Correlations among morphometric traits, functional performance, and gluteal temperature in the Peruvian Paso horse
Contenido principal del artículo
Resumen
The morphometric traits of the Peruvian Paso horse (PPH) constitute a fundamental basis for establishing selection criteria aimed at optimizing functional performance. However, to date, no study has linked traits such as morphometric and gluteal temperature differences with functional performance during the paso gait. The present study aimed to determine the correlations between morphometric traits, functional performance, and gluteal temperature based on the evaluation of 151 individuals for which 35 traits were measured. Total and partial correlations were calculated to assess the relationships among these variables. Correlation analyses were performed using Pearson, Spearman, and Kendall methods, with partial effects controlled through MANCOVA. The results revealed that the PPH’s gait stems from coordinated forelimb–hindlimb neuromuscular control despite lateral-sequence decoupling; key morphometric traits are linked to performance and gluteal thermal patterns, supporting their use in selective breeding; and infrared thermography, combined with morphometric and kinematic data, offers a valuable non-invasive assessment tool advancing evidence-based breeding and management for this breed. This study represents the first comprehensive correlation analysis of the PPH, providing key insights for the selection of individuals with superior functional performance and greater biomechanical efficiency.
Detalles del artículo

Esta obra está bajo una licencia internacional Creative Commons Atribución 4.0.
Referencias
Akoglu H. (2018). User’s guide to correlation coefficients. Turkish Journal of Emergency Medicine. 18, 91–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjem.2018.08.001
Anderson, T., & McIlwraith, W. (2004). Longitudinal development of equine conformation from weanling to age 3 years in the Thoroughbred. Equine veterinary journal, 36, 563-70. https://doi.org/10.2746/0425164044864507
Back, W., & Clayton, H. M. (2012). Equine locomotion (2nd ed.). Saunders Elsevier. eBook ISBN: 9780702058530.
Bartolomé, E., Sánchez, M. J., Molina, A., Schaefer, A. L., Cervantes, I., & Valera, M. (2013). Using eye temperature and heart rate for stress assessment in young horses competing in jumping competitions and its possible influence on sport performance. Animal, 7(12), 2044-2053. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731113001626
Barrantes, C., Macedo, O., Rosemberg, M., & Sarria, M. (2009). Estudio de las medidas hipométricas del caballo peruano de paso. Anales Científicos UNALM, 70(1), 58-66. Retrieved from https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/6171193.pdf
Boffi, F. M. (2011). Fisiología del ejercicio en equinos. Editorial Inter-Médica. https://www.intermedica.com.ar/media/mconnect_uploadfiles/b/o/boffi.pdf
Breuhaus, B. A. (2019). Glucose and Insulin Responses to an Intravenous Glucose Load in Thoroughbred and Paso Fino Horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102793
Bussiman, F. O., Perez, B. C., Ventura, R. V., Silva, F. F., Peixoto, M. G. C. D., Vizoná, R. G., Mattos, E. C., Ferraz, J. B. S., Eler, J. P., Curi, R. A., & Balieiro, J. C. C. (2018). Genetic analysis of morphological and functional traits in Campolina horses using Bayesian multi-trait model. Livestock Science, 216, 119-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2018.08.002
Cervantes, I., Baumung, R., Molina, A., Druml, T., Gutierrez, J. P., Solkner, J. & Valera, M. (2009). Size and shape analysis of morphofunctional traits in the Spanish Arab horse. Livestock Science, 125(1), 43-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2009.03.006
Clayton, H. M., & Hobbs, S. J. (2019). A Review of Biomechanical Gait Classification with Reference to Collected Trot, Passage and Piaffe in Dressage Horses. Animals, 9(10), 763. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9100763
Clayton, H. M. & Hobbs, S. J. (2017) The role of biomechanical analysis of horse and rider in equitation science. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 190, 123-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2017.02.011
Clayton, H. M., MacKechnie-Guire, R., & Hobbs, S. J. (2023). Riders’ Effects on Horses—Biomechanical Principles with Examples from the Literature. Animals, 13(24), 3854. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13243854
