Is there a difference in pressures and forces under the roller with different pads when lunging horses with the Pessoa training aid?

Elevated pressures beneath the training roller of the Pessoa training aid during lunging were studied to see how different padding affects these pressures and forces, with the goal of understanding how to reduce potential back discomfort in horses.

Research Objective and Background

• Identify if different types of pads used under the roller of the Pessoa training aid (PTA) influence the pressure and force exerted on the horse’s back during lunging.
• Elevated pressure in the thoracic region beneath the PTA roller has been previously reported, potentially causing back discomfort in horses.

Methodology

• Subjects: Six clinically sound horses averaging 13.8 years old.
• Design: Randomized crossover trial with three conditions for pad placement under the PTA roller:
  • Pad 1: No padding (control).
  • Pad 2: Folded cotton saddle cloth.
  • Pad 3: Purpose-made foam roller pad designed specifically for this purpose.
• Procedure: Horses lunged on a 16-meter circle at two gaits – trot and canter.
• Data Collection: Kinetic data recorded using a pressure-mapping system measuring:
  • Average pressure (kPa)
  • Box pressure (kPa)
  • Contact pressure (kPa)
  • Force and peak force (Newtons)
  • Peak pressures (kPa)
• Analysis: Data subjected to Friedman tests and Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc comparisons to identify significant differences caused by pad types.

Findings / Results

• Significant differences found between all three pad conditions across all kinetic variables measured.
• In trot gait:
  • Average pressure decreased from 5.15 kPa without padding to 3.15 kPa with a cotton saddle cloth and further down to 1.30 kPa with the foam pad.
  • Peak box pressure reduced from 15.05 kPa (no pad) to 9.35 kPa (cotton pad) and 2.65 kPa (foam pad).
• In canter gait:
  • Average pressure likewise decreased from 5.05 kPa (no pad) to 3.60 kPa (cotton pad) and 1.30 kPa (foam pad).
• The purpose-made foam pad was especially effective, reducing pressure variables by approximately 75-82% compared to no padding.

Conclusions

• Applying padding underneath the PTA roller significantly reduces pressures and forces experienced by the horse’s back during lunging.
• The use of a purpose-designed foam pad is more effective than a folded cotton cloth in mitigating elevated pressure and force.
• This reduction in pressure potentially decreases discomfort and risk of injury related to PTA use.
• These findings support the recommendation to use appropriate padding when employing the PTA to enhance horse welfare during training.