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Equine veterinary journal2010; 42(4); 340-345; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00063.x

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.
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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

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 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

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 42
Issue: 4
Pages: 340-345

Researcher Affiliations

Byström, A
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
Rhodin, M
    von Peinen, K
      Weishaupt, M A
        Roepstorff, L

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Biomechanical Phenomena
          • Exercise Test
          • Gait / physiology
          • Horses / physiology
          • Walking / physiology

          Citations

          This article has been cited 12 times.
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            doi: 10.3390/ani11020453pubmed: 33572205google scholar: lookup
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            doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196960pubmed: 29874238google scholar: lookup
          9. 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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          10. Haussler KK, le Jeune SS, MacKechnie-Guire R, Latif SN, Clayton HM. The Challenge of Defining Laterality in Horses: Is It Laterality or Just Asymmetry?. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jan 21;15(3).
            doi: 10.3390/ani15030288pubmed: 39943060google scholar: lookup
          11. Byström A, Egenvall A, Eisersiö M, Engell MT, Lykken S, Lundesjö Kvart S. The impact of teaching approach on horse and rider biomechanics during riding lessons. Heliyon 2025 Jan 30;11(2):e41947.
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            doi: 10.3390/ani13243854pubmed: 38136891google scholar: lookup
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