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In this study, logistic regression methodology has been used to identify and quantify the relationships between conformation and kinematic traits of young Brazilian Sport Horses on successful free jumps. The young horses ( n =108) aged 22–25; 23–32 and 36–39 months old (age Classes I, II and III) recorded on five attempt jumps in each age Class over a vertical fence that was 0.60, 0.80 and 1.05 m high, respectively. Jumps were recorded by a 100 Hz camera and analyzed by the Simi Reality Motion Systems® software. Traits were selected from a previous principal components analysis and used as independent traits in a logistic regression model. The most important traits for each age Class, from 45 independent traits presented in this study were selected as follows: 17 traits were selected for Class I; 19 for Class II; and 18 traits for Class III. On the logistic regression model to the Class I only the neck angle in the stance horses was significant. The logistic regression models to the Class II and III presented kinematic related traits that were significant, such as: last stride length prior to jumping, take-off distance, forelimb height at jumping, vertical distance between humeroradial and metacarpophalangeal joint, head angle, neck angle, femorotibial angle and vertical distance between the femorotibial and metatarsophalangeal joints. In conclusion, to increase the probability of a young horse jumping successfully, it is necessary to reduce stride length prior to the fence and to increase take-off distance, thus resulting in a higher height of forelimb over the fence and also to present smaller values of head and neck angles when jumping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical exercise is known to cause significant joint changes. Thus, monitoring joint behavior of athletic horses is essential in early disorders recognition, allowing the proper management., Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the morphological patterns, physical examination characteristics and ultrasound findings of show jumping horses in training and to establish a score-based examination model for physical and ultrasound follow-ups of metacarpophalangeal joint changes in these animals., Methods: A total of 52 metacarpophalangeal joints from 26 horses who were initially in the taming stage were evaluated, and the horses' athletic progression was monitored. The horses were evaluated by a physical examination and by B-mode and Doppler-mode ultrasound examinations, starting at time zero (T0), which occurred concomitantly with the beginning of training, and every 3 months thereafter for a follow-up period of 18 months., Results: The standardized examination model revealed an increase in the maximum joint flexion angles and higher scores on the physical and ultrasound examinations after scoring was performed by predefined assessment tools, especially between 3 and 6 months of evaluation, which was immediately after the horses started more intense training. The lameness score and the ultrasound examination score were slightly higher at the end of the study., Conclusions: The observed results were probably caused by the implementation of a training regimen and joint adaptation to physical conditioning. The joints most likely undergo a pre-osteoarthritic period due to work overload, which can manifest in a consistent or adaptive manner, as observed during this study. Thus, continuous monitoring of young athlete horses by physical and ultrasound examinations that can be scored is essential., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2020 The Korean Society of Veterinary Science.)