The estimation of withers height of ancient horse : New estimation formulations by using the metacarpal measurements of living horse

Abstract

In this study, a total of 150 horses have been used from different modern (living) breeds. They include Arab, Thoroughbred, German-Holstein, Haflinger and Hungarian Warmblood horse breeds. Thirty individuals have been chosen (15 mares and 15 stallions) from each of these breeds. Following the withers height measurements, gender and age of the horses, the radiography of the metacarpals were taken. Metacarpal measurements were taken radiographically in third metacarpal bones of the living horses by using a mobile X-Ray device with DR System Flat Panel detector. Then, regression formulae to be used in the estimation of withers height were determined by using the metacarpal measurements. "Stepwise regression", in particular, was preferred in this analysis. Thus, models possessing the highest coefficient of determination with the least factors were formed. Also, multipliers were obtained according to the height of the withers/greatest length and lateral length on the outer side model. These formulations and multipliers were models including joint space, muscle and skin, in relation to the formulation and multipliers reported in the very limited and debatable literary data. Therefore, the debatable points and shortcomings of old formulations obtained from montage skeletons were rectified.