Save

Equestrian and biomechanical perspectives on laterality in the horse

In: Comparative Exercise Physiology
Authors:
A. Byström Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7011, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.

Search for other papers by A. Byström in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
H.M. Clayton Sport Horse Science, 3145 Sandhill Road, Mason, MI 48854, USA.

Search for other papers by H.M. Clayton in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
E. Hernlund Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7011, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.

Search for other papers by E. Hernlund in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
M. Rhodin Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7011, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.

Search for other papers by M. Rhodin in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
A. Egenvall Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Ultunaallén 5A, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.

Search for other papers by A. Egenvall in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Open Access

It has been suggested that one of the underlying causes of asymmetrical performance and left/right bias in sound riding horses is laterality originating in the cerebral cortices described in many species. The aim of this paper is to review the published evidence for inherent biomechanical laterality in horses deemed to be clinically sound and relate these findings to descriptions of sidedness in equestrian texts. There are no established criteria to determine if a horse is left or right dominant but the preferred limb has been defined as the forelimb that is more frequently protracted during stance and when grazing. Findings on left-right differences in forelimb hoof shape and front hoof angles have been linked to asymmetric forelimb ground reaction forces. Asymmetries interpreted as motor laterality have been found among foals and unhandled youngsters, and the consistency or extent of asymmetries seems to increase with age. Expressions of laterality also vary with breed, sex, training and handling, stress, and body shape but there are no studies of the possible link between laterality and lameness. In a recent study of a group of seven dressage horses, a movement pattern in many ways similar to descriptions of sidedness in the equestrian literature, e.g. one hind limb being more protracted and placed more laterally than the other, has been documented. The role of innate laterality versus painful conditions, training, human handedness and simply habit remains to be determined. Understanding the biomechanical manifestations of laterality in healthy horses, including individual variation, would yield a potential basis for how laterality should be taken into account in relation to training/riding and rehabilitation of lameness.

Content Metrics

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 0 0 0
Full Text Views 237 178 20
PDF Views & Downloads 298 218 47