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Equine veterinary journal2009; 41(3); 285-291; doi: 10.2746/042516409x397136

Relationship between the forces acting on the horse’s back and the movements of rider and horse while walking on a treadmill.

Abstract: The exact relationship between the saddle pressure pattern during one stride cycle and the movements of horse and rider at the walk are poorly understood and have never been investigated in detail. Objective: The movements of rider and horse account for the force distribution pattern under the saddle. Methods: Vertical ground reaction forces (GRF), kinematics of horse and rider as well as saddle forces (FS) were measured synchronously in 7 high level dressage horses while being ridden on an instrumented treadmill at walk. Discrete values of the total saddle forces (FStot) were determined for each stride and related to kinematics and GRF. The pressure sensitive mat was divided into halves and sixths to assess the force distribution over the horse's back in more detail. Differences were tested using a one sample t test (P < 0.05). Results: FStot of all the horses showed 3 peaks (P1-P3) and 3 minima (M1-M3) in each half-cycle, which were systematically related to the footfall sequence of the walk. Looking at the halves of the mat, force curves were 50% phase-shifted. The analysis of the FS of the 6 sections showed a clear association to the rider's and horse's movements. Conclusions: The saddle force distribution during an entire stride cycle has a distinct pattern although the force fluctuations of the FStot are small. The forces in the front thirds were clearly related to the movement of the front limbs, those in the mid part to the lateral flexion of the horse's spine and the loading of the hind part was mainly influenced by the axial rotation and lateral bending of the back. Conclusions: These data can be used as a reference for comparing different types of saddle fit.
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Publication Date: 2009-05-28 PubMed ID: 19469237DOI: 10.2746/042516409x397136Google 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.

This study illuminates the link between the distribution of forces under a horse’s saddle, the horse’s stride, and the movements of both the horse and its rider when walking on a treadmill. It’s findings help to better understand the complex dynamics between rider, horse, and saddle, and provide a reference point for comparing different types of saddle fit.

Methods

  • The study used vertical ground reaction forces (GRF), kinematics of horse and rider, as well as saddle forces (FS) which were synchronously measured in 7 high-level dressage horses while being ridden on a treadmill at a walk.
  • Discrete values of the total saddle forces (FStot) were determined for each stride and connected to kinematics and GRF for analysis.
  • The pressure-sensitive mat under the saddle was divided into halves and sixths to accurately assess how force was distributed over the horse’s back.
  • Statistical analysis to detect differences was carried out using a one-sample t test (P<0.05).

Results

  • The analysis showed that FStot of all the horses displayed 3 peaks and 3 minima in each half-cycle, which correlated systematically with the footfall sequence of the walk.
  • When looking at the halves of the pressure mat, force curves were found to be 50% phase-shifted.
  • The analysis of FS in the 6 sections of the mat revealed a clear association with the movements of both the rider and the horse.
  • Although the force fluctuations of FStot are small, the saddle force distribution during a complete stride cycle exhibited a discernible pattern.

Conclusions

  • The study found that the forces in the front thirds were notably connected to the movement of the front limbs.
  • The forces in the middle part related to the lateral flexion of the horse’s spine.
  • The loading of the hind part was primarily influenced by the axial rotation and lateral bending of the horse’s back.
  • These results can be used as a benchmark for comparing various types of saddle fit, thereby enhancing horse comfort and performance.

Cite This Article

APA
von Peinen K, Wiestner T, Bogisch S, Roepstorff L, van Weeren PR, Weishaupt MA. (2009). Relationship between the forces acting on the horse’s back and the movements of rider and horse while walking on a treadmill. Equine Vet J, 41(3), 285-291. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x397136

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 41
Issue: 3
Pages: 285-291

Researcher Affiliations

von Peinen, K
  • Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
Wiestner, T
    Bogisch, S
      Roepstorff, L
        van Weeren, P R
          Weishaupt, M A

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Back / physiology
            • Biomechanical Phenomena
            • Exercise Test
            • Horses / physiology
            • Movement / physiology
            • Walking / physiology

            Citations

            This article has been cited 8 times.
            1. Hobbs SJ, Alexander J, Wilkins C, St George L, Nankervis K, Sinclair J, Penhorwood G, Williams J, Clayton HM. Towards an Evidence-Based Classification System for Para Dressage: Associations between Impairment and Performance Measures. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 31;13(17).
              doi: 10.3390/ani13172785pubmed: 37685049google scholar: lookup
            2. Hobbs SJ, St George L, Reed J, Stockley R, Thetford C, Sinclair J, Williams J, Nankervis K, Clayton HM. A scoping review of determinants of performance in dressage. PeerJ 2020;8:e9022.
              doi: 10.7717/peerj.9022pubmed: 32355578google scholar: lookup
            3. Byström A, Roepstorff L, Rhodin M, Serra Bragança F, Engell MT, Hernlund E, Persson-Sjödin E, van Weeren R, Weishaupt MA, Egenvall A. Lateral movement of the saddle relative to the equine spine in rising and sitting trot on a treadmill. PLoS One 2018;13(7):e0200534.
              doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200534pubmed: 30020982google scholar: lookup
            4. 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
            5. Flores FM, Dagnese F, Mota CB, Copetti F. Parameters of the center of pressure displacement on the saddle during hippotherapy on different surfaces. Braz J Phys Ther 2015 May-Jun;19(3):211-7.
              doi: 10.1590/bjpt-rbf.2014.0090pubmed: 26083600google scholar: lookup
            6. Hobbs SJ, Baxter J, Broom L, Rossell LA, Sinclair J, Clayton HM. Posture, flexibility and grip strength in horse riders. J Hum Kinet 2014 Sep 29;42:113-25.
              doi: 10.2478/hukin-2014-0066pubmed: 25414745google scholar: lookup
            7. Balog O, Havanecz K, Csányi T, Ökrös C, Tóth L, Berki T. A narrative review of factors influencing rider performance and horse welfare in equestrian activities. Front Sports Act Living 2025;7:1744918.
              doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1744918pubmed: 41660061google scholar: lookup
            8. 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
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