FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / PLoS One / Patterns of horse-rider coordination during endurance race: ...
PloS one2013; 8(8); e71804; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071804

Patterns of horse-rider coordination during endurance race: a dynamical system approach.

Abstract: In riding, most biomechanical studies have focused on the description of the horse locomotion in unridden condition. In this study, we draw the prospect of how the basic principles established in inter-personal coordination by the theory of Coordination Dynamics may provide a conceptual and methodological framework for understanding the horse-rider coupling. The recent development of mobile technologies allows combined horse and rider recordings during long lasting natural events such as endurance races. Six international horse-rider dyads were thus recorded during a 120 km race by using two tri-axial accelerometers placed on the horses and riders, respectively. The analysis concentrated on their combined vertical displacements. The obtained shapes and angles of Lissajous plots together with values of relative phase between horse and rider displacements at lower reversal point allowed us to characterize four coordination patterns, reflecting the use of two riding techniques per horse's gait (trot and canter). The present study shows that the concepts, methods and tools of self-organizing dynamic system approach offer new directions for understanding horse-rider coordination. The identification of the horse-rider coupling patterns constitutes a firm basis to further study the coalition of multiple constraints that determine their emergence and their dynamics in endurance race.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2013-08-05 PubMed ID: 23940788PubMed Central: PMC3733789DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071804Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • 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 research article investigates the patterns of horse-rider coordination during an endurance race, utilizing the theory of Coordination Dynamics and mobile technologies to capture and analyze the combined movements of horse and rider. The study identifies four distinct coordination patterns which can enhance our understanding of the complex dynamics between horse and rider during long races.

Methodology of the Study

  • The study employs the principles of Coordination Dynamics, a theoretical framework typically used for examining interpersonal coordination. The researchers adapt this framework to analyze the unique coupling between horse and rider during races.
  • Advancements in mobile technology were utilized to track and record the movements of six horse-rider pairs (or dyads) participating in a 120 km endurance race.
  • Two tri-axial accelerometers were used for the purpose of data collection. One device was placed on the horse, the other on the rider.
  • The focus was primarily on the combined vertical displacements of the horse and rider.

Analysis and Results

  • The analysis involved producing Lissajous plots which depicted the interplay of movements between the horse and rider. These plots, along with the relative phase values between horse and rider displacements, provided valuable insights into their coordination patterns.
  • The researchers were able to identify four distinct coordination patterns based on the shapes and angles gathered from the Lissajous plots, showcasing the use of two riding techniques for each horse gait: trot and canter.

Conclusions and Future Directions

  • This study suggests that the self-organizing dynamic system approach offers a novel and promising way to understand horse-rider coordination.
  • The identification of horse-rider coupling patterns can serve as a strong foundation for future research.
  • Subsequent studies should focus on exploring the various constraints that impact the emergence and dynamics of these distinct coordination patterns in endurance racing.

Cite This Article

APA
Viry S, Sleimen-Malkoun R, Temprado JJ, Frances JP, Berton E, Laurent M, Nicol C. (2013). Patterns of horse-rider coordination during endurance race: a dynamical system approach. PLoS One, 8(8), e71804. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0071804

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 8
Issue: 8
Pages: e71804

Researcher Affiliations

Viry, Sylvain
  • Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Institut des Sciences du Mouvement, Marseille, France. s.viry@brdconcept.fr
Sleimen-Malkoun, Rita
    Temprado, Jean-Jacques
      Frances, Jean-Philippe
        Berton, Eric
          Laurent, Michel
            Nicol, Caroline

              MeSH Terms

              • Acceleration
              • Adult
              • Animals
              • Competitive Behavior
              • Female
              • Gait / physiology
              • Horses
              • Humans
              • Locomotion / physiology
              • Male
              • Physical Endurance / physiology
              • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
              • Recreation
              • Weight-Bearing

              Conflict of Interest Statement

              Competing Interests: SV is employed by BRD Concept and JPF is employed by Stables JPF. There are no patents, products in development or marketed products to declare. This does not alter the authors\' adherence to all the PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

