Análise cinemática do passo, trote e canter e das manobras de esbarrada e volta sobre patas de cavalos da raça Crioula

Abstract

The equine species has a wide variety of breeds and morphological biotypes. The Criollo breed has grown in importance in the Brazilian and South American equestrian scene, showing a clear evolution in competitions that seek to reward horses that combine form and function with high efficiency in the management of cattle herds in extensive breeding. Morphological and biomechanical assessments are crucial to understanding athletic efficiency and functionality in various equestrian disciplines. The breed stands out in the Freio de Ouro, being the benchmark for the appreciation of both morphology and functional performance. However, detailed biomechanical studies, especially on kinematics, are scarce in this discipline. Within this context, the present study aimed to fill this gap, analyzing the dynamic kinematics of the gaits and maneuvers of Criollo breed horses competing in Freio de Ouro. The kinematic analysis was carried out on 35 Criollo horses, in training and competition in the Freio de Ouro equestrian discipline. 30 retroreflective markers were positioned on the bony protuberances of the appendicular segments and on the axial face of the animals. Slow motion videos were obtained of the walk, trot and canter and the esbarrada and volta sobre patas maneuvers on both the right and left sides. Using the Quintic Biomechanics v33 software, quantitative values of linear, temporal and angular variables of each movement were measured. For the variables, the mean value and standard deviation between the right and left sides were obtained. In the esbarrada maneuver, regression analysis was performed between the static angles, previously measured, and the protraction values of the thoracic and pelvic limbs. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. In walking, among the main results, the step obtained a stride length of 1.61 ± 0.14m, with a duration of 0.90 ± 0.04s and a speed of 1.79 ± 0.13m/s; for the trot, the stride length was 2.30 ± 0.23m, the stride duration was 0.60 ± 0.03s and the speed was 3.82 ± 0.43m/s; Finally, the canter achieved stride length, stride duration and speed on the lead members of 2.86 ± 0.29m, 0.51 ± 0.03s and 5.61 ± 0.64m/s and support members of 2.68 ± 0.25m, 0.51 ± 0.02s and 5.28 ± 0.56m/s, respectively. During the maneuvers, the esbarrada had a length of 4.28 ± 0.99m for 1.15 ± 0.11s and a speed of 3.77 ± 0.55m/s. There was no regression between static angles and thoracic and pelvic protraction (p > 0.05). For the volta sobre patas, the time at moment 1 was 9.20 ± 1.43s, with thoracic suspension of 0.81 ± 0.33s and at moment 2 both values were 9.23 ± 1.88s and 0 .83 ± 0.34s, respectively. Furthermore, the established times differed in the two moments (M1, p = 0.023; M2, p < 0.001), as well as the time of simultaneous suspension of the thoracic limbs (p = 0.013 and 0.023, respectively). This study presents a new methodological approach for the kinematic analysis of gaits and maneuvers of esbarrada and volta sobre patas in Criollo breed horses competing in Freio de Ouro, as well as for homologous movements. Static goniometry does not correlate with the protraction angles of the thoracic and pelvic limbs during the esbarrada. In the volta sobre patas maneuver, the second set of turns lasts longer, with greater suspension of both thoracic limbs, reflecting competitive level practices in this equestrian discipline through the determination of values based on videography from real movement patterns.