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Effects of draw reins on limb kinematics.
Abstract: No data exist on the GRF-kinematics relation due to changes caused by equestrian interventions. Objective: Through the judicious use of draw reins the rider can influence the kinematics of the horse to meet stated goals of dressage training. Relating the results to previously published kinetic data of the same experiment implies a possible relationship between kinetics and kinematics. Methods: The kinematics of 8 sound Swedish Warmblood horses were measured whilst the horses were being ridden with and without draw reins. Three conditions were evaluated: 1) draw reins only (DR), 2) combination of draw reins and normal reins (NR+DR) and 3) normal reins only (NR). Results: Head and neck angles were significantly decreased by the draw rein but 4-5 times more so for DR when with NR+DR. The forelimb position at hoof lift-off was significantly more caudal with DR. In the hind limb the hip joint extended more quickly and the hock joint flexed more with NR+DR than with NR. Compared to DR the hip joint angular pattern was not significantly different, but the pelvis was more horizontal. Conclusions: Riding with a draw rein can have significant influence on the kinematics of the horse. Some of the observed changes can be coupled to changes in kinetics. The hock joint angle seems to be a fairly reliable indicator of load on the hind limb and the angle of femur appears important for hind limb propulsion, when considered in conjunction with the orientation of the pelvis. Conclusions: These findings are important for riders and trainers, as kinematic changes are what trainers observe. It is thereby important to ascertain which kinematic changes are consistently coupled to changes in kinetics in order for trainers to be able to judge correctly the success of intended goals. Further studies are warranted to validate and confirm suggested relationships between kinetics and kinematics.
Publication Date: 2007-04-04 PubMed ID: 17402465DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05586.xGoogle 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.
- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article investigates how using draw reins in horse training affects the movement of the horse’s limbs. The study found that using draw reins significantly changes the horse’s movement and the effects can potentially be connected to changes in the forces exerted by the horse.
Research Objective and Methods
The research aimed to understand the impact of using draw reins and normal reins on a horse’s kinematics, which is the study of movement and motion. The experiment was performed using 8 healthy Swedish Warmblood horses.
- Three different conditions were tested: draw reins only (DR), a combination of draw reins and normal reins (NR+DR), and normal reins only (NR).
- The horse’s movements were observed and measured under these conditions.
- These findings were then compared to previously published data on the relationship between forces exerted by the horse and their movement (kinetics).
Results
The study found significant differences in the kinematics of the horse based on the type of reins being used.
- The angles of the horse’s head and neck significantly decreased when using draw reins. This effect was more pronounced when using only draw reins versus the combination of normal reins and draw reins.
- With draw reins, the forelimb position at hoof lift-off was significantly more to the rear (caudal).
- In terms of hind limb movement, the horse’s hip joint extended faster, and the hock joint flexed more when using a combination of draw reins and normal reins compared to only normal reins. Compared to draw reins only, the hip joint pattern was not much different, though the pelvis was found to be more horizontal.
Conclusions
The researchers concluded that the use of draw reins can substantially affect a horse’s kinematics, and these changes can potentially be linked to changes in kinetics.
- The angle of the hock joint was seen as a reliable indicator of the load on the hind limb.
- The angle of the femur seems vital for hind limb propulsion in regard to the orientation of the pelvis.
- These observations could have practical consequences for riders and trainers, as these changes in motion are observable and can help measure the success of training goals.
- The study suggested the need for further research to confirm the relationships between kinetics (forces) and kinematics (movement).
Cite This Article
APA
Byström A, Roepstorff L, Johnston C.
(2007).
Effects of draw reins on limb kinematics.
Equine Vet J Suppl(36), 452-456.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05586.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Equine Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Exercise Test
- Forelimb / physiology
- Head / physiology
- Hindlimb / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Humans
- Movement / physiology
- Neck / physiology
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / methods
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
- Weight-Bearing / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Biau S, Pycik E, Boichot L, Berg LC, Ruet A. Rein tensions and behaviour with five rein types in international-level vaulting horses. PLoS One 2024;19(10):e0311919.
- Maśko M, Sikorska U, Borowska M, Zdrojkowski Ł, Jasiński T, Domino M. The Postural and Body Surface Temperature Response of Leisure Horses to Lunging with Selected Lunging Aids. Animals (Basel) 2023 Dec 20;14(1).
- Gehlen H, Puhlmann J, Merle R, Thöne-Reineke C. Evaluating Horse Owner Expertise and Professional Use of Auxiliary Reins during Horse Riding. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jul 20;11(7).
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