              References

              This article includes 54 references
              1. Barrey E. Methods, applications and limitations of gait analysis in horses.. Vet J 157: 7–22.
                pubmed: 10030124
              2. Lagarde J, Kelso JA, Peham C, Licka T. Coordination dynamics of the horse-rider system.. J Mot Behav 37: 418–424.
                pmc: PMC1821095pubmed: 16280312
              3. Peham C, Licka T, Kapaun M, Scheidl M. A new method to quantify harmony of the horse–rider system in dressage.. Sports Engineering 4: 95–101.
              4. Pfau T, Spence A, Starke S, Ferrari M, Wilson A. Modern riding style improves horse racing times.. Science 325: 289.
                pubmed: 19608909
              5. Wolframm IA, Bosga J, Meulenbroek RG. Coordination dynamics in horse-rider dyads.. Hum Mov Sci .
                pubmed: 23290116
              6. Nagy A, Murray JK, Dyson S. Elimination from elite endurance rides in nine countries: a preliminary study.. Equine Vet J Suppl 637–643.
                pubmed: 21059073
              7. Schollhorn WI, Peham C, Licka T, Scheidl M. A pattern recognition approach for the quantification of horse and rider interactions.. Equine Vet J Suppl 400–405.
                pubmed: 17402455
              8. Witte K, Schobesberger H, Peham C. Motion pattern analysis of gait in horseback riding by means of Principal Component Analysis.. Hum Mov Sci 28: 394–405.
                pubmed: 19443066
              9. Barrey E, Hermelin M, Vaudelin JL, Poirel D, Valette JP. Utilisation of an accelerometric device in equine gait analysis.. Equine Veterinary Journal 7–12.
              10. Barrey E, Auvinet B, Couroucé A. Gait evaluation of race trotters using an accelerometric device.. Equine Veterinary Journal 27: 156–160.
                pubmed: 0
              11. Haken H. Synergetics: an introduction : nonequilibrium phase transitions and self-organization in physics, chemistry, and biology. Springer.
              12. Haken H, Kelso JAS, Bunz H. A theoretical model of phase transitions in human hand movements.. Biol Cybern 51: 347–356.
                pubmed: 3978150
              13. Kelso JAS, Holt KG, Rubin P, Kugler PN. Patterns of human interlimb coordination emerge from the properties of non-linear, limit cycle oscillatory processes: theory and data.. J Mot Behav 13: 226–261.
                pubmed: 15215072
              14. Kelso JAS. Phase transitions and critical behavior in human bimanual coordination.. Am J Physiol 246: R1000–1004.
                pubmed: 6742155
              15. Kelso JAS. Dynamic patterns: the self-organization of brain and behavior.. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
              16. Kelso JAS. Coordination dynamics.. In: R.A M, editor. Encyclopedia of Complexity and Systems Science: Springer. pp. 1537–1564.
              17. Temprado JJ, Zanone PG, Monno A, Laurent M. Intentional stabilization of bimanual coordination: A study through attentional load measure.. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance 25: 1579–1594.
              18. Grillner S, Wallen P. Central pattern generators for locomotion, with special reference to vertebrates.. Annu Rev Neurosci 8: 233–261.
                pubmed: 2984978
              19. Rand R, Cohen AH, Holmes PJ. Systems of coupled oscillators as models of central pattern generators.. In: Cohen AH, Rossignol S, Grillner S, editors. Neural control of rhythmic movements in vertebrates. New York: Wiley. pp. 333–367.
              20. Schoner G, Jiang WY, Kelso JAS. A synergetic theory of quadrupedal gaits and gait transitions.. J Theor Biol 142: 359–391.
                pubmed: 2338828
              21. Neda Z, Ravasz E, Brechet Y, Vicsek T, Barabasi AL. The sound of many hands clapping.. Nature 403: 849–850.
                pubmed: 10706271
              22. Neda Z, Ravasz E, Vicsek T, Brechet Y, Barabasi AL. Physics of the rhythmic applause.. Phys Rev E Stat Phys Plasmas Fluids Relat Interdiscip Topics 61: 6987–6992.
                pubmed: 11088392
              23. Schmidt RC, Carello C, Turvey MT. Phase transitions and critical fluctuations in the visual coordination of rhythmic movements between people.. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance 16: 227–247.
                pubmed: 2142196
              24. Temprado JJ, Laurent M. Attentional load associated with performing and stabilizing a between-persons coordination of rhythmic limb movements.. Acta Psychol (Amst) 115: 1–16.
                pubmed: 14734238
              25. Oullier O KJ. Social coordination from the perspective of Coordination Dynamics.. In: RA M, editor. The Encyclopedia of Complexity and Systems Science: Springer.
              26. Rosenblum MG, Pikovsky AS, Kurths J. Comment on “Phase synchronization in discrete chaotic systems”.. Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys 63: 058201.
                pubmed: 11415052
              27. Peham C, Licka T, Schobesberger H, Meschan E. Influence of the rider on the variability of the equine gait.. Hum Mov Sci 23: 663–671.
