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Equine study reveals insights into hoof-ground interactions
"We were particularly intrigued to find that the horses and jockeys we studied appeared to operate within displacement limits" - Dr Kate Horan.
Findings could help to prevent injuries in equines and jockeys.

Horseshoes and ground surface conditions can significantly impact the upper body movements of horses and their riders, according to new research.
 
Horseshoes influence how horses’ hooves interact with different ground surfaces during the impact, loading and push-off phases of a stride cycle. As such, different horse-surface combinations could affect the magnitude and stability of movement patterns in horses and jockeys. 

In the study, researchers measured the stability of movement patterns in horse-jockey combinations using inertial sensing technology. Four shoeing conditions – aluminium, barefoot, GluShu and steel – were trialled on turf and artificial surfaces. 

Dr Kate Horan, a postdoctoral research assistant at the RVC, said of the research: “We were particularly intrigued to find that the horses and jockeys we studied appeared to operate within displacement limits, in an attempt to maintain stability in different shoe and surface conditions. 

“Work of this nature may ultimately enable us to become prophylactic with regards to reducing the risk of falls, improving horse comfort, and preventing catastrophic injuries in equine athletes and their jockeys.”

The first-of-its-kind study, published in PLOS ONE, used 13 retired racehorses and two jockeys from the British Racing School. Sensor technology was fitted to the girth of the horses, at the pelvis of the jockeys, and the four shoeing conditions. 
 
Dr Horan added: “It has been really exciting to be part of a team investigating the impact of farriery interventions on horse and jockey movement dynamics. We have demonstrated that a consideration of horseshoes and surfaces is paramount if we are to begin to understand the complexity of horse and jockey movements, and how they interact during high-speed locomotion.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.