Influence of Functional Rider and Horse Asymmetries on Saddle Force Distribution During Stance and in Sitting Trot.
Abstract: Asymmetric forces exerted on the horse's back during riding are assumed to have a negative effect on rider-horse interaction, athletic performance, and health of the horse. Visualized on a saddle pressure mat, they are initially blamed on a nonfitting saddle. The contribution of horse and rider to an asymmetric loading pattern, however, is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of horse and rider asymmetries during stance and in sitting trot on the force distribution on the horse's back using a saddle pressure mat and motion capture analysis simultaneously. Data of 80 horse-rider pairs (HRP) were collected and analyzed using linear (mixed) models to determine the influence of rider and horse variables on asymmetric force distribution. Results showed high variation between HRP. Both rider and horse variables revealed significant relationships to asymmetric saddle force distribution (P < .001). During sitting trot, the collapse of the rider in one hip increased the force on the contralateral side, and the tilt of the rider's upper body to one side led to more force on the same side of the pressure mat. Analyzing different subsets of data revealed that rider posture as well as horse movements and conformation can cause an asymmetric force distribution. Because neither horse nor rider movement can be assessed independently during riding, the interpretation of an asymmetric force distribution on the saddle pressure mat remains challenging, and all contributing factors (horse, rider, saddle) need to be considered.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2019-04-04 PubMed ID: 31203980DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.03.215Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research focuses on studying the effects of asymmetry both in the rider and the horse on the distribution of force on the horse’s back when they are standing and during a trot. Both rider and horse variables showed significant impact on the unequal distribution of saddle force.
Research Objectives and Methodology
- The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of asymmetry in both the rider and the horse on the distribution of force exerted on the horse’s back. The study hypothesized that asymmetry, not just saddle fitting, could contribute to an irregular pattern of weight distribution.
- To execute this study, the researchers utilized a saddle pressure mat and motion capture analysis simultaneously to gather data. By doing this, they collected data from 80 horse-rider pairs which was then analyzed using linear (mixed) models.
Main Findings
- A high variation was observed between the different horse-rider pairs. Both variables of the horse and rider showed significant relationships to the asymmetrical distribution of saddle force, with a statistical significance of less than 0.001.
- During a sitting trot, it was noted that if the rider collapsed in one hip, this increased the force on the opposite side. Furthermore, if the rider’s upper body tilted to one side, more pressure was placed on the same side of the pressure mat.
- The analysis of different subsets of data revealed that both the rider’s posture and the horse’s movements and conformation can lead to an asymmetrical force distribution.
Interpretation and Implications
- The research findings highlight that the interpretation of an asymmetrical force distribution on the saddle pressure mat remains complex as it is difficult to independently assess horse or rider movement during riding.
- The implications of such findings are important for both horse and rider health and performance, and suggest that all contributing factors, including the horse, rider, and saddle, need to be considered when evaluating uneven force distribution.
Cite This Article
APA
Gunst S, Dittmann MT, Arpagaus S, Roepstorff C, Latif SN, Klaassen B, Pauli CA, Bauer CM, Weishaupt MA.
(2019).
Influence of Functional Rider and Horse Asymmetries on Saddle Force Distribution During Stance and in Sitting Trot.
J Equine Vet Sci, 78, 20-28.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2019.03.215 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. Electronic address: silja.gunst@bluewin.ch.
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Science, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
- Department of Physiotherapy, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Winterthur, Switzerland.
- Department of Physiotherapy, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Winterthur, Switzerland.
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Back
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Horses
- Movement
- Posture
- Sitting Position
Citations
This article has been cited 8 times.- Hobbs SJ, Serra Braganca FM, Rhodin M, Hernlund E, Peterson M, Clayton HM. Evaluating Overall Performance in High-Level Dressage Horse-Rider Combinations by Comparing Measurements from Inertial Sensors with General Impression Scores Awarded by Judges.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 2;13(15).
- Reisbig NA, Pifko J, Lanovaz JL, Weishaupt MA, Carmalt JL. The effect of acute equine temporomandibular joint inflammation on response to rein-tension and kinematics.. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1213423.
- Baragli P, Alessi A, Pagliai M, Felici M, Ogi A, Hawson L, Gazzano A, Padalino B. Rider Variables Affecting the Stirrup Directional Force Asymmetry during Simulated Riding Trot.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 30;12(23).
- Pfau T, Scott WM, Sternberg Allen T. Upper Body Movement Symmetry in Reining Quarter Horses during Trot In-Hand, on the Lunge and during Ridden Exercise.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Feb 27;12(5).
- Nuchprayoon N, Ritruechai P, Watchararat K, Limroongruengrat W, Wongtawan T, Arya N. Equine spinal kinematics derived from different riding positions during asymmetrical bareback riding.. J Equine Sci 2021;32(3):81-89.
- MacKechnie-Guire R, Pfau T. Differential rotational movement and symmetry values of the thoracolumbosacral region in high-level dressage horses when trotting.. PLoS One 2021;16(5):e0251144.
- Uldahl M, Christensen JW, Clayton HM. Relationships between the Rider's Pelvic Mobility and Balance on a Gymnastic Ball with Equestrian Skills and Effects on Horse Welfare.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Feb 9;11(2).
- Hobbs SJ, St George L, Reed J, Stockley R, Thetford C, Sinclair J, Williams J, Nankervis K, Clayton HM. A scoping review of determinants of performance in dressage.. PeerJ 2020;8:e9022.
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