COMPARISON OF TWO PREPARATION PROCEDURES (HARROWING VS. ROLLING) APPLIED TO AN EQUESTRIAN SPORT ARENA: EFFECTS ON THE DYNAMIC VARIABLES IN 3 HORSES LANDING AFTER A JUMP

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the dynamic variables recorded on 3 horses landing after a jump on an arena surface (sand & fibre mix) after application of two classical preparation procedures: harrowing and rolling. Each horse, equipped with a dynamometric horseshoe and an accelerometer on its right forehoof, performed 6 jumps alternatively on each prepared surface, landing alternatively at right and left lead. The maximal vertical deceleration and the energy of vibrations (>50Hz) at impact significantly decreased with harrowing, on both limbs. The braking force and braking loading rate were greater on the rolled surface but only in the leading limb. The vertical loading rate and, in the leading limb only, the maximal vertical force, were significantly larger on the rolled surface, which suggests that preparation affected the surface deeper than expected.