Head and Neck Positions Affect Equine Kinematic Variables in Marcha Batida Gait—A Pilot Study

The Mangalarga Marchador (MM) breed naturally performs four-beat gaits known as "Marcha". Kinematic analysis can provide insights for optimizing training and competition performance in this breed while potentially mitigating welfare concerns associated with extreme head and neck positions (HNPs) applied without an adequate understanding of their impacts. We examined how different HNPs affect the MM horse's Marcha Batida gait. Four HNPs were evaluated: HPN1-loose reins, HPN2-the competition standard for MM, HPN3-an extremely elevated head and neck, and HPN4-a slightly behind-the-vertical position. Kinematic data were collected using an optoelectronic system, and diagonal dissociation, stride length, and step height were analyzed. HNP3 had the highest dissociation, shortest stride length, and higher step height compared to the other HNPs. HNP1 resulted in the longest stride length. HNP2 and HNP4 differed in diagonal dissociation. HNPs significantly impact the kinematics of the Marcha Batida gait in this cohort of Mangalarga Marchador horses. Our results confirm the benefits of HNP2, the recommended position for shows and competitions. Additionally, it discourages the use of HNP3 and reiterates the need for further research into HNPs in four-beat gaits, highlighting the importance of rider training and the careful selection of HNPs to optimize Marcha Batida performance.