Saddle and leg forces during lateral movements in dressage.

The research investigates how riders distribute their weight and apply leg forces during different types of movements while riding a horse, providing a quantitative analysis to previously unmeasured aspects of horse riding.

Overview of the Research Objectives and Methodology

• The study aims to understand and measure the distribution of forces exerted by a horse rider under the saddle and through their legs during lateral movements.
• The method comprised of eleven riders performing three different exercises: straight-ahead riding, shoulder-in, and travers at trot.
• Three distinct saddle force systems were used to measure the forces exerted under the saddle and by the legs of the rider.
• The magnitudes of these forces were summed for the total area of the saddle, and for the inside and outside halves, as well as for the inside and outside leg.

Findings of the Study

• An identifiable rhythmic pattern was observed in saddle forces, whereas the leg force changes were more irregular.
• It was noted that the total saddle force was lower while riding straight ahead when compared to riding shoulder-in or travers.
• The study identified that the force distributed on the inside half of the saddle was higher during a travers than it was during straight riding or performing a shoulder-in.
• Similarly, outside leg force was also highest during a travers exercise as compared to the other two movements.

Significance of the Research

• The conclusions drawn from this research contribute to the biomechanical understanding of horse riding techniques.
• By quantifying aspects of riding that had previously only been assumed or intuitively understood, the study helps refine techniques and may influence equestrian training and performance.
• The results may also support further investigation into similar or related lines of biomechanical enquiry aimed at clarifying and improving horse riding performance and rider safety.