Effect of the rider position during rising trot on the horse׳s biomechanics (back and trunk kinematics and pressure under the saddle).

This research article investigates the effects of a rider’s position during a rising trot on a horse’s biomechanics, specifically focusing on the horse’s back and trunk movements and the pressure exerted under the saddle.

Objectives and Methodology

• The study was designed to understand the effect of a rider’s position during a rising trot and how it influences the pressure distribution, spine movements, stirrup forces, and locomotion of the horse.
• Methods used include measurements of the horse’s back movements, taken by Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) positioned at strategic points on the horse’s thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.
• The pressure distribution was measured using a pressure mat, while forces on stirrups were measured using force sensors.
• The Centre of Mass (COM) for both the horse and rider were calculated using two-dimensional reflective markers, to track their movements and postures.

Comparison, Process, and Findings

• A comparison was made between the horse movement when the rider was sitting versus standing during a rising trot.
• The trot sequences were achieved with the help of three horses, all ridden by the same rider to maintain stability in the tested variable (the rider). The comparison was made by measuring the means and standard deviation of each parameter for sitting and standing and processing the data usindg a Student’s t-test.
• The study found that there was an increase in stirrup forces in the standing phase while the pressure on the pressure mat significantly increased during the sitting phase.
• Contrasting significant effects were observed in different sections of the horse’s back, with the range of motion (ROM) at some points reducing while at other points it increased during the sitting phase.

Conclusions and Implications

• The study concluded that a rider’s position greatly affects pressure and movements on the horse’s back.
• When seated, the rider produces an increased pressure and a reduced range of motion in the horse’s back under the saddle compared to the standing phase in a rising trot.
• These findings contribute to novel insights about horse-rider interactions and suggest potential strategies for managing equine back pain better.