Rider Skill Affects Time and Frequency Domain Postural Variables When Performing Shoulder-in.

The research article compares the performance of novice and experienced horse riders when performing specific movements. The study found experienced riders perform better, but both groups encountered more difficulty with the shoulder-in right move. The results suggest rider skill level influences their postural variables, affecting their interaction with the horse’s movements.

Study Methodology

• The study involved a total of 16 horse-rider combinations; eight were novices and eight were advanced riders.
• They executed sitting trots in a straight line and riding shoulder-in to the left and right side.
• All participants wore a full-body set of inertial sensors during the exercises.
• An experienced dressage judge was responsible for signalling when movements were executed correctly and for scoring the quality of performance on a scale of 0-10.
• Kinematic data procured from the inertial sensors were evaluated in the time and frequency domain.
• Performances were compared across the three postures: trotting on a straight line, shoulder-in left, and shoulder-in right.

Findings of the Study

• All advanced riders scored higher on the dressage evaluation for all three movements.
• However, both the advanced and novice riders received significantly lower scores for the shoulder-in right movement.
• Advanced riders demonstrated greater hip extension and external rotation in their outside leg when riding shoulder-in compared to novice riders, which is believed to play a vital role in facilitating the required body rotation in the horse.
• The lower scores for the shoulder-in right maneuver could be linked to significant differences in the harmonics of trunk to pelice rotation.

Implications of the Research

• The study demonstrates the influence of rider skill level on postural adjustments when performing particular movements, indicating an important area for potential skill development.
• Difficulty with the shoulder-in right movement across both novice and experienced riders suggests a prevalent challenge that could be addressed through targeted training and education.
• Furthermore, the research could have implications for designing more effective training programs to enhance performance in equestrian sports.