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Animals
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Advances in Equine Sports Medicine, Therapy and Rehabilitation
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Advances in Equine Sports Medicine, Therapy and Rehabilitation

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Equids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 7674

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Roberta F. Godoy

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Equine and Veterinary Physiotherapy, Writtle University College, Lordship Road, Chelmsford CM1 3RR, UK
Interests: biomechanics; equine sports medicine; physiotherapy; regenerative therapy; rehabilitation; orthopaedics
Dr. David Marlin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
David Marlin Consulting, Cambridge, UK
Interests: exercise physiology; equitation science; sports medicine; performance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue, titled “Advances in equine sports medicine, therapy and rehabilitation”. The increasing advances in equine sports medicine, aiming to improve equine welfare and horse–human interaction, prompt us to further the reach of our research and to disseminate the knowledge and updates in equine sports. Furthermore, there is an increased presence of veterinary physiotherapy and rehabilitation modalities in equine sports medicine, which needs more evidence to support its effective and safe use within the sports horse population.

This Special Issue aims to collate advances in a variety of areas within equine sports medicine.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: exercise physiology, sports activities biomechanical demands, nutrition and specific supplementation in sport horses, advances in training guidelines, effort testing, the role of veterinarians in sport competitions, orthopaedic injuries associated with equine sports, new therapies for sports pathologies in horses, regenerative medicine, physiotherapy and rehabilitation in sport horses, and behavioural methods/ethology in sport horses, including aspects of animal–human interactions during sports activities, as well as other aspects of sports horses care (transport, housing, drug testing, preventive medicine and animal welfare).

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Roberta F. Godoy
Dr. David Marlin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sports medicine
  • sporting horses
  • equine sports training
  • nutrition in sporting horses
  • equine sports demands
  • biomechanics
  • sports injuries in horses
  • physiotherapy and rehabilitation in sporting horses
  • regenerative therapies in sporting horses

