Exactly how different racing surfaces affect horses–specifically the lower portions of the legs–remains unlcear. Anecdotal evidence suggests that synthetic track surfaces could be more assciated with some musculoskeletal injuries than dirt or turf surfaces. In order to understand the interaction between surface and horse health better, a research team recently evaluated Thoroughbreds’ hind limb motion on dirt and synthetic surfaces.

Jennifer E. Symons, MS, a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering, at the University of California, Davis, J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, presented the study findings at the 2012 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 1-5 in Anaheim, Calif.,

Symons and colleagues applied kinematic markers to specific points on five Thoroughbred racehorses’ lower limbs before sending the animals out to gallop on a dirt surface and a synthetic surface. The team used high-speed video analysis to evaluate joint angles during workouts