Forces and pressures on the horse’s back during bareback riding.

This research investigates the difference in pressures exerted on a horse’s back during bareback riding compared to riding with a conventional saddle. It found that while riding with a saddle had a larger contact area and higher total force, bareback riding had higher average pressure and max pressure which could lead to injuries in the horse’s muscles. The study implies the necessity of experiencing riders and researchers to consider such forces which may not be detected with a pressure mat but still impact the horse’s back.

Objectives and Methodology of the Research

• The study aimed to comparatively analyze the forces and pressure profiles on a horse’s back during riding with a standard saddle and bareback riding.
• An electronic pressure mat was employed to gather data on contact area, total average force, and pressure variables.
• The testing involved a single rider riding seven different horses at a sitting trot, both with a conventional saddle and bareback.

Findings of the Study

• Riding with a saddle resulted in a larger contact area as well as a higher mean total force compared to bareback riding.
• However, the mass-normalized mean total force for bareback riding was less than projected based on the rider’s body mass. This has led researchers to suggest that shear forces employed by the rider’s thighs may not have been recorded by the pressure mat.
• Despite recording lower total force, high average pressure, higher maximum pressure, and larger areas with mean pressure over 11 kPa are characteristics of bareback riding.
• When riding bareback, focal pressure concentrations were observed beneath the rider’s ischial tuberosities in the area of the horse’s epaxial muscles. These concentrations were not present when a saddle was used.

Conclusion and Implications of the Research

• The research concludes that bareback riding can lead to localized pressure points, which may enhance the risk of pressure-induced injuries to the horse’s epaxial muscles.
• This study highlights the importance for both riders and researchers to consider subtle forces that may not be immediately apparent or detected by pressure mats, but still may have effects on a horse’s back during riding.