PRODUCTINFORMATION and Equine Gait Analysis Left Hip Angle in Walk Right Hip Angle in Walk lameness and other obvious issues, our eye Trainers can also assess changes in quality is not able to catch and comprehend all that of movement that result from training. we see, especially at faster gaits such as the This is an effective measurement tool Finally within reach trot, canter and gallop. which, when used in conjunction with Equine Video Gait Analysis allows the their current assessment methods, aids in by Christine Scully therapist to slow the motion and note assessing when a horse is fully prepared BAppSci (Equine Studies) Honours Class 1 (C.Sturt), any deviations from what is considered to advance to a higher level of education. Cert Sports Massage, Cert MFR, Cert IV Training & Assessment normal. This enhances the accuracy in Horse in Motion by Muybridge. source: wikipedia.org Muybridge. source: Horse in Motion by For Riding Instructors viewing and recognizing the problem, and Imagine the benefit of being able to In 1878, a photographer Muybridge was successful in showing for In Video Gait Analysis the horse the effectiveness of treatment. Assumptions of assessment are reduced and issues can show your students the influence of their by the name of Muybridge the first time that in phases of the horse’s is videoed in a specific way and position on the horse while the riding movement the all four legs were off the the video is viewed through a be immediately addressed, reducing lost decided to investigate if performance time. lesson is underway. Video gait analysis ground. This study not only was the first computer based system and specific allows you to mark and measure the Hoof Assessment Trot “horses flew”. To do so he definitive study of equine movement, but measurements made. rider and the horse, showing clearly the For Farriers Elite Sports Horses including racehorses was the precursor to all moving films. The horse can be filmed and assessed effect of changes of body position on the set up a line of cameras, Farriers are directly involved in maintaining are extremely valuable. Using a tool, Since Muybridge, much research has been at any gait – as long as the camera movement of the horse. Visualization each of which was tripped or enhancing equine movement. Being able such as Video Gait Analysis, reduces done on horse gait, breed differences, used is adequate. Being able to assess allows the instructor to easily identify any to view the horse’s hoof movement in slow some of the risk in relation to purchasing when an attached wire specifics of elite athletes, musculoskeletal the qualities of gait in this manner issues with rider position and is a tool motion will allow complete assessment of a horse that is suitable for the task to be issues, and lameness effects. Thus, there allows a permanent, accurate record to demonstrate to the rider how they are was hit by the chest of a hoof balance and ensure alterations are of performed. is a large body of knowledge which, up of changes over time in relation to benefit. Just like the equine therapist, the riding, and specifically where they could galloping horse. A detailed assessment of a horse’s until recently, was only utilized by research training or rehabilitation, and also farrier can easily show the client what the improve. movement prior to purchase can point The development of film centers and large Equine Hospitals. has the advantage of being used to issue is, and follow up by showing the effect For Selection out possible issues, allowing an informed The technology may have been available the see immediate effects of changing of the treatment on the horse’s movement. and video has allowed decision to be made about purchase. It is for many years, but until recently it hoof balance, massage treatment or A growing area for A.C.A.T.T. is the use also possible to compare what is found great advancement in the remained cost prohibitive. Today it is riding instruction. For Veterinarians Video Gait Analysis in selection of race with specifics of gait known for elite analysis of movement. affordable by most horse people. Let’s take a look at how it can Equine gait analysis is a wonderful and performance horses. sports horses. This gives buyers far more be utilized to assist your equine adjunct to veterinary investigations of gait Today the technology has With greater access to the knowledge and information about that horse than is equipment in the field, video gait analysis management or business. problems. In conjunction with the tools the come out of the lab and veterinarian currently uses such as x-rays, gained by watching the horse in work or has become a possibility for practitioners, For Equine Therapists through buying on bloodline alone. into the field. trainers, horse riders and owners. scans and nerve blocks, Video Gait Analysis Through the Australian This group of practitioners includes is a wonderful tool to assist in locating the How do you gain access to Video Equine Gait Analysis Masseurs, Tactile Therapists, issue, thus reducing the time to investigate, Gait Analysis? College of Animal Tactile Equine gait analysis is simply a method of Chiropractors and Osteopaths that and the cost to the client. Therapy (ACATT) Christine viewing a horse’s movement and assessing treat musculoskeletal issues and deal In pre-purchase examinations, Video Gait You can set up your own system and analyse any horse you wish in the time Scully offers gait analysis for items of interest such as length of stride, with equine performance. Analysis allows the Veterinarian to clearly angle of joints etc. Traditionally these Currently most practitioners watch view all qualities of stride and assess if that is appropriate for you. You need a selection and assessment qualities of gait are assessed using the horses with their naked eyes. While the horse’s movement is suitable for the camcorder, a lap top and a Computer of equine movement naked eye. this is adequate for ascertaining intended purpose. Gait Analysis System, it is that simple. The computer based program will allow for masseurs and other For Horse Trainers you to slow the video down so you can practitioners. ACATT is the Whether it be racing, dressage, jumping, watch the horse in slow motion. first Equine Therapy College eventing, polo, barrel racing or other, Alternately you can employ the services using this technology trainers benefit from analysis of those horses of a Gait Analysis Specialist such as that are not advancing as expected. This Christine Scully, who uses a high speed in their study programs, allows early identification of any issues, camera allowing extreme slow motion Equine Movement Clinic and prompt planning to address them, viewing, and provides the knowledge and research. enhancing the effectiveness of training and and experience of a professional reducing the risk of injury. practitioner. Conformation Analysis Hind ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Christine Scully is the Managing Director and teaches at the Australian College of Animal Tactile Therapy (A.C.A.T.T.) In 1994 she developed a basic gait analysis system to analyse the progression of training in dressage horses. Since 2011, she incorporated a computer Gait Analysis System and high speed camera to enhance accuracy. A.C.A.T.T. use and sell the EquineTec Gait Analysis System. Should you wish to know more contact This image shows the arc of the hind limb flight in walk. Christine at ACATT (03) 9752 1688, [email protected] or visit the website: www.acatt.net Page 54 • HORSES and PEOPLE • Phone: 07 5467 9796 • [email protected] www.horsesandpeople.com.au • HORSES and PEOPLE • Page 55.