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Quadrupedal Mechanics - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 07:19, 29 November 2013
, 07:19, 29 November 2013→Asymmetrical gaits
==='''Asymmetrical gaits'''===
==='''Asymmetrical gaits'''===
When the footfalls of a pair of forefeet or hindfeet are unevenly spaced in time, the gait is asymmetrical. Symmetrical gaits are all some variant of the gallop, which is a general term. The beat is therefore composed of couplets, separated by pauses, and one foot is a leading foot. For the horse at least, the leading foot for the forelimbs is conventionally the second foot of the couplet to strike the ground (Fig. 10.11 c: 6th stage). The leading forelimb is always on the inside of a turn (Fig. 10.12). A galloping horse changes its lead during the stage when both forelimbs are off the ground (Fig. 10.11: 2nd stage). It may be necessary for a horse to change lead during a jump in order to prepare for a turn immediately on landing.
When the footfalls of a pair of forefeet or hindfeet are unevenly spaced in time, the gait is asymmetrical. Symmetrical gaits are all some variant of the gallop, which is a general term. The beat is therefore composed of couplets, separated by pauses, and one foot is a leading foot. For the horse at least, the leading foot for the forelimbs is conventionally the second foot of the couplet to strike the ground (Fig. 10.11 c: 6th stage). The leading forelimb is always on the inside of a turn (Fig. 10.12). A galloping horse changes its lead during the stage when both forelimbs are off the ground (Fig. 10.11: 2nd stage). It may be necessary for a horse to change lead during a jump in order to prepare for a turn immediately on landing.
[[File:QMFig 10.11.png|thumb|'''Fig 10.11 Forms of asymmetrical gaits''']]
:::::'''Fig 10.11 Forms of asymmetrical gaits'''
:::::'''Fig 10.11 Forms of asymmetrical gaits'''
:::::Dark blue footprint = right footfall.
:::::Dark blue footprint = right footfall.
[[File:QMFig 10.12.png|thumb|'''Fig 10.12 Limb sequencing at a galloping turn''']]
:::::'''Fig 10.12 Limb sequencing at a galloping turn'''
:::::'''Fig 10.12 Limb sequencing at a galloping turn'''
:::::The zebra is turning to its left. The right forefoot contacts the ground first and the leading (left) limb is on the inside of the turn.
:::::The zebra is turning to its left. The right forefoot contacts the ground first and the leading (left) limb is on the inside of the turn.
==='''Transverse and rotary sequence'''===
==='''Transverse and rotary sequence'''===