Quantification of the Effect of Saddle Fitting on Rider-Horse Biomechanics Using Inertial Measurement Units.
Abstract: The saddle's adaptability to the rider-horse pair's biomechanics is essential for equestrian comfort and performance. However, approaches to dynamic evaluation of saddle fitting are still limited in equestrian conditions. The purpose of this study is to propose a method of quantifying saddle adaptation to the rider-horse pair in motion. Eight rider-horse pairs were tested using four similar saddles with small modifications (seat depth, flap width, and front panel thickness). Seven inertial sensors were attached to the riders and horses to measure the active range of motion of the horses' forelimbs and hindlimbs, stride duration, active range of motion of the rider's pelvis, and rider-horse interaction. The results reveal that even small saddle changes affect the pair's biomechanics. Some saddle configurations limit the limbs' active range of motion, lengthen strides, or modify the rider's pelvic motion. The temporal offset between the movements of the horse and the rider changes depending on the saddle modifications. These findings support the effect of fine saddle changes on the locomotion and synchronization of the rider-horse pair. The use of inertial sensors can be a potential way for quantifying the influence of dynamic saddle fitting and optimizing saddle adaptability in stable conditions with saddle fitter constraints.
Publication Date: 2025-07-30 PubMed ID: 40807876PubMed Central: PMC12349058DOI: 10.3390/s25154712Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This study investigated how the fit of a saddle affects both a horse and its rider’s joint movements and performance. It found that even small adjustments to the saddle significantly alter the horse’s stride and the rider’s pelvic motion, emphasizing the importance of correct saddle fitting.
Introduction
During any equestrian activity, the adaptability of the saddle to the unique movement and physical characteristics of both the horse and rider is crucial for performance. However, accurately assessing the dynamic fit of a saddle during riding has been challenging. Therefore, this study aims to develop a method to measure the effects of different saddle configurations on the biomechanics of the horse-rider pair.
Methodology
A total of eight pairs of horses and riders participated in the study. Each pair was tested with four similar saddles, with slight modifications to seat depth, flap width, and front panel thickness. To monitor movements and interactions, seven inertial sensors were attached to both the horses and the riders. These sensors captured:
- Horses’ forelimb and hindlimb active range of motion
- Stride duration
- Riders’ pelvic active range of motion
- Interactions between the rider and horse
Findings
The outcomes confirmed that even minor modifications to a saddle exert noticeable influences on the biomechanics of a horse-rider pair. Certain saddle configurations could restrict the active range of motion in the limbs, alter stride length or change the rider’s pelvic motion. Additionally, the synchronization between the horse and rider’s movements was also affected by saddle modifications, with varying temporal offsets recorded.
Conclusion
Overall, this study highlights the significant impact of appropriate saddle fitting on the synchronicity and locomotion of horse-rider pairs. It presents the potential of using inertial sensors to quantify the effects of dynamic saddle fit, a method that could aid in optimizing saddle adaptability given specific constraints or conditions. This could revolutionize the way saddle fitting is conducted in equestrian sports, enhancing comfort, performance, and possibly even animal welfare.
Cite This Article
APA
Becard B, Sapone M, Martin P, Hanne-Poujade S, Babu A, Hébert C, Joly P, Bertucci W, Houel N.
(2025).
Quantification of the Effect of Saddle Fitting on Rider-Horse Biomechanics Using Inertial Measurement Units.
Sensors (Basel), 25(15), 4712.
https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154712 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- LIM France, 24300 Nontron, France.
- Laboratoire Performance, Santé, Métrologie, Société, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, UFR STAPS, 51100 Reims, France.
- LIM France, 24300 Nontron, France.
- LIM France, 24300 Nontron, France.
- LIM France, 24300 Nontron, France.
- LIM France, 24300 Nontron, France.
- LIM France, 24300 Nontron, France.
- Laboratoire Performance, Santé, Métrologie, Société, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, UFR STAPS, 51100 Reims, France.
- Laboratoire Performance, Santé, Métrologie, Société, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, UFR STAPS, 51100 Reims, France.
- Laboratoire Performance, Santé, Métrologie, Société, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, UFR STAPS, 51100 Reims, France.
MeSH Terms
- Horses / physiology
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena / physiology
- Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
- Gait / physiology
- Hindlimb / physiology
- Pelvis / physiology
- Forelimb / physiology
- Locomotion / physiology
Grant Funding
- 2022/1500 / Association Nationale de la Recherche et de la Technologie
Conflict of Interest Statement
Authors Blandine Becard, Marie Sapone, Pauline Martin, Sandrine Hanne-Poujade, Alexa Babu, and Camille Hébertwas were employed by the company LIM France. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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