[Linear and angular measures do not influence the type of march in Campeiro horses]

ABSTRACT The march is a natural gait of some breeds of horses, which results from coordinated movements, and is the characteristic gait of Campeiro horses. The objective of this study was to determine relationships between linear and angular measures with the type of march of the Campeiro racehorses. A total of 113 adult horses were evaluated and 12 linear and 11 angular measurements of each animal were performed. To obtain the linear measurements, we used a hypometer and a tape measure and for the angular measurements, an arthrogoniometer and podogoniometer. To evaluate and classify the gait the animals were mounted and filmed by lateral view. Of the 113 animals, 36 (32%) had an incomplete gait, 74 (65%) had a complete gait and three (3%) had a guinilha gait. Of the horses with complete gait, 20 (27%) presented batida quick march, 14 (19%) a central march and 40 (54%) a split march. Only the linear measure, the height of the rump, presented difference between the types of movements (P< 0.011). It can be concluded that the linear and angular measurements of the Campeiro equines present similar values between the march variations, demonstrating morphological equivalent regardless of the march category.