The research paper discusses the development and testing of three biomechanical models to understand the interaction between a horse and rider during a trot. The models aim to understand the combinations of factors like rider mass, spring stiffness, and damping coefficient, which result in various riding techniques.

Three Biomechanical Models

The researchers constructed three force-driven spring-mass models to understand the interaction between horse and rider at a trot:

• Model One: The first model consisted of a spring and mass representing the horse interacting with another spring and mass representing the rider.
• Model Two: The second model built upon the first by incorporating dampers, a free-fall and a forcing function for the rider. This model essentially included energy loss mechanisms and an external force driving the rider’s motion.
• Model Three: The final model introduced a variable stiffness and resting length active spring system for the rider’s leg and a saddle spring with fixed material properties. This model presents a more detailed representation of the rider’s leg and saddle mechanics.

Experimental Comparison

These models’ outputs were compared with experimental data from various riding techniques including sitting trot, rising trot, and the modern technique used by racing jockeys. This comparison helps evaluate the accuracy of these models against real-world observations.

Benefits of the Models

The key findings of the research indicated that specific combinations of rider mass, spring stiffness, and damping coefficient led to particular riding techniques or other behaviours. For instance, minimization of the peak force of the rider and the work of the horse resulted in an ‘extreme’ modern jockey technique.

The models also highlighted that the incorporation of an active spring system for the rider’s leg was required to simulate a rising trot. This point indicates the critical role the rider’s leg mechanics play in horse riding.

Conclusions

Overall, these models provide valuable insights into the biomechanical demands a rider must meet to counteract a horse’s movements effectively. The findings could be useful for the training of riders and potentially improve riding techniques and horse performance.