Biomechanical Analysis of Jumping Horses

Abstract

During the jump, the horse’s body changes twice its direction, first when it takes off up and second when it lands on the ground, and it has to undergo the necessary accelerations/decelerations in order to perform a correct jump. The goal of this study is to calculate the trajectory and movements of the horse during the jump, angles when the horse takes off and lands and the space and high of the jump. The horse’s jump is divided into five parts: approach, take off, suspension, landing and departure. All of these parts have specific determining factors and they have mechanic, anatomic and mathematic relationship. These models could be used to assist horse breeders to identify different anatomical and functional characteristics that could define a better performance for this athletic discipline. Additionally, these models could also help the horse veterinarians to identify a certain predisposition for lesions and to give advice to the owners in order to reduce these sports injuries