Movement analysis of Icelandic Horses

As of now, there is no knowledge of how we can best detect lameness in gaits other than walk and trot. Objective motion analysis, using sensors or camera technology, can only be used to analyse the equine trot.

Consequently, a gait analysis of the Icelandic horses can be a big challenge as it is often most difficult to see if the horse is lame and from which leg the lameness originates from. This is because the Icelandic horse often has a very fast step frequency and does not always move in a clean two-beated trot gait.

With the help of sensors measuring the gait and symmetry as well as video cameras filming the horse in motion, we study how Icelandic horses change their pattern of movement in different gaits when they become lame. With this new knowledge, we can learn more about what we should look for when investigating and measuring lameness.

The project is a collaborative project between SLU, the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, the University of Utrecht, the University of Holar in Iceland and Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authorithy, Iceland .