Abstract: As a first step in achieving an evidence-based classification system for the sport of Para Dressage, there is a clear need to define elite dressage performance. Previous studies have attempted to quantify performance with able-bodied riders using scientific methods; however, definitive measures have yet to be established for the horse and/or the rider. This may be, in part, due to the variety of movements and gaits that are found within a dressage test and also due to the complexity of the horse-rider partnership. The aim of this review is therefore to identify objective measurements of horse performance in dressage and the functional abilities of the rider that may influence them to achieve higher scores. Five databases (SportDiscuss, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, VetMed) were systematically searched from 1980 to May 2018. Studies were included if they fulfilled the following criteria: (1) English language; (2) employ objective, quantitative outcome measures for describing equine and human performance in dressage; (3) describe objective measures of superior horse performance using between-subject comparisons and/or relating outcome measures to competitive scoring methods; (4) describe demands of dressage using objective physiological and/or biomechanical measures from human athletes and/or how these demands are translated into superior performance. In total, 773 articles were identified. Title and abstract screening resulted in 155 articles that met the eligibility criteria, 97 were excluded during the full screening of articles, leaving 58 included articles (14 horse, 44 rider) involving 311 equine and 584 able-bodied human participants. Mean ± sd (%) quality scores were 63.5 ± 15.3 and 72.7 ± 14.7 for the equine and human articles respectively. Significant objective measures of horse performance (n = 12 articles) were grouped into themes and separated by gait/movement. A range of temporal variables that indicated superior performance were found in all gaits/movements. For the rider, n = 5 articles reported variables that identified significant differences in skill level, which included the postural position and ROM of the rider's pelvis, trunk, knee and head. The timing of rider pelvic and trunk motion in relation to the movement of the horse emerged as an important indicator of rider influence. As temporal variables in the horse are consistently linked to superior performance it could be surmised that better overall dressage performance requires minimal disruption from the rider whilst the horse maintains a specific gait/movement. Achieving the gait/movement in the first place depends upon the intrinsic characteristics of the horse, the level of training achieved and the ability of the rider to apply the correct aid. The information from this model will be used to develop an empirical study to test the relative strength of association between impairment and performance in able-bodied and Para Dressage riders.
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research article is about a review carried out to identify objective measurements that define superior performance in dressage riding, considering both the performance of the horse and the rider. The study would then inform creation of an evidence-based system for Para Dressage.
Research Objective
The primary goal of this research is to define elite dressage performance to create an evidence-based classification system for the sport of Para Dressage. This would aid the clear understanding and fair competition within this discipline.
Review Process
The researchers conducted a systematic review of five databases (SportDiscuss, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, VetMed) from 1980 to May 2018.
The articles had to meet specific criteria to be considered for the study. Among these are requirements to be in English, use quantitative outcome measures for describing performance, describe superior horse performance measures and describe the demands of dressage using objective physiological or biomechanical measures.
Out of 773 articles, only 58 met the eligibility criteria and were considered for the review. These 58 articles covered studies that involved 311 horses and 584 able-bodied human participants.
Findings
The study found significant objective measures of horse performance that were grouped into themes and separated by gait/movement. A range of temporal variables that indicated superior performance were found in all gaits/movements.
For the rider, certain variables, such as the postural position and range of motion of the rider’s pelvis, trunk, knee, and head, were found to have significant differences in skill level. The timing of rider pelvic and trunk motion in relation to the horse’s movement was also identified as an essential indicator of rider influence.
These findings suggest that for superior dressage performance, minimal disruption from the rider is required as the horse maintains a specific gait/movement. This, in turn, depends on the horse’s intrinsic characteristics, the level of training, and the rider’s ability to apply the correct aid.
Research Application
The gathered information will serve as a reference for an empirical study aiming to test the strength of association between impairment and performance in both able-bodied and Para Dressage riders.
Cite This Article
APA
Hobbs SJ, St George L, Reed J, Stockley R, Thetford C, Sinclair J, Williams J, Nankervis K, Clayton HM.
(2020).
A scoping review of determinants of performance in dressage.
PeerJ, 8, e9022.
https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9022
Back W, MacAllister CG, Van Heel MCV, Pollmeier M, Hanson PD. Vertical frontlimb ground reaction forces of sound and lame warmbloods differ from those in quarter horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 2007;27:123–129.
Baillet H, Thouvarecq R, Verin E, Tourny C, Benguigui N, Komar J, Leroy D. Human energy expenditure and postural coordination on the mechanical horse. Journal of Motor Behavior 2017;49:441–457.
Beale L, Maxwell NS, Gibson OR, Twomey R, Taylor B, Church A. Oxygen cost of recreational horse-riding in females. Journal of Physical Activity & Health 2015;12:808–813.
Biau S, Lemaire S, Barrey E. Analysis of gait transitions in dressage horses using wavelet analysis of dorsoventral acceleration. Pferdeheilkunde 2002;18:343–350.
Bradshaw EJ, Hamerton W, Raves A, Noble B. Physical power, technical and aesthetic execution qualities in dressage riding—a preliminary investigation. In: Wang Q, editor. ISBS 23 International symposium on biomechanics in sports, August 22–27, 2005; 2005.
. The scales of training. 2019.
Buchner H, Savelberg H, Schamhardt H, Barneveld A. Temporal stride patterns in horses with experimentally induced fore-or hindlimb lameness. Equine Veterinary Journal 1995;27:161–165.
Douglas J-L, Price M, Peters D. A systematic review of physical fitness, physiological demands and biomechanical performance in equestrian athletes. Comparative Exercise Physiology 2012;8:53–62.
