Characteristics of the trunks of horses used for classic hippotherapy

Abstract

With the view of characterising trunks of horses used in hippotherapy, a zoometric analysis was conducted on 33 specimens at 9 different locations. 61% of the examined animals were geldings and 39% were mares. The following breeds were represented: the Hucul (28% of the 33 horses), the Felin pony (15%), the Malapolski horse, the Polish noble half-bred horse (9% each), the Konik, the Arab-konik, the Shetland pony (6% each), the Bilgorajski horse (3%), together with 18% horses of unknown origin. The conducted measurements made it possible to prepare a graphic visualisation of the upper line (height and length) as well as the side line (width) of the trunks. An average length of the horse’s back (used in therapy) ranged between 65.8 cm and 84.8 cm. An average width of the trunk measured at shoulder was between 34.0 cm and 37.2 cm, at back – 50.0 cm to 56.0 cm, and at croup – 42.0 cm to 48.6 cm. Trunk’s cross section was found to be either oval or round. Centres where several horses (4 to 6) are kept and which are characterised by varying parameters, can satisfy the needs of all admitted clients, according to the principle that a patient’s disability and weight determine the choice of a horse suitable for therapy. The various forms of the barrel make it a universal rehabilitation „tool”.