Differences in rider movement pattern between different degrees of collection at the trot in high-level dressage horses ridden on a treadmill.

The study explores how different degrees of collection in equine dressage affect the movement pattern of riders. It reveals the relationship between the movement of the horse and the posture of the rider, suggesting that the riders deliberately adopt these changes in accordance with dressage instructions.

Study Objectives and Methodology

• The research aims to compare the movement pattern of advanced dressage riders under various circumstances: free trot (loose reins), passage (highly collected trot), and three different speeds in collected trot.
• The focus of the study is the term ‘collection’, defined as the abbreviation of a horse’s stride length while retaining the energy and hind limb activity. Collection has not been objectively investigated in relation to the rider’s inducing movement before.
• A high-level dressage horse on a treadmill was used for the experimental design, which provided a measure of control and consistency in the gait of the horse.

Findings of the study

• During a higher speed in collected trot and in passage, the rider’s pelvis showed more caudal rotation, and the lumbar back exhibited increased flexion.
• While in passage, there was a decreased phase-shift between horse and rider movements, suggesting an active use of the seat by the rider. Passage is a highly collected gait in dressage where the horse displays an elevated and extremely powerful trot, giving more suspension time.
• During free trot, the rider’s pelvis was more cranially rotated, the lumbar back was more elongated, the rider’s body leaned more forwards, and the phase-shift between horse and rider increased compared to a collected trot.
• The alterations in the rider’s motion pattern were partly explained by changes in the horse’s movement, but most changes in rider body position seemed unrelated to the horse’s movements.
• These changes in the rider’s body position—despite being unrelated to the horse’s motion—align with instructions provided in dressage literature. This suggests that the riders voluntarily adopt these changes during different degrees of collection.

Conclusion

• The study enriches our understanding of how a rider’s motion pattern varies with different degrees of collection. This new knowledge might be useful to refine coaching strategies in dressage and further analyze equestrian styles and techniques.
• It also introduced an objective baseline for the comparison and analysis of movements in dressage rider and horse, marking a significant contribution to the field of equestrian sports biomechanics.