The symmetry and the regularity indicators can provide additional information when it comes to describing how a horse moves. Here is how.
The symmetry and regularity metrics are found in your analytics tab (Pro offer)
1. Regularity
- Regularity can be defined at trot or canter.
- It is an indicator of the similarity of a stride with the previous one.
- Two consecutive strides will never be perfectly identical in length or duration.
- In a nutshell, regularity studies the variation in stride length and stride frequency of a stride with the previous one.
The more the strides are different from each other, the less regular the regularity, the more energy the body expends to maintain the pace.
A lack of regularity leads to a lack of efficiency and therefore to more effort for the horse.
As a general rule, successful horses have great regularity data.
- Regularity is not a fixed value but depends on many parameters.
- It increases with age and training and is a witness to the improvement of a horse’s coordination.
- At high speed, it decreases because it is more difficult for the horse to maintain a smooth and clean stride as he approaches his limits.
2. Symmetry
- Symmetry can only be defined when trotting.
- It compares the movements of the right diagonal with the left.
- In canter, the two diagonals do not perform the same movements, so the symmetry cannot be calculated.
- Symmetry quantifies the spatial and temporal variation between the movement of the right and left diagonal.
- Ideally, both diagonals cover the same distance and result in the same time.
Like regularity, symmetry improves with age and training which will erase natural asymmetries.
3. How to analyse the figures ?
- Regular monitoring of symmetry and regularity allows you to get to know your horses better, to check their progress or to detect pain.
- Keep in mind that a horse is never perfectly symmetrical or regular.
- A stride will never replicate itself in all points identical due to the many physical parameters to be taken into account. It is a question of comparing a horse with itself or with another and not with an arbitrary value.
Well conducted training should improve the symmetry of the horse by promoting harmonious musculature and trying to erase natural disparities.
- It is therefore relevant to monitor the evolution of these two parameters. It allows to ensure that the work is balanced and to detect early possible injuries.
- In the event of injury, to relieve the painful limb, the horse will transfer weight to the healthy limbs which reduces regularity and symmetry.
- Any significant variation from one session to the next is a warning to the trainer.
Comparing one stride to another and the movement of the 4 limbs allows us to quantify the harmony and symmetry of the musculature of athletic horses.
Monitoring these parameters provides a lot of information on the work carried out but can also provide information on other problems.