THE EFFECT OF TOE WEIGHTS ON LINEAR AND TEMPORAL STRIDE CHARACTERISTICS OF STANDARD-BRED TROTTERS

Toe weights are applied to influence the stride characteristics of tro tters. The quantitative effect of 88-g toe weights on the stride chara cteristics of Standardbred trotters was evaluated in a kinematic study using a CODA-3 analysis system. Six trotters were studied at a speed of 11 m/s on a treadmill. Temporal gait variables, joint angles, and t he trajectories of the forelimb hoof were calculated. The stride patte rns of the individual trotters were assessed by a judge and compared t o the CODA-output. Those trotters with poor flexion of the carpal join t during the swing phase or with insufficient knee action responded wi th better carpal flexion and more knee action when toe weights were at tached. No effect of toe weights on the protraction of the forelimb co uld be demonstrated. Stride length, stride duration, and the relative duration of the stance and swing phase as a percentage of the stride d id not respond to toe weights. It is concluded that toe weights can be useful in Standardbred trotters, but their effect depends on the indi vidual gait pattern.