Correlations between body dimensions of young trotters and motion parameters and racing performance

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to develop a point index for trotter conformation based on biometric measurements associated with basic movement parameters and race performance results as well as to determine a maximum score of these properties as a marker of their importance in creating desired utility traits. The studies were carried out with 30 Danish trotters. Twenty-three biometric measurements were made for each horse. The biometric measurements were correlated with measurements of the motion parameters (step length, step frequency, step duration motion velocity) and race performance parameters (total sum of wins, the number of paid places, during the whole racing season and a sum of wins/start). It was found that the conformation of trotters may impact the magnitude of race performance parameters, especially the total sum of wins. A trotter should be high at the withers, at the croup, and at the dock. It is important for the trunk to be relatively short while the chest should not be too deep. A long croup is desired, although its width is of lesser relevance. The shoulder should be short, whereas the forelimb should be long, especially in the forearm segment. A long ischium, thigh, and shank are also desired, as is a long distance from the hip joint to the hock joint. However, the distance between the hip cap and the hip joint should not be too long.