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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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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.