Da Silva, T. C., Mariz, T. M. & Escodro, P. B. (2022). Use of Thermography in Clinical and Sports Evaluations of Equine Animals: A review. Research, Society and Development, 11(8), e13911530532. http://dx.doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v11i8.30532
De Luna, E. (2020). Integrando análisis morfométricos y filogenéticos: de la sistemática fenética a la morfometría filogenética. Acta Botanica Mexicana 127, e1640. https://doi.org/10.21829/abm127.2020.1640
Dos Santos, C., Paz, C., Paganela, J., Ripoll, P. & Nogueira, C. (2011). Influência da biomecânica angular das articulações escápulo-umeral, coxo-femural e tíbio-metatarsiana na prova de andamento dos cavalos da raça crioula. Archives of Veterinary Science. 16(1), 37-43. https://doi.org/10.5380/avs.v16i1.18815
Fercher, C. (2016). The Biomechanics of Movement of Horses Engaged in Jumping Over Different Obstacles in Competition and Training. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2016.10.002
Fernández-Cuevas, I., Bouzas Marins, J. C., Arnáiz Lastras, J., Gómez Carmona, P. M., Piñonosa Cano, S., García-Concepción, M. Á., & Guedes, D. P. (2015). Classification of factors influencing the use of infrared thermography in humans: A review. Infrared Physics y Technology, 71, 28-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infrared.2015.02.007
Forbes, B., Ho, W., Parkes, R. S. V., Sepulveda Caviedes, M. F., Pfau, T., & Martel, D. R. (2024). Associations between Racing Thoroughbred Movement Asymmetries and Racing and Training Direction. Animals, 14(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071086
Gómez-Álvarez, C. B., Rhodin, M., Byström, A., Back, W. & Van Weeren P. R. (2009). Back kinematics of healthy trotting horses during treadmill versus over ground locomotion. Equine Veterinary Journal, 41(3), 297-300. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409X397370
Gómez, M. D. Azor, P. J. Alonso, M. E. Jordana, J. & Valera, M. (2012). Morphological and genetic characterization of Spanish heavy horse breeds: Implications for their conservation. Livestock Science, 144(1-2), 57-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2011.10.013
Gómez, M. D., Valera, M., Molina, A., & Goyache, F. (2008). Sire x stud effect on estimation of genetic parameters for body traits in Spanish Purebred horse: Preliminary results. ITEA Información Técnica Económica Agraria, 104(2), 256-261.
Gregory, B. (2014). The biomechanics of equine locomotion. In D. R. Hogson, K. H. McKeever, C. M. McGowan (Eds.), The Athletic Horse. Principles and practice of equine sports medicine (2nd ed., pp. 266-281). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-7216-0075-8.00025-3
Hobbs, S. J., & Clayton, H. M. (2013). Sagittal plane ground reaction forces, centre of pressure and centre of mass in trotting horses. Veterinary journal 198(1), e14-e19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.027
Hobbs, S. J., Robinson, M. A., & Clayton, H. M. (2018). A simple method of equine limb force vector analysis and its potential applications. PeerJ 6, e4399. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4399
Holmström, M. (2001) The effects of conformation. In W. Back & H.M. Clayton., Equine Locomotion, (2nd ed., pp 281-295) W.B. Saunders. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-7020-2950-9.00011-1
Howell, K., Dudek, K. & Soroko, M. (2020). Thermal camera performance and image analysis repeatability in equine thermography. Infrared Physics & Technology, 110, 103447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infrared.2020.103447
Hoyt, D. F., Wickler, S. J., & Cogger, E. A. (2000). Time of contact and step length: the effect of limb length, running speed, load carrying and incline. The Journal of experimental biology, 203(2), 221-227. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.203.2.221
Joó, K., Duque Betancourt, D., Vasquez Marin, T., & Parra Moyano, L. A. (2021). Evaluation of Overground Endoscopy Findings in Colombian Criollo Paso Horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 99, 103374. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103374
Kawareti, P. K., Nandeshwar, N.C., Salankar, A. M., Gedam, P. M., Mainde, U. P. & Ganguly, S. (2017). Morphometric characterization of horses (Equus caballus) in different age groups. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 5, 1412-1414. https://doi.org/10.22271/j.ento.5.3.262.1
Kubistova, B., Sobotkova, E., Jilkova, Z., Kopec, T., & Jiskrova, I. (2024). Analysis of the performance of young warmblood stallions in test farms. Zuchtungskunde, 96(2), 127-141.
