Saddle pressure distributions of three saddles used for Icelandic horses and their effects on ground reaction forces, limb movements and rider positions at walk and tölt.
Abstract: Icelandic horse riding practices aim to place the rider further caudally on the horse's back than in English riding, claiming that a weight shift toward the hindquarters improves the quality of the tölt (e.g. giving the shoulder more freedom to move). This study compared saddle pressure patterns and the effects on limb kinetics and kinematics of three saddles: an Icelandic saddle (S(Icel), lowest point of seat in the hind part of the saddle), a treeless saddle cushion (S(Cush)) and a dressage-style saddle (S(Dres)). Twelve Icelandic horses were ridden with S(Icel), S(Cush) and S(Dres) on an instrumented treadmill at walk and tölt. Saddle pressure, limb forces and kinematics were recorded simultaneously. With S(Cush), pressure was highest under the front part of the saddle, whereas the saddles with trees had more pressure under the hind area. The saddles had no influence on the motion patterns of the limbs. The slight weight shift to the rear with S(Cush) and S(Icel) may be explained by the more caudal position of the rider relative to the horse's back.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2013-09-27 PubMed ID: 24239262DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.038Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research explores how different types of saddles used for Icelandic horses influence saddle pressure patterns, limb movements, and rider positions during walk and tölt, aiming to understand which type offers optimal conditions for both the horse and rider.
Research Methodology
- The research involved comparing elements such as saddle pressure, limb kinetics, and kinematics across three different types of saddles: an Icelandic saddle (identified as S(Icel)), a treeless saddle cushion (identified as S(Cush)), and a dressage-style saddle (identified as S(Dres)).
- The study enlisted twelve Icelandic horses who were ridden on an instrumented treadmill at walk and tölt using these three types of saddles. The use of the instrumented treadmill made it possible to record various parameters simultaneously such as saddle pressure, limb forces, and kinetic and kinematical data.
Key Findings
- With the use of the S(Cush) saddle, pressure was found to be highest under the front part of the saddle, while the saddles with trees (S(Icel) and S(Dres)) exhibited more pressure under the hind area.
- The different types of saddles used in the study did not influence the motion patterns of the Icelandic horses’ limbs.
- The slight shift of weight to the rear with the S(Cush) and S(Icel) saddles was likely due to the rider’s position being more towards the rear in relation to the horse’s back.
Implications and Conclusions
- The findings suggest that saddle type and its placement can influence pressure patterns, and potentially the comfort and performance of both the horse and rider. However, it appears that the saddle type does not affect the motion patterns of the horse’s limbs.
- This research provides valuable insights that can help in the selection and design of saddles, especially for Icelandic horse riding practices where the rider is typically positioned further back on the horse’s back.
Cite This Article
APA
Ramseier LC, Waldern NM, Wiestner T, Geser-von Peinen K, Weishaupt MA.
(2013).
Saddle pressure distributions of three saddles used for Icelandic horses and their effects on ground reaction forces, limb movements and rider positions at walk and tölt.
Vet J, 198 Suppl 1, e81-e87.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.038 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland. Electronic address: kvonpeinen@vetclinics.uzh.ch.
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Female
- Forelimb / physiology
- Gait / physiology
- Hindlimb / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Walking / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Laffi L, Bigand F, Peham C, Novembre G, Gamba M, Ravignani A. Rhythmic categories in horse gait kinematics. J Anat 2025 Mar;246(3):456-465.
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