Analysis of gait transitions in dressage horses using wavelet analysis of dorsoventral acceleration

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe downward gait transitions in dressage horses using wavelet analysis spectrum of dorsoventral acceleration. An accelerometric device fixed at the sternum measured the dorsoventral and longitudinal acceleration of the running horse. Eighteen horses trained for dressage at the national level were recorded during aressage tests. Nine variables were calculated from a Morlet's wavelet analysis at canter-trot, canter-walk, canter-halt, trot-walk, trot-halt and walk-halt transition. These variables quantified the transition duration, the energy and the frequency of the dorsoventral acceleration during the gait transition. The variables distinguished each type of transition (P<0.05). It was found that the transitior duration increased and variation of energy and frequency were minimised with dressage training.