Kruljc, P. (2023). Thermographic Examination of the Horse. Acta Veterinaria-beograd, 73, 289-316. https://doi.org/10.2478/acve-2023-0023
Licart, J. (2019). La mecánica del caballo en las fases del salto. Galope Digital. https://galopedigital.com/la-mecanica-del-caballo-en-las-fases-del-salto-por-jean-licart/
Lidiany, N. L., Furtado, D. A., do Nascimento, W. B., da Silva, N. M. V., de Oliveira, A. G., Cavalcante, M. L. C., Pereira, B. J., Souza, T. L., de Souza, R., & de Medeiros, G. R. (2024). Thermal exchange, physiological variables and thermography in creole horse under heat stress. Smart Agricultural Technology, 9, 100565. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2024.100565.
Lisboa, B. R. F., da Silva, J. A. R., da Silva, W. C., Barbosa, A. V. C., Silva, L. K. X., & Lourenço-Júnior, J. B. (2023). Evaluation of thermoregulation of horses (Equus caballus) submitted to two methods of post-exercise cooling, in hot and humid climate conditions, in the Eastern Amazon. Frontiers in veterinary science, 10, 1150763. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1150763
McGowan, C. M., & Hyytiäinen, H. K. (2017). Muscular and neuromotor control and learning in the athletic horse. Comparative Exercise Physiology, 13(3), 185-194. https://doi.org/10.3920/cep170001
Monteza Carranza, W. (2021). Medidas hipométricas e índices zoométricos del caballo Peruano de paso criado en Cutervo, Cajamarca [Tesis de licenciatura, Universidad Nacional Pedro Ruiz Gallo]. https://repositorio.unprg.edu.pe/handle/20.500.12893/9880
Müller, V., Moraes, B. dos Santos S., Carvalho, I. R., Wendt, C. G., Patten, R. D., & Nogueira, C. E. W. (2020). Genetic parameters of morphometric measurements in Criollo horses. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, 138, 174-178. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbg.12503
Nicodemus, M. C., & Clayton, H. M. (2003). Temporal variables of four-beat, stepping gaits of gaited horses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 80(2), 133-142. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(02)00219-8
Padilha, F. G. F.; Andrade, A. M.; Fonseca, A. B. M.; Godoi, F. N.; Almeida, F. Q. & Ferreira, A. M. R. (2017). Morphometric measurements and animal-performance indices in a study of racial forms of Brazilian Sport Horses undergoing training for eventing. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia 46(1), 25-32. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-92902017000100005
Parés-Casanova, P. M., & López-Navarro, N. (2020). Paired left-right asymmetries of the hoof surface in the Pyrenean Catalan yearlings are less marked among hindlimbs. Veterinarija Ir Zootechnika, 78(100), 5-9. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85103687944&partnerID=40&md5=fa5cd6f42cb16d34cccc0645df73e642
Perdomo-González, D. I., García de Paredes, R. D. L. A., Valera, M., Bartolomé, E., & Gómez, M. D. (2022). Morpho-Functional Traits in Pura Raza Menorquina Horses: Genetic Parameters and Relationship with Coat Color Variables. Animals, 12(18), 2319. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182319
Pfau, T., Noordwijk, K., Sepulveda Caviedes, M. F., Persson-Sjodin, E., Barstow, A., Forbes, B., & Rhodin, M. (2018). Head, withers and pelvic movement asymmetry and their relative timing in trot in racing Thoroughbreds in training. Equine Veterinary Journal, 50(1), 117-124. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12705
Piché, A., Halpern, R., Savallo, M. A., & Granatosky, M. C. (2020). Equine Locomotion. In J. Vonk, T. Shackelford (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47829-6_1003-1
Prochno, H. C., Barussi, F. M., Bastos, F. Z., Weber, S. H., Bechara, G. H., Rehan, I. F., & Michelotto, P. V. (2020). Infrared Thermography Applied to Monitoring Musculoskeletal Adaptation to Training in Thoroughbred Race Horses. Journal of equine veterinary science, 87, 102935. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102935