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

11 pages, 410 KiB  
Article
Association of Equine Squamous and Glandular Gastric Disease with Dental Status in 54 Horses
by Rabea Lensing, Caroline Wirth, Franziska Thünker, Roswitha Merle and Ann Kristin Barton
Animals 2024, 14(22), 3189; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223189 - 7 Nov 2024
Viewed by 859
Abstract
Gastric pH is a key factor in the development of equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD). Although acid injury is unlikely the primary cause of equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD), low pH may promote mucosal damage. Gastric pH is influenced by roughage uptake, as [...] Read more.
Gastric pH is a key factor in the development of equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD). Although acid injury is unlikely the primary cause of equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD), low pH may promote mucosal damage. Gastric pH is influenced by roughage uptake, as chewing increases the alkaline saliva production. The proton pump inhibitor omeprazole is currently recommended by the American/European College of Veterinary/Equine Internal Medicine (ACVIM/ECEIM) for ESGD and EGGD. We hypothesized that dental disorders decrease saliva production and gastric pH, predisposing horses to EGUS. Gastroscopy, intragastric pH measurement and dental examinations were performed (n = 54). Omeprazole therapy was recommended (n = 32), dental disorders were corrected (n = 22) and gastroscopy was repeated 4 weeks later (n = 9). An influence of moderate to severe dental disorders on ESGD (grade ≥ 2/4) (p = 0.394) and EGGD (grade ≥ 2/3) (p = 0.857) could not be determined. Nevertheless, there was a trend that moderate to severe dental disorders were associated with a low gastric pH ≤ 4 (p = 0.100). Horses with no or mild dental problems had a mean pH of 5.4 versus 4.2 in moderate to severe dental disorders. In conclusion, our study results do not show a direct relationship between dental disorders and EGUS, but a gastric and oral cavity examination should still be considered in patients presented for weight loss or inappetence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Equine Sports Medicine, Therapy and Rehabilitation)
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15 pages, 1559 KiB  
Article
2D Kinematic Analysis of the Esbarrada and Volta Sobre Patas Manoeuvres of Criollo Breed Horses Competing in Freio de Ouro
by Gino Luigi Bonilla Lemos Pizzi, Karina Holz, Éverton Augusto Kowalski, Priscila Fonseca Ribeiro, Roberta Blake and Charles Ferreira Martins
Animals 2024, 14(16), 2410; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14162410 - 20 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 931
Abstract
The esbarrada and volta sobre patas manoeuvres are critical in Criollo horse equestrian activities, yet their kinematics remain largely unexplored. This observational study aimed to kinematically describe the manoeuvres in Criollo breed horses and explore the relationship between static goniometry and dynamics. A [...] Read more.
The esbarrada and volta sobre patas manoeuvres are critical in Criollo horse equestrian activities, yet their kinematics remain largely unexplored. This observational study aimed to kinematically describe the manoeuvres in Criollo breed horses and explore the relationship between static goniometry and dynamics. A 2D kinematic analysis was conducted on 31 Criollo horses performing the manoeuvres using high-speed cameras. Joint angles were measured using static goniometry and analysed in relation to dynamic performance. The esbarrada covered a distance of 4.28 ± 0.99 m in 1.15 ± 0.11 s at a velocity of 3.77 ± 0.55 m/s. Joint angles showed a mean fetlock extension of 75.4° ± 5.3° and hock flexion of 43.2° ± 4.1°. In the volta sobre patas, significant differences were found in turn duration (first: 0.96 ± 0.07 s, second: 1.12 ± 0.09 s, p = 0.03) and thoracic limb suspension (first: 0.23 ± 0.02 s, second: 0.28 ± 0.03 s, p = 0.02). Static goniometry indicated that limb conformation did not significantly correlate with protraction angles during the esbarrada (p = 0.27). The volta sobre patas demonstrated prolonged duration and increased thoracic limb suspension in the second turn. Also, the findings suggest that static conformation does not predict dynamic limb movement during the esbarrada. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Equine Sports Medicine, Therapy and Rehabilitation)
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15 pages, 11164 KiB  
Article
Conformational Defects in the Limbs of Menorca Purebred Horses and Their Relationship to Functionality
by Maria Ripollés-Lobo, Davinia I. Perdomo-González, Mercedes Valera and María D. Gómez
Animals 2024, 14(7), 1071; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071071 - 31 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1321
Abstract
Limb-conformation defects significantly influence equine performance and welfare, necessitating thorough investigation for effective management. This study examines the prevalence and genetic parameters of 14 limb-conformation defects in Menorca Purebred horses using data from 1120 records (509 animals with an average age of 101.87 [...] Read more.
Limb-conformation defects significantly influence equine performance and welfare, necessitating thorough investigation for effective management. This study examines the prevalence and genetic parameters of 14 limb-conformation defects in Menorca Purebred horses using data from 1120 records (509 animals with an average age of 101.87 ± 1.74 months) collected between 2015 and 2023. Defects were evaluated using a three-class scale by three appraisers, and a Bayesian approach via Gibbs sampling was employed to estimate genetic parameters including gender, birth period, stud selection criteria, evaluation age and appraiser as fixed effects. Splay-footed forelimb and closed hocks were the most prevalent defects (67.20% and 62.53%, respectively). Horses with any of the defects analyzed have been observed to obtain significantly lower scores for both walk and trot. Heritability estimates range from 0.12 (s.d.: 0.025) for closed hock to 0.30 (s.d.: 0.054) for base narrow, confirming the genetic influences on the expression of limb conformation defects. The divergent defect in hind limbs showed the highest genetic correlations with forelimb defects (camped under, −0.69; s.d: 0.32 and camped out, 0.70; s.d: 0.27). The significant genetic correlations between defects highlight the complexity of the relationships, which requires careful consideration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Equine Sports Medicine, Therapy and Rehabilitation)
15 pages, 1830 KiB  
Article
Changes in Head and Pelvic Movement Symmetry after Diagnostic Anaesthesia: Interactions between Subjective Judgement Categories and Commonly Applied Blocks
by Thilo Pfau, Kaitlyn Sophia Clark, David M. Bolt, Jaclyn Samantha Lai, Melanie Perrier, Jessica Bryce Rhodes, Roger K. Smith and Andrew Fiske-Jackson
Animals 2023, 13(24), 3769; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13243769 - 6 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1233
Abstract
Limited evidence is available relating gait changes to diagnostic anaesthesia. We investigated associations between specific movement patterns and diagnostic anaesthesia of different anatomical structures in a retrospective analysis. Referral-level lameness cases were included with the following criteria: presence of diagnostic anaesthesia of a [...] Read more.
Limited evidence is available relating gait changes to diagnostic anaesthesia. We investigated associations between specific movement patterns and diagnostic anaesthesia of different anatomical structures in a retrospective analysis. Referral-level lameness cases were included with the following criteria: presence of diagnostic anaesthesia of a forelimb and/or hind limb; subjective efficacy classified as “negative”, “partially positive”, or “positive”; quantitative gait data available from inertial measurement units. Gait changes were calculated for three forelimb (palmar digital, abaxial sesamoid, low 4-point nerve block) and five hind limb diagnostic blocks (tarso-metatarsal, metatarsophalangeal joint block, deep branch of lateral plantar, low 6-point, abaxial sesamoid nerve block). Mixed models (random factor “case”, fixed factors “diagnostic anaesthesia type” and “efficacy”, two-way interaction) assessed the head and pelvic movement (p < 0.05, Bonferroni correction). Four parameters were significantly affected by forelimb anaesthesia (N = 265) (all p ≤ 0.031) and six by hind limb anaesthesia (N = 342) efficacy (all p ≤ 0.001). All head movement parameters and pelvic push-off asymmetry were significantly affected by the two-way interaction after forelimb anaesthesia (all p ≤ 0.023) and two pelvic movement symmetry parameters by the two-way interaction after hind limb anaesthesia (all p ≤ 0.020). There are interactions between block efficacy and type resulting in changes in weight-bearing and push-off-associated head and pelvic movement symmetry after diagnostic anaesthesia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Equine Sports Medicine, Therapy and Rehabilitation)
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Review

