Comparing subjective and objective evaluation of show jumping competition and warm-up arena surfaces.
Abstract: The development of safety and quality standards for equestrian surfaces needs to be based on objective, repeatable measurements which allow comparisons between surfaces. These measurements should incorporate the assessment of surface performance by riders. This study provides data from objective and subjective assessment of functional properties of high-level show jumping competition and warm-up arenas. Twenty-five arenas in nine international show jumping events were evaluated by mechanical in-situ testing with a surface tester, rider assessments using visual analogue scales (198 riders provided 749 arena evaluations), descriptions of arena constructions and by laboratory tests of surface material. Mixed models were used to present subjective evaluation of rider perception of the functional properties for each arena while controlling for rider and event. The association between objective and subjective assessments were also explored creating mixed models, controlling for rider and event. Mechanical measurements of impact firmness, and to a lesser extent cushioning and grip, had a significant positive association with the riders' perception. Responsiveness as assessed by the Orono biomechanical surface tester (OBST) was negatively associated with the riders' perceptions, which suggests riders and the OBST had different concepts of this functional property and that further developments of the OBST might be necessary. Objectively measured uniformity showed no useful association with riders' perception. Even though arena assessments were made by top level riders, a substantial inter-rider variation was demonstrated.
Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2017-09-11 PubMed ID: 29031331DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.09.001Google Scholar: Lookup
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.
- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
Summary
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.
This research examines the relationship between objective measurements and subjective perceptions of high-level show jumping competition and warm-up arena surfaces, aiming to support the development of safety standards for equestrian surfaces.
Objective and Methodology
- The objective of this study was to examine the correlations between subjective (rider assessments) and objective (measured by a machine) evaluations of equestrian surfaces, with the goal of informing the development of safety and quality standards for these surfaces.
- The researchers evaluated 25 arenas in 9 international show jumping events using a variety of methods: mechanical in-situ testing with a surface tester; rider assessments using visual analogue scales; descriptions of arena constructions; and laboratory tests of surface material.
- Over the course of the study, 198 riders provided a total of 749 arena evaluations.
Results
- Using mixed models to control for rider and event, the researchers were able to present the subjective evaluations of rider perception for each arena.
- They found a significant positive association between mechanical measurements of impact firmness and the riders’ perceptions. Cushioning and grip also had a lesser but positive association.
- In contrast, the measurements of responsiveness from the Orono Biomechanical Surface Tester (OBST) were negatively associated with the riders’ perceptions.
- This suggests that the way riders and the OBST interpret ‘responsiveness’ differs and hints at a need for further development of the OBST.
- Objectively measured uniformity did not correlate with riders’ perceptions in a useful way.
- Despite the substantial inter-rider variation in assessments, the research provides valuable insight into how show jumping arenas are perceived and evaluated by riders and objective mechanical devices.
Conclusion
- The findings from this research can be used to develop more effective safety and quality standards for equestrian surfaces, combining both objective and subjective assessments for a more comprehensive evaluation.
Cite This Article
APA
Hernlund E, Egenvall A, Hobbs SJ, Peterson ML, Northrop AJ, Bergh A, Martin JH, Roepstorff L.
(2017).
Comparing subjective and objective evaluation of show jumping competition and warm-up arena surfaces.
Vet J, 227, 49-57.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.09.001 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Box 7011, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden. Electronic address: Elin.Hernlund@slu.se.
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, Box 7054, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
- University of Central Lancashire, Centre for Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences, Darwin Building 201, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
- University of Maine, Mechanical Engineering Department, 5711 Boardman Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5711, USA.
- Anglia Ruskin University, Department of Life Sciences, East Road, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK.
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Box 7011, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Myerscough College, Department of Agriculture and Countryside, Preston PR3 0RY, UK.
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Box 7011, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
MeSH Terms
- Animal Welfare / standards
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Horses
- Humans
- Sports
- Surveys and Questionnaires
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
