Gymnastic Training of Hippotherapy Horses Benefits Gait Quality When Ridden by Riders with Different Body Weights.

This study investigates how gymnastic training impacts the gaits of horses used in therapeutic riding when carrying riders of differing weights. It found that such training lead to notably improved stride regularity, symmetry, and dorsoventral displacement in the horses, likely enhancing the overall therapeutic riding experience.

Objective and Methodology

• The research aimed to determine how gymnastic training influences the stride characteristics of therapy horses carrying riders of varying weights. The core subjects of this research were 18 horses that were used for therapeutic riding.
• The horses were divided randomly into two groups. One group was the “gymnastic” group, and they were given gymnastic exercises for four days a week for three months. The other group was the “sedentary” group and had no additional exercises.
• To assess stride characteristics, an inertial sensor was attached to each horse’s girth on the ventral midline. Each horse was inspected carrying riders of differing body weight ratios (BWRs) to the horse’s weight.

Results

• At the beginning of the study, the stride characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups. However, following the three months of the study, the horses in the GYM group showed superior stride regularity, stride symmetry and dorsoventral displacement.
• Stride regularity was higher in GYM-trained horses for all BWRs at walk and 15% and 20% BWRs at trot.
• Stride symmetry was more pronounced in GYM-trained horses carrying 25% BWRs at walk and all weights at trot.
• Regarding dorsoventral displacement, it was larger in GYM-trained horses when carrying 20% and 25% BWRs at walk and 25% BWRs at trot.
• Dorsoventral power was also noted to be lower in the SED group compared to the GYM group when carrying 15% BWR at walk and 20% BWR at trot.

Conclusions

• The research concluded that regular gymnastic training can substantially enhance the stride quality of therapeutic horses, promoting a more regular and symmetrical stride, alongside a wider range of dorsoventral motion.
• This enhancement is especially noticeable and significant when the therapy horses carry heavier riders, with 20% and 25% body weight ratios.
• In conclusion, these positive impacts from gymnastic training improve the therapeutic riding experience, which could potentially translate to a better therapeutic outcome for individuals partaking in this treatment.