                pubmed: 15589627
              28. Pfau T, Witte TH, Wilson AM. A method for deriving displacement data during cyclical movement using an inertial sensor.. J Exp Biol 208: 2503–2514.
                pubmed: 15961737
              29. Thong YK, Woolfson MS, Crowe JA, Hayes-Gill BR, Jones DA. Numerical double integration of acceleration measurements in noise.. Measurement 36: 73–92.
              30. Minetti AE. A model equation for the prediction of mechanical internal work of terrestrial locomotion.. J Biomech 31: 463–468.
                pubmed: 9727344
              31. Barrey E, Evans SE, Evans DL, Curtis RA, Quinton R. Locomotion evaluation for racing in thoroughbreds.. Equine Vet J Suppl 99–103.
                pubmed: 11721580
              32. Liesens L. Endurance, Le livre d'un cavalier, Pour les cavaliers.. 360.
              33. Kittler J, Illingworth J. Minimum error thresholding.. Pattern Recognition 19: 41–47.
              34. Kelso JAS, Scholz JP. Cooperative Phenomena in Biological Motion.. In: Haken H, editor. Synergetics of Complex Systems in Physics, Chemistry and Biology: Springer.
              35. Lee TD, Swinnen SP, Verschueren S. Relative Phase Alterations during Bimanual Skill Acquisition.. Journal of Motor Behavior 27: 263–274.
                pubmed: 12529237
              36. Swinnen SP, Lee TD, Verschueren S, Serrien DJ, Bogaerds H. Interlimb coordination: Learning and transfer under different feedback conditions.. Human Movement Science 16: 749–785.
              37. Summers J. Practice and Training in Bimanual Coordination Tasks: Strategies and Constraints.. Brain and Cognition 48: 166–178.
                pubmed: 11812040
              38. Zanone PG, Kelso JAS. Coordination dynamics of learning and transfer: Collective and component levels.. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance 23: 1454–1480.
                pubmed: 9336961
              39. Hamill JH, Jeffrey M, McDermott WJ. Issues in Quantifying Variability From a Dynamical Systems Perspective.. Journal of Applied Biomechanics 16: 407.
              40. Zanone PG, Kelso JA. Evolution of behavioral attractors with learning: nonequilibrium phase transitions.. J Exp Psychol Hum Percept Perform 18: 403–421.
                pubmed: 1593227
              41. Hoyt DFT, Richard C. Gait and the energetics of locomotion in horses.. Nature 292: 239–240.
              42. Wickler SJ, Hoyt DF, Cogger EA, Myers G. The energetics of the trot-gallop transition.. J Exp Biol 206: 1557–1564.
                pubmed: 12654894
              43. Monno A, Chardenon A, Temprado JJ, Zanone PG, Laurent M. Effects of attention on phase transitions between bimanual coordination patterns: a behavioral and cost analysis in humans.. Neurosci Lett 283: 93–96.
                pubmed: 10739883
              44. Scholz JP, Kelso JAS. Intentional switching between patterns of bimanual coordination depends on the intrinsic dynamics of the patterns.. J Mot Behav 22: 98–124.
                pubmed: 15111283
              45. Temprado JJ, Monno A, Zanone PG, Kelso JA. Attentional demands reflect learning-induced alterations of bimanual coordination dynamics.. Eur J Neurosci 16: 1390–1394.
                pubmed: 12405998
              46. Minetti AE, Ardig OL, Reinach E, Saibene F. The relationship between mechanical work and energy expenditure of locomotion in horses.. J Exp Biol 202: 2329–2338.
                pubmed: 10441084
              47. Farley CT, Taylor CR. A mechanical trigger for the trot-gallop transition in horses.. Science 253: 306–308.
                pubmed: 1857965
              48. Biewener AA, Taylor CR. Bone strain: a determinant of gait and speed?. J Exp Biol 123: 383–400.
                pubmed: 3746195
              49. Kahn JF, Monod H. Fatigue induced by static work.. Ergonomics 32: 839–846.
                pubmed: 2680479
              50. Trowbridge EA, Cotterill JV, Crofts CE. The physical demands of riding in National Hunt races.. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 70: 66–69.
                pubmed: 7729441
              51. Salesse R, Temprado JJ, Swinnen SP. Interaction of neuromuscular, spatial and visual constraints on hand-foot coordination dynamics.. Hum Mov Sci 24: 66–80.
                pubmed: 15949582
              52. Janura M, Peham C, Dvorakova T, Elfmark M. An assessment of the pressure distribution exerted by a rider on the back of a horse during hippotherapy.. Hum Mov Sci 28: 387–393.
                pubmed: 19406498
              53. Terada K. Comparison of Head Movement and EMG Activity of Muscles between Advanced and Novice Horseback Riders at Different Gaits.. Journal of Equine Science 11: 83–90.
              54. Kang O-D, Ryu Y-C, Ryew C-C, Oh W-Y, Lee C-E. Comparative analyses of rider position according to skill levels during walk and trot in Jeju horse.. Human Movement Science 29: 956–963.
                pubmed: 20800913

