Kinematics of saddle and rider in high-level dressage horses performing collected walk on a treadmill.
Abstract: The kinematics of the saddle and rider have not been thoroughly described at the walk. Objective: To describe saddle and rider movements during collected walk in a group of high-level dressage horses and riders. Methods: Seven high-level dressage horses and riders were subjected to kinematic measurements while performing collected walk on a treadmill. Movements of the saddle and rider's pelvis, upper body and head were analysed in a rigid body model. Projection angles were determined for the rider's arms and legs, and the neck and trunk of the horse. Distances between selected markers were used to describe rider position in relation to the horse and saddle. Results: During the first half of each hindlimb stance the saddle rotated cranially around the transverse axis, i.e. the front part was lowered in relation to the hind part and the rider's pelvis rotated caudally, i.e. in the opposite direction. The rider's seat moved forwards while the rider's neck and feet moved backwards. During the second half of hindlimb stance these movements were reversed. Conclusions: The saddles and riders of high-level dressage horses follow a common movement pattern at collected walk. The movements of the saddle and rider are clearly related to the movements of the horse, both within and outside the sagittal plane. Conclusions: The literature suggests that the rider's influence on the movement pattern of the horse is the strongest at walk. For assessment of the horse-rider interaction in dressage horses presented for unsatisfactory performance, evaluations at walk may therefore be the most rewarding. Basic knowledge about rider and saddle movements in well-performing horses is likely to be supportive to this task.
Publication Date: 2010-06-09 PubMed ID: 20525053DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00063.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Athletic Horses
- Biomechanics
- Dressage
- Equestrian Sports
- Equine Health
- Equine Science
- Equine Studies
- Exercise Physiology
- Gait Analysis
- High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Horse Training
- Horses
- Kinematics
- Locomotion
- Performance Horses
- Treadmill Exercise
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Research
- Veterinary Science
Summary
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The study involves investigating the movements of the saddle and rider during the collected walk phase in high-level dressage horses. Kinematic measurements were made on seven dressage horses and riders as they performed this routine on a treadmill, focusing on various physical aspects of both horse and rider. The findings suggest that these movements are closely related, particularly during the walk phase, which could offer valuable insights into horse-rider interactions.
Methods
- The study involved seven high-level dressage horses and riders who were subjected to kinematic measurements during a collected walk on a treadmill.
- The movements of the saddle, the rider’s pelvis, upper body and head were analyzed using a rigid body model.
- The projection angles for the rider’s arms and legs as well the neck and trunk of the horse were determined.
- Distances between selected markers were used to describe the rider’s position in relation to the horse and saddle.
Results
- The saddle rotated cranially around the transverse axis during the first half of each hindlimb stance. This indicates that the front part was lowered in relation to the hind part.
- Simultaneously, the rider’s pelvis rotated in a caudal direction, which is the opposite direction to that of the saddle.
- The rider’s seat moved forwards while the neck and feet moved backwards.
- These situations were reversed in the second half of the hindlimb stance.
Conclusion
- The study found that the movements of the saddles and riders during high-level dressage performances follow a common movement pattern at the collected walk stage.
- These movements of the saddle and rider are directly influenced by the movements of the horse.
- The influence of the rider on the horse’s patterns seems to be strongest at the walk stage.
- This information can be useful when evaluating horse and rider performances, especially when dressage horses show unsatisfactory performance. Understanding and assessing these interactions during the walk could be the most rewarding.
- The study indicates that basic knowledge about the movements of the rider and saddle in successful performances can aid with these evaluations.
Cite This Article
APA
Byström A, Rhodin M, von Peinen K, Weishaupt MA, Roepstorff L.
(2010).
Kinematics of saddle and rider in high-level dressage horses performing collected walk on a treadmill.
Equine Vet J, 42(4), 340-345.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00063.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Exercise Test
- Gait / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Walking / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 9 times.- Hobbs SJ, Alexander J, Wilkins C, St George L, Nankervis K, Sinclair J, Penhorwood G, Williams J, Clayton HM. Towards an Evidence-Based Classification System for Para Dressage: Associations between Impairment and Performance Measures.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 31;13(17).
- 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).
- 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).
- 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).
- Egenvall A, Engström H, Byström A. Kinematic effects of the circle with and without rider in walking horses.. PeerJ 2020;8:e10354.
- Elmeua González M, Šarabon N. Muscle modes of the equestrian rider at walk, rising trot and canter.. PLoS One 2020;15(8):e0237727.
- 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.
- Clayton HM, Hampson A, Fraser P, White A, Egenvall A. Comparison of rider stability in a flapless saddle versus a conventional saddle.. PLoS One 2018;13(6):e0196960.
- Egenvall A, Roepstorff L, Eisersiö M, Rhodin M, van Weeren R. Stride-related rein tension patterns in walk and trot in the ridden horse.. Acta Vet Scand 2015 Dec 30;57:89.
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