Biomechanics and physiology of the trot, trocha, and gallop in Criollo Horses

Colombian Criollo horses’ trot, trocha, and gallop are submaximal oxygen consumption gaits with unique locomotory-respiratory coupling
Am J Vet Res. 2025 Jul 14:1-7. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.25.04.0151. Online ahead of print.
Authors
Shannon Massie 1 , Lady Consuelo Calixto Vega 2 , Angélica María Zuluaga-Cabrera 3 , Warwick M Bayly 4 , Renaud Léguillette 1
Affiliations

1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
2 CENTAURO Research Group, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
3 GISCA Research Group, Institución Universitaria Visión de las Américas, Medellín, Colombia.
4 Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Grimes Way, Pullman, WA.

PMID: 40664257
DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.25.04.0151

Abstract

Objective: Colombian Criollo horses are bred for their smooth gaits that emphasize full collection and rapid footfall. The physiological demands of these gaits remain unknown. Our objective was to determine if oxygen consumption, ventilation, locomotor-respiratory coupling, and running economy differed between the trot or trocha and the gallop.

Methods: 7 competition horses completed a controlled design standardized field test between January 10 and 20, 2025. Horses wore a cardiotachometer and ergospirometer to measure heart rate, oxygen consumption, and ventilation at the trot or trocha and the gallop. Locomotor-respiratory coupling and running economy were determined. Measurement differences were analyzed between gaits (paired t test; P < .05).Results: Oxygen consumption and minute ventilation were similar between the trot or trocha (80 ± 12 mL/[kg·min]; 774 ± 113 L/min) and gallop (82 ± 20 mL/[kg·min]; 771 ± 141 L/min). However, respiratory frequency was higher during the trot or trocha (108 ± 20 breaths/min) than gallop (91 ± 11 breaths/min), and tidal volume was lower (7.3 ± 1.8 L vs 8.6 ± 2.3 L). No differences were observed in peak inspiratory or expiratory airflow despite longer inspirations and expirations during the gallop (0.34 ± 0.05 s; 0.32 ± 0.04 s) than the trot or trocha (0.29 ± 0.06 s; 0.28 ± 0.06 s). Stride frequency and heart rate were similar between the trot or trocha (2.3 ± 0.2 strides/s; 159 ± 28 beats/min) and the gallop (2.2 ± 0.1 strides/s; 154 ± 17 beats/min). Locomotor-respiratory coupling was 1.7:1 (±0.6) at the trot or trocha, compared to 3:2 (±0.3) with the gallop. The running economy was lower during the gallop than the trot or trocha.Conclusions: The trot or trocha and gallop represent submaximal exercise. Locomotor-respiratory coupling (> 1:1) and RE differed between gaits.

Clinical relevance: Locomotor-respiratory coupling differed between the trot or trocha and the gallop and was greater than the usual 1:1 observed with 3- and 4-beat gaits.

Keywords: Colombian Criollo; gait; locomotor-respiratory coupling; oxygen consumption; ventilation.