A pilot study of the effects of acupuncture treatment on objective and subjective gait parameters in horses.

Objectives: To investigate whether acupuncture can alter gait in horses as assessed by objective and subjective parameters.

Study Design: Prospective, randomized, singleblinded, crossover study.

Animals: Eight adult horses.

Head and pelvic movement symmetry in horses during circular motion and in rising trot.

Lameness examinations in horses often include lungeing and ridden exercise. To incorporate these exercises into the evidence-based decision making process aided by quantitative sensor based gait analysis, guideline values for movement asymmetry are needed. In this study, movement symmetry (MS) was quantified in horses during unridden and ridden trot on the straight and on the circle.