              Citations

              This article has been cited 10 times.
              1. Helmer A, Hacohen A, Bart O. Child horse harmony in motion: a preliminary study to explore heart rate synchronization in equine assisted therapy for neurotypical and ADHD children. Sci Rep 2025 Nov 25;15(1):45312.
                doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-29330-6pubmed: 41290915google scholar: lookup
              2. Becard B, Sapone M, Martin P, Hanne-Poujade S, Babu A, Hébert C, Joly P, Bertucci W, Houel N. Quantification of the Effect of Saddle Fitting on Rider-Horse Biomechanics Using Inertial Measurement Units. Sensors (Basel) 2025 Jul 30;25(15).
                doi: 10.3390/s25154712pubmed: 40807876google scholar: lookup
              3. Horan K, Pfau T. Effects of jockey position and surfaces on horse movement asymmetry and horse-jockey synchronisation during trotting exercise. PLoS One 2025;20(5):e0324753.
                doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324753pubmed: 40455846google scholar: lookup
              4. Clayton HM, MacKechnie-Guire R, Hobbs SJ. Riders' Effects on Horses-Biomechanical Principles with Examples from the Literature. Animals (Basel) 2023 Dec 15;13(24).
                doi: 10.3390/ani13243854pubmed: 38136891google scholar: lookup
              5. Keener MM, Tumlin KI. The Triple-E Model: Advancing Equestrian Research with Perspectives from One Health. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 16;13(16).
                doi: 10.3390/ani13162642pubmed: 37627432google scholar: lookup
              6. Horan K, Kourdache K, Coburn J, Day P, Carnall H, Harborne D, Brinkley L, Hammond L, Millard S, Lancaster B, Pfau T. The effect of horseshoes and surfaces on horse and jockey centre of mass displacements at gallop. PLoS One 2021;16(11):e0257820.
                doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257820pubmed: 34813584google scholar: lookup
              7. Sapone M, Martin P, Ben Mansour K, Chateau H, Marin F. The Protraction and Retraction Angles of Horse Limbs: An Estimation during Trotting Using Inertial Sensors. Sensors (Basel) 2021 May 30;21(11).
                doi: 10.3390/s21113792pubmed: 34070859google scholar: lookup
              8. Scopa C, Contalbrigo L, Greco A, Lanatà A, Scilingo EP, Baragli P. Emotional Transfer in Human-Horse Interaction: New Perspectives on Equine Assisted Interventions. Animals (Basel) 2019 Nov 26;9(12).
                doi: 10.3390/ani9121030pubmed: 31779120google scholar: lookup
              9. Hayati H, Mahdavi F, Eager D. Analysis of Agile Canine Gait Characteristics Using Accelerometry. Sensors (Basel) 2019 Oct 10;19(20).
                doi: 10.3390/s19204379pubmed: 31658731google scholar: lookup
              10. 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.
                doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196960pubmed: 29874238google scholar: lookup
              Subscribe to our newsletter
              Join 99,034 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.