Ridecamp: [RC] News release: McPhail Equine Performance Center

July 18, 2002

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTED AT MCPHAIL CENTER OPEN HOUSE
	
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center
at Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine celebrated
its first two years of operation by hosting an open house on June 10,
2002.  
	
The center occupies more than 18,000 square feet and, among other
things, houses a large force platform and video analysis system used for
computerized motion analysis.  
	
Dr. Hilary Clayton is the director of the center and also holds the
McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine.  
	
Attendees toured the facilities and heard presentations on four of the
center's current research projects.   

Effects of Corta-Flx in Horses 
with Bone Spavin

Feed supplements intended to maintain joint health have become very
popular for relief of the symptoms of arthritis in people and animals.
There is considerable anecdotal evidence and some scientific reports
that support the use of these products. 

Bone spavin is one of the most common forms of arthritis in horses.
Treatment usually involves administration of anti-inflammatory analgesic
medication. The objective of this study was to assess the response of
horses with bone spavin to the administration of the feed supplement,
Corta-Flx. 

The study was designed as a placebo-controlled, double-blind study in
which neither the researchers nor the horse owners knew whether horses
were receiving Corta-Flx or a placebo until the study had been
completed.
 
The effect of Corta-Flx was evaluated objectively using gait analysis
to measure the horse's movement patterns and weight-bearing profiles.
Among other things, the  researchers calculated the absorption of
concussion and generation of propulsion by the limbs. 

Analysis of the results is in progress.

Researchers:  Patricia Almeida and Hilary Clayton


Effects of Hock Joint Conformation on 
Performance and Soundness

The conformation of the hock joint varies markedly between horses.
Certain types of hock conformation are thought to be more efficient for
athletic activities, whereas other types of conformation may predispose
to lameness. 

Horses with a small angle on the front of the hock (sickle hocks) are
thought to have less range of motion and to be predisposed to injuries,
such as bone spavin and curb, which makes them unsuitable as high-level
competitors in dressage and jumping.  Horses with a large hock angle
(straight hocks) are not generally regarded as good prospects for
athletic events and are said to be prone to thoroughpin and bog spavin.

Although the hock joint is the most common site of lameness in the hind
limb, the mechanisms by which this joint affects performance and
soundness have not been investigated. 

Research in the McPhail Equine Performance Center has shown that the
functions of the hock joint are to absorb concussion when the hoof hits
the ground and to generate energy that propels the horse forward. 

This objective of this study is to compare movement characteristics,
shock absorption, and force generation in horses with different types of
hock conformation.  The results will help us to understand why certain
types of conformation predispose to injury and enable recommendations to
be made as to the suitability of different conformations for specific
occupations.

Researchers:  Lauren Gnagey and Hilary Clayton


Studies of Horse Riders

The rider communicates with the horse using a system of aids, which are
produced by the hands, seat, weight and legs of the rider. This project
is investigating the aids from the rider's hands using strain gage
transducers to measure tension in the reins and electromyography to
study muscle activation patterns in the rider's arms and shoulders. 

The results indicate that rein tension is not constant, but occurs as
regular spikes as the horse's head nods into the contact, with the
rider's hand supporting the nodding action. There are two spikes per
stride in the trot and one spike per stride in the canter. Muscles in
the rider's arms (biceps and triceps) and forearms (wrist flexors and
extensors) contract rhythmically within the stride to support the
nodding motion of the horse's head.

This technology is being used to help riders improve their technique by
displaying rein tension and muscle activation patterns on a screen in
the riding arena. The rider observes the screen for immediate feedback
about his or her rein tension patterns and riding technique.

Researchers:  Kayo Terada  and Hilary Clayton


Position and Action of Different 
Bits in the Horse's Mouth

The bit is one of the tools used by the rider to control the horse.
Tension is transmitted from the riders' hands to the horse's mouth via
the reins and bit. 

Several years ago, Clayton studied the position and action of various
bits in the horse's mouth using a technique called fluoroscopy, a form
of continuous X-ray, recorded on videotape. Several new bits have been
marketed recently, some of which appear to have markedly different
mechanics. 
 
This project is using fluoroscopy and endoscopy to assess the action of
six bits: the hollow mouth snaffle, the boucher snaffle, the KK Ultra,
and three Myler bits. 

The fluoroscopic portion of the study involves recording X-rays
continuously as a measured amount of tension is applied to one or both
reins. The position and movements of each bit are evaluated relative to
sensitive structures in the horse's mouth, such as the hard palate and
the tongue. 

One of the challenges a horse faces when being ridden with a bit is the
need to swallow periodically. Some of the newer bits are thought to
facilitate swallowing, and this is being tested by having horses canter
on the treadmill with side reins attached to a surcingle to maintain
flexion at the poll. 

The researchers count the number of times the horses swallow during
exercise at the canter and make comparisons for horses wearing a halter
versus different types of bits. 

Researchers: Jane Manfredi  and Hilary Clayton

For more information about the Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance
Center, check the Website:  http://cvm.msu.edu/dressage

Contact:  Dr. Hilary Clayton, Director					

Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center 
(517) 432-5630

or
	    
Linda Chadderdon
College Information Officer
(517) 355-5165


Judith L. Lessard
Editorial Assistant
Publications and Media Relations
and Preveterinary Advising
College of Veterinary Medicine
Michigan State University
A120-D East Fee Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-355-0001

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
 Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
 Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
 Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=