Habituation of horses to treadmill locomotion

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Abstract
Summary: Habituation to treadmill locomotion was investigated in ten Dutch Warmblood horses during a one‐week training programme. Kinematics of the horses were recorded using a CODA‐3 system and unidirectional accelerometers attached to all hooves. Horses were exercised for five days, twice a day at the walk and trot for five minutes at both gaits. Temporal and spatial stride variables and vertical trunk movement were analysed. The results indicate differences in habituation between different variables and gaits. At the walk, changes in stride duration and limb movement angle were found up to the last measurement. At the trot, all variables including constancy of stride approached constant values by the third session. At the beginning of each training session rapid adaptation occurred, disregarding the first minute of a session for locomotion studies. In conclusion, locomotion analysis at the trot requires training for a minimum of two sessions. For measurements at the walk, longer periods are recommended.