Fig. 1. Finite element model of the MC3 of a Thoroughbred. Left: Arrow indicates the mid-diaphyseal location of the third metacarpal. Right: Finite element meshes from Gross et al. (Gross et al., 1992) showing distribution of normal strain (A), shear strain (B) and strain energy density (C) acting on the mid-diaphyseal cross-section at the time of peak strain during the gait cycle [sites of maximum strain are noted by the large arrows, sites of least strain by the small arrows (B,C) or neutral axis (A)]. L, lateral. [Reprinted from Journal of Biomechanics, vol. 25, `Characterizing bone strain distributions in vivo using three triple rosette strain gages,' pp. 1081-1087, with permission from Elsevier Science LTD, the Boulevard, Lanford Lane, Kidlington OX5 1GB, UK. This adaptation of the original figure (Gross et al., 1992) has already been used (Skedros et al., 2003a).]