Procópio, A. M., Bergmann, J. A. G., & Costa, M. D. (2003). Formação e demografia da raça Campolina. Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, 55(5), 361-365. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-09352003000300018
Redaelli, V.; Bergero, D.; Zucca, E.; Ferrucci, F.; Nanni Costa, L.; Crosta, L. & Luzi, F. (2014). Use of Thermography Techniques in Equines: Principles and Applications. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 34, 345-350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2013.07.007
Rezende, M. P. G., Souza, J. C., Malhado, C. H. M., Carneiro, P. L. S., Araujo, J. I. M., Sitorski, L. G., Moretti, R., & Bozzi, R. (2021). Phenotypic diversity of horse breeds used in sports activities, employing multivariate analysis. Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research, 19(1), e0401. https://doi.org/10.5424/sjar/2021191-16576
Rhodin, M., Gómez Alvarez, C. B., Byström, A., Johnston, C., Van Weeren, P. R., Roepstorff, L., & Weishaupt, M. A. (2009). The effect of different head and neck positions on the caudal back and hindlimb kinematics in the elite dressage horse at trot. Equine veterinary journal, 41(3), 274-279. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x394436
Rhodin, M., Egenvall, A., Andersen, P. H., & Pfau, T. (2017). Head and pelvic movement asymmetries at trot in riding horses in training and perceived as free from lameness by the owner. PLoS ONE, 12(4). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0176253
Rietbroek, N. J., Dingboom, E. G., Joosten, B. J. L. J., Eizema, K., & Everts, M. E. (2007). Effect of show jumping training on the development of locomotory muscle in young horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 68(11), 1232-1238. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.68.11.1232
Salamanca, C. A., Parés-Casanova, P. M., Crosby, R. A., & Monroy, N. (2017). Análisis biométrico del caballo Criollo Araucano. Archivos de Zootecnia, 66(253), 85-88. https://doi.org/10.21071/az.v66i253.2132
Sanchez, G., M. L. Cancillo, y A.Serrano (2016), An intercomparison ofthe thermal offset for different pyran-ometers, Journal of Geophysical Research Atmosphere, 121, 7901-7912, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JD024815
Schils, S., Ober, T. & Butcher, M. (2019). Review of the Biomechanics of Injury in the Equine Athlete: From Research to Clinical Practice. AAEP Proceedings, 65. 273-280. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340609616_Review_of_the_Biomechanics_of_Injury_in_the_Equine_Athlete_From_Research_to_Clinical_Practice
Senna, N. A., Mostafa, M. B., Abu-Seida, A. M & Elemmawy, Y. M. (2015). Evaluation of Limb Conformation in Jumping Thoroughbred Horses. Asian Journal of Animal Sciences, 9, 208-216. https://doi.org/10.3923/ajas.2015.208.216
Soroko, M., Dudek, K., Howell, K., Jadkowska, E y Henklewski, R. (2014). Thermographic Evaluation of Racehorse Performance. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 34(9), 1076-1083. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2014.06.009
Soroko, M., Howell, K., Dudek, K., Wilk, I., Zastrzeżyńska, M., & Janczarek, I. (2019). A pilot study into the utility of dynamic infrared thermography for measuring body surface temperature changes during treadmill exercise in horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 62, 44-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2017.12.010
Soroko, M., Howell, K., & Dudek, K. (2017). The effect of ambient temperature on infrared thermographic images of joints in the distal forelimbs of healthy racehorses. Journal of thermal biology, 66, 63-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2017.03.018
