The project was initiated and financed by the Veterinary Medical University of Vienna. Aim of the research was to identify genotypic and phenotypical parameters of the horses. For this, our department was asked to analyse the horses’ gait using highspeed video footage. The investigated parameters included the vertical hoof displacement and the ground-contact time of the hoofs during walk, trot and gallop.

Additionally, kinematic parameters of the horse’s head and body and the rider were measured to answer the question “How are the kinematic parameters involved by different gaits and velocities?”. Further, the department aims at developing an objective method to monitor the posture of the horse’s head and body in real time during training sessions.

The time consuming measurements that were actively supported by the staff of the department as well as by students were performed at two training venues of the Spanish Riding School (Heldenberg, Wien).