symmetry, Rhythm symmetry, and Impulsion were improved in horses with the Equiband Pro System, however, this difference was not significant (Figures 1b, 1c, & 1d).

Conclusions

The change in gait symmetry indicates that the Equiband Pro system has an immediate effect on muscular adaptation. A previous study showed that gait symmetry was improved in horses following a 4-week period where the only modification to the training program was handwalking with the Equiband Pro System.

Together with our data, this suggests that training with the Equiband Pro System immediately affects gait patterns, and that muscular adaptations can continue to be observed without the System after long-term use.

Appropriate exercise with the Equiband Pro System may help promote return to function after compensatory movement patterns or stall rest by improving core strength and spinal stability (as previously demonstrated). Nevertheless, individual results are expected, so it is recommended the System be used under veterinary guidance.

Citation: Zarski LM, et al., The Equiband Pro System improves gait symmetry in horses at the trot. 2024. agriRxiv, doi:10.31220/agriRxiv.2024.00238