Soroko, M., & Howell, K. (2018). Infrared thermography: Current applications in equine medicine. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 60, 90-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2016.11.002
Spigolon, L. M. P., Cavaglieri, C. R., Gomes, A. C., Pascoal, E. H. F., Borges, J. H., & Borin, J. P. (2017). Training program influences the relation between functional and neuromuscular performance indicators during the season in young soccer players. Revista Brasileira de Ciencias Do Esporte, 39(1), 98-106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbce.2016.01.003
Teixeira, A. R., Pereira, J. R., Santos, A. B., Almeida R. M. & Dallago, B. S. (2020). Changes in surface temperature of upper fore and hindlimbs of horses submitted to four beat gait exercise determined by thermography. Arquivo Brasilero de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, 72(4), 566-1570. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1678-4162-11783
Torres, R. (2017). Caracterización morfométrica del caballo de paso en el cantón calvas, provincia de Loja, Ecuador. [Tesis de Licenciatura]. https://dspace.unl.edu.ec/jspui/handle/123456789/18471
Turner, T. A. (1991). Thermography as an aid to the clinical lameness evaluation. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice, 7(2), 311-338. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30502-3
Vilela, J. L., Quintana, P. G., Velarde, M. L., Vargas, T., Gonzales, R. y Dextre, J. (2025). Preliminary analysis of the development of a breeding program of the Peruvian Paso horse in field conditions. Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Pecuarias ,16(1), 194-207. https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v16i1.6669
Vilela, J. L., Tupac Yupanqui, B. I., Velarde, M. L., Quintana, P. G., Vargas, t., Gonzales, R., Sokolich, A. y Dextre, J. (2022). PSXII-3 Estimation of Heritability and Correlation of Functional Traits in the Peruvian Paso Horse (Preliminary Studies), Journal of Animal Science, 100(3), 211-212. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac247.384
Vilela, J. L. y Quintana, P. (2023). PSVII-16 A Method to Analyze the Vertical Acceleration of the Peruvian Paso Horse for Animal Breeding Purposes, Journal of Animal Science, 101(3), 96-497. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad281.586
Yarnell, K., Fleming, J., Stratton, T. D., & Brassington, R. (2014). Monitoring changes in skin temperature associated with exercise in horses on a water treadmill by use of infrared thermography. Journal of thermal biology, 45, 110-116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2014.08.003
Weeren, P. R., & Crevier-Denoix, N. (2006). Equine conformation: clues to performance and soundness? Equine Veterinary Journal, 38(7), 591-596. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516406x159007
Weishaupt M. A., Waldern N. M., Amport C, Ramseier L. C., & Wiestner T. (2013). Effects of shoeing on intra- and inter-limb coordination and movement consistency in Icelandic horses at walk, tölt and trot. Veterinary Journal, 198(1), e109-e113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.043
Weishaupt, M.A., Byström, A., Von Peinen, K., Wiestner, T., Meyer, H., Waldern, N., Johnston, C., Van Weeren, R. & Roepstorff, L. (2009), Kinetics and kinematics of the passage. Equine Veterinary Journal, 41, 263-267. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409X397226
Wilson, A., Agass, R., Vaux, S., Sherlock, E., Day, P., Pfau, T., & Weller, R. (2016). Foot placement of the equine forelimb: Relationship between foot conformation, foot placement and movement asymmetry. Equine Veterinary Journal, 48(1), 90-96. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12378
Zelditch, M. L., Swiderski, D. L., & Sheets, H. D. (2012). Geometric Morphometrics for Biologists: A Primer. Academic Press. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-778460-1.X5000-5
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0015-6323