Thermographic Analysis of the Metacarpal and Metatarsal Areas in Jumping Sport Horses and Leisure Horses in Response to Warm-Up Duration

This study aimed to assess the impact of various types of warm-up on the metacarpal and metatarsal surface temperature in jumping sport horses in comparison to leisure horses, which work usually less intensively. Six clinically healthy sport geldings, contestants in showjumping competitions, and six geldings used for leisure riding were included in the study. The experiment was conducted for four consecutive days, during which the horses were warmed up by walking and trotting for various durations. Images were taken with a FLUKE Ti9 thermal imager to determine the resting, post-effort, and recovery temperature of the dorsal and plantar surface of the metacarpus and metatarsus of the four limbs. The obtained data were analysed with SmartView 4.1. software. The increase of measured rectal and surface temperatures was proportional to the warm-up duration. The surface temperature increase in the distal limb parts in jumping sport horses was greater than in horses used for leisure. The plantar surface was also warmer than the dorsal surface of the metacarpal/metatarsal areas, with a forelimb being warmer than a hind limb. Elevated temperatures after warm-up persist for 30 min in the recovery period, especially in jumping sport horses compared to leisure horses. Thus, the warming up effect is achieved earlier and lasts longer in heavily trained horses than in non-performance horses.