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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2023; 13(24); 3854; doi: 10.3390/ani13243854

Riders’ Effects on Horses-Biomechanical Principles with Examples from the Literature.

Abstract: Movements of the horse and rider in equestrian sports are governed by the laws of physics. An understanding of these physical principles is a prerequisite to designing and interpreting biomechanical studies of equestrian sports. This article explains and explores the biomechanical effects between riders and horses, including gravitational and inertial forces, turning effects, and characteristics of rider technique that foster synchronous movement with the horse. Rider symmetry, posture, and balance are discussed in the context of their relationship to rider skill level and their effects on the horse. Evidence is presented to support the feasibility of improving equestrian performance by off-horse testing followed by unmounted therapy and exercises to target the identified deficiencies. The elusive quality of harmony, which is key to a true partnership between riders and horses, is explored and described in biomechanical terms.
Publication Date: 2023-12-15 PubMed ID: 38136891PubMed Central: PMC10741103DOI: 10.3390/ani13243854Google 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 seeks to understand the principles of physics involved in equestrian sports and how they affect the relationship between the rider and the horse. It explores rider technique, symmetry, posture, and balance in relation to riding skill and their impacts on the horses.

Physical Principles in Equestrian Sports

  • The study takes into account the gravitational and inertial forces, and riding techniques that enable the rider to move in sync with the horse. These physics principles are integral to understanding movements and behavior in equestrian sports.
  • The turning effects are also crucial; the study suggests that how a rider manipulates body weight and position could influence the horse’s turning motions.

Rider Technique and its Impact on Horses

  • The posture, balance, and symmetry of the rider has a significant impact on the horse’s movements. Riders with higher skill levels often exhibit better balance and posture, which results in more efficient horse movements.
  • The research also indicates that the rider’s skill level and posture can affect the overall performance of the horse. Poor posture or asymmetry can lead to inefficient movement or even discomfort for the horse.

Improvement through Off-Horse Testing and Unmounted Therapy

  • The article proposes that rider performance can be improved by off-horse testing and unmounted therapy. These interventions would allow for identification and targeting of rider deficiencies that may impede equestrian performance.
  • Results from off-horse testing would identify what physical aspects (e.g., balance, flexibility, core strength) the rider needs to work on. Unmounted therapy and exercises would then focus on these areas to improve the rider’s physical capabilities and hence their riding performance.

Harmony in Biomechanical Terms

  • Harmony refers to the complete synchronization between the rider and the horse in movement and intention. The study alludes to this aspect as essential for optimal performance in equestrian sports.
  • In biomechanical terms, harmony would mean a perfect balance of forces, effective communication via subtle cues, and a clear understanding of each other’s movements. Achieving harmony goes beyond simple physical compatibility and delves into a deep, mutual understanding between horse and rider.

Cite This Article

APA
Clayton HM, MacKechnie-Guire R, Hobbs SJ. (2023). Riders’ Effects on Horses-Biomechanical Principles with Examples from the Literature. Animals (Basel), 13(24), 3854. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13243854

Publication

ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 24
PII: 3854

Researcher Affiliations

Clayton, Hilary Mary
  • Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
MacKechnie-Guire, Russell
  • Equine Department, Hartpury University, Hartpury House, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL19 3BE, UK.
Hobbs, Sarah Jane
  • Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
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