Gait analysis: an introduction to its use for clinical evaluation and performance assessment of the equine athlete

Equine locomotion is complex to measure and has warranted clinical interest since early high-speed photography in the late 19th century produced the first accurate representation of a galloping horse. The advancement of gait analysis technology has produced easy to use systems that have enabled scientists and clinicians to evaluate equine gait characteristics in more detail and with increased objectivity and accurately. Goniometry, force plate, videography and optoelectric systems provide methods for subjective analysis of equine gait. A review of the literature concludes that simple objective, repeatable and user friendly assessment tools have worth in the monitoring of clinical efficacy of therapeutic interventions used in orthopaedics and rehabilitation, and to evaluate locomotor performance in combination with traditional veterinary examinations and equine training practices.