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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2019; 9(10); doi: 10.3390/ani9100712

Rein Tension in Transitions and Halts during Equestrian Dressage Training.

Abstract: In dressage, the performance of transitions between gaits and halts is an integral part of riding sessions. The study aimed to evaluate rein tension before, during and after the transitions between different gaits and the transitions into halts. The kinematic (inertial measurement units) data for the head and croup, and rein tension data, were collected (128 Hz) from six professional riders each riding three of their own horses, training levels varying from basic to advanced, during normal training sessions. The activities were categorised into gaits, halts and transitions based on video evaluation. The transitions were categorised as without (type 1) or with (type 2) intermediate steps that are not normally present in the gaits preceding or following the transition. The differences in the median rein tension before/during/after transitions, between the types and left/right reins were analysed in mixed models. The rein tension just before the transition was the strongest determinant of tension during the transition. The rein tension was slightly lower during upward transitions compared to downward transitions, reflecting the pattern of the preceding gait. Type 1 and 2 downward transitions were not different regarding rein tension. The left rein tension was lower than right rein tension. The rein tension associated with the transitions and halts varied substantially between riders and horses. The generally strong association of the gaits and their inherent biomechanics with rein tension should be taken into account when riding transitions and halts.
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Publication Date: 2019-09-23 PubMed ID: 31547540PubMed Central: PMC6827353DOI: 10.3390/ani9100712Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 titled “Rein tension in transitions and halts during equestrian dressage training” evaluates the tension experienced in the reins during various transitions and halts in horseback riding sessions with a focus on different gaits under varying horse training levels.

Objective and Methodology

In dressage, transitioning between different horse movements and halts is critical. This study monitors the difference in rein tension before, during, and after these transitions. The research included six professional riders with their horses, whose training varied from basic to advanced. Data was collected using inertial measurement units to track the movement of the horse’s head and croup and the tension of the reins.

  • The study categorized the activities into gaits, halts, and transitions based on video evaluation.
  • The transitions were segregated as Type 1 (without steps not present in preceding or succeeding gaits) or Type 2 (with such steps).
  • A mixed model analysis was performed to establish the variations in median rein tension before, during, and after transitions among types and reins’ left and right sides.

Key Findings

  • The rein tension before the transition played a significant role in determining tension during the transition.
  • The study found that the upward transitions had slightly lower rein tension compared to downward transitions, indicating the influence of the preceding gait thereon.
  • No substantial difference in rein tension was observed between Type 1 and Type 2 downward transitions.
  • The tension in the left rein was found to be lower than in the right one.
  • The rein tension associated with transitions and halts differed significantly among riders and horses.

Conclusion

The connection between the biomechanics of a gait and rein tension should be considered in riding transitions and halts. The significant variation in rein tension among riders and horses demonstrates the intricate relationship between the rider’s action and the horse’s response. This implies that the understanding of rein tension could provide valuable insights for equestrian training and performance.

Cite This Article

APA
Egenvall A, Clayton HM, Eisersiö M, Roepstorff L, Byström A. (2019). Rein Tension in Transitions and Halts during Equestrian Dressage Training. Animals (Basel), 9(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9100712

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 10

Researcher Affiliations

Egenvall, Agneta
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden. agneta.egenvall@slu.se.
Clayton, Hilary M
  • Sport Horse Science, 3145 Sandhill Road, Mason, MI 48854, USA. claytonh@cvm.msu.edu.
Eisersiö, Marie
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden. marie.eisersio@slu.se.
Roepstorff, Lars
  • Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7046, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden. lars.roepstorff@slu.se.
Byström, Anna
  • Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7046, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden. anna.bystrom@slu.se.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
  1. MacKechnie-Guire R, Clayton H, Williams J, Marlin D, Fisher M, Fisher D, Walker V, Murray RC. Comparison of Rein Forces and Pressure Beneath the Noseband and Headpiece of a Snaffle Bridle and a Double Bridle. Animals (Basel) 2025 Apr 5;15(7).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15071058pubmed: 40218450google scholar: lookup
  2. Egenvall A, Byström A, Pökelmann M, Connysson M, Kienapfel-Henseleit K, Karlsteen M, McGreevy P, Hartmann E. Rein tension in harness trotters during on-track exercise. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:987852.
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  3. Clayton H, MacKechnie-Guire R, Byström A, Le Jeune S, Egenvall A. Guidelines for the Measurement of Rein Tension in Equestrian Sport. Animals (Basel) 2021 Sep 30;11(10).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11102875pubmed: 34679895google scholar: lookup
  4. Eisersiö M, Byström A, Yngvesson J, Baragli P, Lanata A, Egenvall A. Rein Tension Signals Elicit Different Behavioral Responses When Comparing Bitted Bridle and Halter. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:652015.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.652015pubmed: 34026891google scholar: lookup
  5. Mellor DJ. Mouth Pain in Horses: Physiological Foundations, Behavioural Indices, Welfare Implications, and a Suggested Solution. Animals (Basel) 2020 Mar 29;10(4).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10040572pubmed: 32235343google scholar: lookup
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