Relationships between Stride Length, Stride Frequency, Step Length and Velocity at the Start Dash in a Racehorse

Abstract

The present study was undertaken in effort to describe the relationships among each step length, stride length, stride frequency, and velocity during the start dash. Stride frequency reached its peak immediately after the start, while stride length required about 25-30 strides to reach its maximal level. Although substantial increase in velocity was attained by an increase in stride length, it appears that acceleration during the start dash is achieved by maximal increase in stride frequency. Mid step length reached a maximum level following several strides, however airborne step length required more time to reach its maximum. Therefore acceleration during the start dash is achieved by a maximal increase in mid step length since it is not possible to quickly increase airborne step length. © 1994, Japanese Society of Equine Science. All rights reserved.