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Home / Equine Research Bank / Hum Mov Sci / Influence of the rider on the variability of the equine gait...
Human movement science2004; 23(5); 663-671; doi: 10.1016/j.humov.2004.10.006

Influence of the rider on the variability of the equine gait.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to show that the motion pattern of a well-ridden horse varies less than the motion pattern of an unridden horse. In order to do so, we recorded the motion of two markers, one attached to the dorsal spinous processus of lumbar vertebra L4, the other to the right fore hoof. In total, we measured 21 horses in trot, ridden and unridden, with a fitting and with a non-fitting saddle. After breaking down the entire time series of the three-dimensional motion of the markers into their respective motion cycles, we computed a measure of motion pattern variability for the motion as well as for the derivatives (velocity and acceleration) along each of the three principal dimensions. Two of six variables (velocity and acceleration in the forward direction) displayed a significant discrimination between the ridden and the unridden case, and demonstrated the beneficial effect of a rider on the horse's motion pattern variability. Saddle fit was shown to have also an influence on motion variability: variability of two variables (velocity and of acceleration in forward direction) was significantly lower with a fitting saddle compared to a non-fitting saddle, a third variable (acceleration in the transversal direction) showed a significant difference also. This new method offers an objective evaluation of saddle fit, and a sensitive assessment of the quality of the rider in the moving horse.
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Publication Date: 2004-12-14 PubMed ID: 15589627DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2004.10.006Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research study focused on examining if a well-ridden horse exhibits less variation in its movement patterns compared to an unridden horse. The influence of a fitting versus non-fitting saddle was also evaluated.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

  • The primary purpose of this research was to assess if the pattern of motion in a well-ridden horse is more consistent than that of a horse which is not ridden.
  • The study implemented a system where two markers were attached to each horse, one on lumbar vertebra L4, and the other on the right front hoof. These markers allowed the researchers to measure and record the motion of each horse.
  • A total of 21 horses were included in the study, and both ridden and unridden horses were analysed. The researchers also used a fitting and an ill-fitting saddle during this study to evaluate their impact.
  • The researchers then looked at the series of three-dimensional motions of the markers, breaking them down into respective motion cycles. From this, they computed the variability in motion patterns, as well as the derivatives (velocity and acceleration) in each of the three principal dimensions.

Findings of the Study

  • The findings suggested that two out of the six variables, specifically velocity and acceleration in the forward direction, presented a significant difference between ridden and unridden horses. This indicates that the presence of a rider can have a beneficial effect on the variability of the horse’s motion pattern.
  • The fit of the saddle was also found to significantly impact motion variability. The study demonstrated that two variables – velocity and acceleration in the forward direction – showed significantly lower variability with a well-fitting saddle, compared to one that did not fit properly. A third variable, acceleration in the transversal direction, also showed a significant difference with saddle fit.

Significance of the Study

  • This research offers an enhanced understanding of horse movement in relation to the impact of the rider and the fit of the saddle, providing valuable insights for equestrians and horse trainers.
  • The methodology used can provide an objective evaluation of saddle fit, which is crucial for maintaining the health and comfort of the horse. Moreover, it forms a sensitive assessment tool for evaluating the quality of the rider in relation to the horse’s movement.

Cite This Article

APA
Peham C, Licka T, Schobesberger H, Meschan E. (2004). Influence of the rider on the variability of the equine gait. Hum Mov Sci, 23(5), 663-671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2004.10.006

Publication

Human movement science
ISSN: 0167-9457
NlmUniqueID: 8300127
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 23
Issue: 5
Pages: 663-671

Researcher Affiliations

Peham, C
  • Clinic of Orthopaedics in Ungulates, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Josef Baumanngasse 1, 1210 Wien, Austria. christian.peham@vu-wien.ac.at
Licka, T
    Schobesberger, H
      Meschan, E

        MeSH Terms

        • Acceleration
        • Adult
        • Analysis of Variance
        • Animals
        • Female
        • Gait / physiology
        • Habituation, Psychophysiologic / physiology
        • Horses / physiology
        • Humans
        • Locomotion / physiology
        • Male
        • Orientation / physiology
        • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
        • Weight-Bearing / physiology

        Citations

        This article has been cited 25 times.
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