Eckardt F, Münz A, Witte K. Application of a full body inertial measurement system in dressage riding. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 2014;34:1294–1299.
Eckardt F, Witte K. Kinematic analysis of the rider according to different skill levels in sitting trot and canter. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 2016;39:51–57.
Eisersiö M, Rhodin M, Roepstorff L, Egenvall A. Rein tension in 8 professional riders during regular training sessions. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 2015;10:419–426.
Engell M, Clayton H, Egenvall A, Weishaupt MA, Roepstorff L. Postural changes and their effects in elite riders when actively influencing the horse versus sitting passively at trot. Comparative Exercise Physiology 2016;12:27–33.
Gandy EA, Bondi A, Hogg R, Pigott TM. A preliminary investigation of the use of inertial sensing technology for the measurement of hip rotation asymmetry in horse riders. Sports Technology 2014;7:79–88.
Griffin TM, Main RP, Farley CT. Biomechanics of quadrupedal walking: how do four-legged animals achieve inverted pendulum-like movements?. Journal of Experimental Biology 2004;207:3545–3558.
Hodson EF, Clayton HM, Lanovaz JL. Temporal analysis of walk movements in the Grand Prix dressage test at the 1996 Olympic Games. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 1999;62:89–97.
Holmström M, Fredricson I, Drevemo S. Biokinematic differences between riding horses judged as good and poor at the trot. Equine Veterinary Journal 1994b;26:51–56.
Janura M, Cabell L, Svoboda Z, Dvorakova T, Haltmayer E, Janurova E. A review of pressure measurement on the contact surface between the horse and the rider. Pferdeheilkunde 2012;28:583–593.
Kuhnke S, Dumbell L, Gauly M, Johnson JL, Mcdonald K, König Von Borstel U. A comparison of rein tension of the rider’s dominant and non-dominant hand and the influence of the horse’s laterality. Comparative Exercise Physiology 2010;7:57–63.
Law M, Stewart D, Pollock N, Letts L, Bosch J, Westmorland M. Guidelines for critical review form-quantitative studies [Online]. Ontario McMaster University Occupational Therapy Evidence-based Practice Research Group; Hamilton: 1998. [04 July 2018].
Lovett T, Hodson-Tole E, Nankervis K. A preliminary investigation of rider position during walk, trot and canter. Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology 2005;2:71–76.
Merkens HW, Schamhardt HC. Relationships between ground reaction force patterns and kinematics in the walking and trotting horse. Equine Veterinary Journal 1994;26:67–70.
Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman D. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. PLOS Medicine 2009;6:e1000097–e1000097.
Münz A, Eckardt F, Heipertz-Hengst C, Peham C, Witte K. A preliminary study of an inertial sensor-based method for the assessment of human pelvis kinematics in dressage riding. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 2013;33:950–955.
Olivier A, Faugloire E, Lejeune L, Biau S, Isableu B. Head stability and head-trunk coordination in horseback riders: the contribution of visual information according to expertise. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2017;11(11):1–16.
Pantall A, Barton S, Collins P. Surface electromyography of abdominal and spinal muscles in adult horseriders during rising trot. In: Harrison AJ, Anderson R, Kenny I, editors. ISBS 27 International symposium on biomechanics in sports, August 17–21 2009; 2009.
Peham C, Licka T, Kapaun M, Scheidl M. A new method to quantify harmony of the horse–rider system in dressage. Sports Engineering 2001;4:95–101.
Roberts M, Shearman J, Marlin D. A comparison of the metabolic cost of the three phases of the one-day event in female collegiate riders. Comparative Exercise Physiology 2009;6:129–135.
Roepstorff L, Egenvall A, Rhodin M, Byström A, Johnston C, Van Weeren PR, Weishaupt M. Kinetics and kinematics of the horse comparing left and rightrising trot. Equine Veterinary Journal 2009;41:292–296.
Schils SJ, Greer NL, Stoner LJ, Kobluk CN. Kinematic analysis of the equestrian—walk, posting trot and sitting trot. Human Movement Science 1993;12:693–712.
Stachurska A, Bartyzel K. Judging dressage competitions in the view of improving horse performance assessment. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A 2011;61:92–102.
Tans E, Nauwelaerts S, Clayton HM. Dressage training affects temporal variables in transitions between trot and halt. Comparative Exercise Physiology 2009;6:89–97.
Terada K. Comparison of head movement and EMG activity of muscles between advanced and novice horseback riders at different gaits. Journal of Equine Science 2000;11:83–90.
Terada K, Clayton HM, Kato K. Stabilization of wrist position during horseback riding at trot. Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology 2006;3:179–184.
Terada K, Mullineaux D, Lanovaz J, Kato K, Clayton H. Electromyographic analysis of the rider’s muscles at trot. Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology 2004;1:193–198.
Tweedy SM, Mann D, Vanlandewijck YC. Research needs for the development of evidence-based systems of classification for physical, vision and intellectual impairments. In: Vanlandewijck YC, Thompson WR, editors. Handbook of sports medicine and science: training and coaching the paralympic athlete. John Wiley & Sons; 2016.
Tweedy SM, Vanlandewijck YC. International Paralympic Committee position stand—background and scientific principles of classification in Paralympic sport. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2011;45:259–269.
Weishaupt MA, Byström A, Von Peinen K, Wiestner T, Meyer H, Waldern N, Johnston C, Van Weeren R, Roepstorff L. Kinetics and kinematics of the passage. Equine Veterinary Journal 2009;41:263–267.
Zadnikar M, Kastrin A. Effects of hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding on postural control or balance in children with cerebral palsy: a meta-analysis. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology 2011;53:684–691.