"Conformation Measurements and Limb Analysis for Jumping Performance in Indian Sporting Horses"
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Authors
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Dr. Rajkumar Gadpayle
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Dr. V. N. Khune
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Dr.Shabir Kumar Anant
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Dau Shri Vasudev Chandrakar Kamdhenu University Anjora Durg C.G.
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Dr. Rupal Pathak
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Dr.Ramchandra Ramteke
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Dr. Dhananjay Jolhe
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Dr. Shivesh Deshmukh
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Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari
Keywords:
Equine conformation, Horse biomechanics, Equine selection criteria,Performance evaluationAbstract
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to establish baseline limb measurements and joint angles in 50 Indian sporting horses trained for jumping. All horses were managed uniformly and participated in the same jumping events, ensuring consistency in training and performance evaluation. The goal was to aid in early selection of horses with suitable conformation for improved jumping performance. Bone lengths and joint angles were measured using a tape meter and goniometer by identifying anatomical reference points on the limbs. An objective method was followed for evaluation, and the data were statistically analyzed.Mean lengths (in cm) were: shoulder 58.91±3.09, arm 21.04±4.87, forearm (lateral) 45.79±1.59, forearm (front) 46.81±1.74, fore cannon (lateral) 27.04±1.86, fore cannon (front) 27.15±1.57, thigh 44.84±3.31, gaskin 55.30±4.55, and hind cannon 35.00±4.07. Mean joint angles (in degrees) included: elbow (lateral) 118.98±9.66, elbow (front) 133.49±11.49, carpus (lateral) 174.04±9.54, carpus (front) 176.79±8.51, fetlock (lateral) 142.61±3.57, fetlock (front) 174.77±2.67, hip 87.67±5.97, stifle 113.65±5.60, tarsal 150.57±6.01, and hind fetlock 152.03±4.82. Limb proportion ratios were also established. The present study provides specific conformation data for jumping-trained Indian sporting horses. These baseline values serve as guidelines for selecting horses with ideal limb structure and joint angles, enhancing their jumping performance potential in equestrian sports.
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