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37 pages, 1627 KiB  
Review
The Challenge of Defining Laterality in Horses: Is It Laterality or Just Asymmetry?
by Kevin K. Haussler, Sarah S. le Jeune, Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Selma N. Latif and Hilary M. Clayton
Animals 2025, 15(3), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030288 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1370
Abstract
The defining characteristic of laterality is the dominance of one side of the brain controlling specific functions of paired organs or on one side of the body. Structural and functional asymmetries are ubiquitous in horses and range from anatomical features (e.g., the length [...] Read more.
The defining characteristic of laterality is the dominance of one side of the brain controlling specific functions of paired organs or on one side of the body. Structural and functional asymmetries are ubiquitous in horses and range from anatomical features (e.g., the length of long bones) to the gathering of sensory information (e.g., which eye is used to observe unfamiliar scenes) and motor functions (e.g., left–right differences in locomotion). There is a common tendency to assign observed structural or functional asymmetries to lateralization, which often involves more than a simple left–right difference in observed behavior. This narrative review explores the concept of laterality relative to the structural and functional asymmetries reported in horses. Inconsistent and poorly defined terminology, a widely disparate methodology, and a lack of standardized thresholds make it difficult to assess the presence or degree of laterality. Within this context, there seems to be limited evidence of laterality in horses and much more prevalent and stronger support for structural and functional asymmetries due to a wide range of well-established behavioral, nociceptive, and biomechanical mechanisms. The authors caution against generalizing the idea that all observed structural or functional asymmetries in horses are due to laterality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Equine Sports Medicine, Therapy and Rehabilitation)
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17 pages, 760 KiB  
Review
Equine Asthma Diagnostics: Review of Influencing Factors and Difficulties in Diagnosing Subclinical Disease
by Lioba Lendl and Ann Kristin Barton
Animals 2024, 14(23), 3504; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233504 - 4 Dec 2024
Viewed by 798
Abstract
This literature review focuses on diagnostics of equine asthma (EA), possible influencing factors on diagnostic techniques and latest developments in diagnosing horses during EA remission or with subclinical disease. Routine EA diagnostics include a clinical examination of the respiratory system with percussion and [...] Read more.
This literature review focuses on diagnostics of equine asthma (EA), possible influencing factors on diagnostic techniques and latest developments in diagnosing horses during EA remission or with subclinical disease. Routine EA diagnostics include a clinical examination of the respiratory system with percussion and auscultation including a rebreathing examination, and clinical pathology including white blood cells and arterial blood gas analysis. Subsequent diagnostics include bronchoscopy to evaluate the amount and viscosity of respiratory secretion, bronchoalveolar lavage, and the cytology of tracheal aspirates (TAs) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The grading of EA severity is built on respiratory effort at rest, which is increased in severe equine asthma. The inflammatory subtype is based on BALF cytology, while TA cytology helps to rule out previous bacterial infections. Different factors have an impact on the airways regarding the structure of the epithelium, cytology, and inflammatory markers possibly influencing the diagnosis of EA. Short-term exercise increases the total cell count and inflammatory mediators identified in the BALF of human patients, asymptomatic horses, and other species. Other factors involve cold or chlorinated air, long-term training effects, and concurrent additional respiratory disease, in particular exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. As BALF cytology may be unremarkable during EA remission and low-grade disease, exercise tests and other factors stressing the bronchial epithelium may help to diagnose these patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Equine Sports Medicine, Therapy and Rehabilitation)
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