Conformation measurements and limb analysis for jumping performance in Indian sporting horses

RAJKUMAR  GADPAYLE; V N  KHUNE; RUPAL  PATHAK; RAMCHANDRA  RAMTEKE; DHANANJAY  JOLHE; SHIVESH DESHMUKH; SHABIR KUMAR  ANANT; ASHUTOSH  TIWARI

doi:10.56093/ijans.v96i7.167962

Authors

RAJKUMAR GADPAYLE Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh – 491006
V N KHUNE College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora Dau Shri Vasudev Chandrakar Kamdhenu Vishwavidyalaya, Durg (491001), Chhattisgarh, India
RUPAL PATHAK College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora Dau Shri Vasudev Chandrakar Kamdhenu Vishwavidyalaya, Durg (491001), Chhattisgarh, India
RAMCHANDRA RAMTEKE College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora Dau Shri Vasudev Chandrakar Kamdhenu Vishwavidyalaya, Durg (491001), Chhattisgarh, India
DHANANJAY JOLHE College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora Dau Shri Vasudev Chandrakar Kamdhenu Vishwavidyalaya, Durg (491001), Chhattisgarh, India
SHIVESH DESHMUKH College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora Dau Shri Vasudev Chandrakar Kamdhenu Vishwavidyalaya, Durg (491001), Chhattisgarh, India
SHABIR KUMAR ANANT College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora Dau Shri Vasudev Chandrakar Kamdhenu Vishwavidyalaya, Durg (491001), Chhattisgarh, India
ASHUTOSH TIWARI College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora Dau Shri Vasudev Chandrakar Kamdhenu Vishwavidyalaya, Durg (491001), Chhattisgarh, India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v96i7.167962

Keywords:

Conformation, Indian sporting horse, Joint angles, Jumping performance, Limb morphometry, Sport horse

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to establish baseline limb conformation characteristics and evaluate their association with jumping performance in Indian sporting horses. Fifty clinically sound Indian sporting horses trained for show jumping under uniform management and training conditions were included in the study. Linear measurements of major limb segments and joint angles of the forelimbs and hindlimbs were recorded using standard morphometric techniques based on anatomical landmarks. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were employed to assess the relationship between conformational traits and jumping performance. The results demonstrated considerable uniformity in body conformation among the horses studied. Several forelimb and hindlimb measurements, particularly limb proportions and selected joint angles, showed positive associations with jumping performance, indicating their functional importance in locomotion, propulsion, and landing stability. Limb conformation appeared to contribute more substantially to athletic performance than overall body size, highlighting the importance of proportional skeletal development in jumping horses. The findings provided baseline morphometric information for Indian sporting horses and emphasize the value of objective conformation assessment in the early identification of animals with superior athletic potential. These reference data might be useful for breeding programmes, performance evaluation, and selection strategies aimed at improving the efficiency and soundness of Indian sporting horses used in equestrian sports.

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