Basic kinematics of the saddle and rider in high-level dressage horses trotting on a treadmill.
Abstract: A comprehensive kinematic description of rider and saddle movements is not yet present in the scientific literature. Objective: To describe saddle and rider movements in a group of high-level dressage horses and riders. Methods: Seven high-level dressage horses and riders were subjected to kinematic measurements while performing collected trot on a treadmill. For analysis a rigid body model for the saddle and core rider segments, projection angles of the rider's extremities and the neck and trunk of the horse, and distances between markers selected to indicate rider position were used. Results: For a majority of the variables measured it was possible to describe a common pattern for the group. Rotations around the transverse axis (pitch) were generally biphasic for each diagonal. During the first half of stance the saddle rotated anti-clockwise and the rider's pelvis clockwise viewed from the right and the rider's lumbar back extended. During the later part of stance and the suspension phase reverse pitch rotations were observed. Rotations of the saddle and core rider segments around the longitudinal (roll) and vertical axes (yaw) changed direction only around time of contact of each diagonal. Conclusions: The saddles and riders of high-level dressage horses follow a common movement pattern at collected trot. The movements of the saddle and rider are clearly related to the movements of the horse and saddle movements also seem to be influenced by the rider. Conclusions: Knowledge about rider and saddle movements can further our understanding of, and hence possibilities to prevent, orthopaedic injuries related to the exposure of the horse to a rider and saddle.
Publication Date: 2009-05-28 PubMed ID: 19469236DOI: 10.2746/042516409x394454Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Athletic Horses
- Athletic Performance
- Biomechanics
- Dressage
- Equestrian Sports
- Equine Health
- Equine Science
- Equine Studies
- Exercise Physiology
- Gait Analysis
- Horse Training
- Kinematics
- Locomotion
- Musculoskeletal System
- Orthopedics
- Performance Horses
- Treadmill Exercise
- Trotting Horses
- Veterinary Research
- Veterinary Science
Summary
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The research article is about the kinematic analysis of saddle and rider movements in high level dressage horses trotting on a treadmill, with the aim to better understand and prevent orthopedic injuries related to horse riding.
Objective and Methodology
- The aim of the study was to provide a scientific description of the movements of the saddle and rider in elite level dressage horses while trotting on a treadmill.
- To achieve this, seven high-level dressage horses and their riders were selected for the study.
- Kinematic measurements were taken while the horses were performing a collected trot on a treadmill.
- A rigid body model was used for the analysis of the saddle and the core rider segments.
- Projection angles of the riders’ extremities were examined along with the neck and trunk movements of the horses.
- Distances between selected markers indicating the rider’s position were also recorded.
Results
- For most of the measured variables, a common pattern was observed for the group.
- Rotations around the transverse axis (pitch) were generally biphasic for each diagonal. This means that during the first half of the stance, the saddle would rotate anti-clockwise and the rider’s pelvis would rotate clockwise (when viewed from the right).
- The rider’s lower back extended during this phase. In the latter part of stance and suspension phase, reverse pitch rotations were observed.
- Changes in the direction of rotations of the saddle and core rider segments around other axes (longitudinal and vertical) were only noted around the time of contact of each diagonal.
Conclusions
- From this study, it was concluded that the saddle and riders of high-level dressage horses follow a common movement pattern during the collected trot.
- The movements of the saddle and rider were found to be closely related to the movements of the horse.
- The saddle movements were also found to be influenced by the rider.
- This study provides essential knowledge about rider and saddle movements, which can help in better understanding and potentially preventing orthopedic injuries that may be related to horseback riding.
Cite This Article
APA
Byström A, Rhodin M, von Peinen K, Weishaupt MA, Roepstorff L.
(2009).
Basic kinematics of the saddle and rider in high-level dressage horses trotting on a treadmill.
Equine Vet J, 41(3), 280-284.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x394454 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Exercise Test
- Gait / physiology
- Horses / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 12 times.- Murray R, Fisher M, Fairfax V, MacKechnie-Guire R. Saddle Thigh Block Design Can Influence Rider and Horse Biomechanics.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jun 27;13(13).
- Reisbig NA, Pifko J, Lanovaz JL, Weishaupt MA, Carmalt JL. The effect of acute equine temporomandibular joint inflammation on response to rein-tension and kinematics.. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1213423.
- Egenvall A, Byström A, Pökelmann M, Connysson M, Kienapfel-Henseleit K, Karlsteen M, McGreevy P, Hartmann E. Rein tension in harness trotters during on-track exercise.. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:987852.
- Pfau T, Scott WM, Sternberg Allen T. Upper Body Movement Symmetry in Reining Quarter Horses during Trot In-Hand, on the Lunge and during Ridden Exercise.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Feb 27;12(5).
- Urbowicz M, Saulicz M, Saulicz A, Saulicz E. Self-Assessment of the Pelvic Floor by Women Practicing Recreational Horseback Riding.. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022 Feb 13;19(4).
- Hobbs SJ, St George L, Reed J, Stockley R, Thetford C, Sinclair J, Williams J, Nankervis K, Clayton HM. A scoping review of determinants of performance in dressage.. PeerJ 2020;8:e9022.
- Adesida Y, Papi E, McGregor AH. Exploring the Role of Wearable Technology in Sport Kinematics and Kinetics: A Systematic Review.. Sensors (Basel) 2019 Apr 2;19(7).
- Byström A, Roepstorff L, Rhodin M, Serra Bragança F, Engell MT, Hernlund E, Persson-Sjödin E, van Weeren R, Weishaupt MA, Egenvall A. Lateral movement of the saddle relative to the equine spine in rising and sitting trot on a treadmill.. PLoS One 2018;13(7):e0200534.
- Clayton HM, Hampson A, Fraser P, White A, Egenvall A. Comparison of rider stability in a flapless saddle versus a conventional saddle.. PLoS One 2018;13(6):e0196960.
- 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.. Front Hum Neurosci 2017;11:11.
- Egenvall A, Roepstorff L, Eisersiö M, Rhodin M, van Weeren R. Stride-related rein tension patterns in walk and trot in the ridden horse.. Acta Vet Scand 2015 Dec 30;57:89.
- Hobbs SJ, Baxter J, Broom L, Rossell LA, Sinclair J, Clayton HM. Posture, flexibility and grip strength in horse riders.. J Hum Kinet 2014 Sep 29;42:113-25.
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