Science in brief: Highlights from the biomechanics and physiotherapy abstracts at the International Conference on Equine Exercise Physiology.

Abstract

Although human observations of equine locomotion are as old as our relationship with the horse, today's scientists still have much to learn about horse–human interactions. Two approaches are commonly used to study equine biomechanics and both were evident in abstracts presented at the International Conference on Equine Exercise Physiology (ICEEP) 2014. One approach is to use simplified methods of measurement and analysis that provide simple but meaningful objective information that can ultimately be used by the clinician or practitioner. Alternatively, more complex equipment and techniques may be used that directly measure or infer loading on the equine musculoskeletal system to provide detailed structural and functional information. Whichever methods are used, it is important that they are reliable and robust and that the errors and limitations of the measurement system are fully recognised when interpreting data. In his keynote speech, Professor René van Weeren proposed that the biomechanical techniques available to scientists today provide a gateway to a better understanding of the horse–rider interaction that must ultimately improve equine welfare while maintaining peak performance. The abstracts presented in this Editorial therefore cover key topics that are relevant to welfare and performance, lameness and asymmetry, locomotion and sports performance, a focus on the axial system, and the foot.