Saddle Thigh Block Design Can Influence Rider and Horse Biomechanics.
Abstract: The association between rider-saddle interaction and horse kinematics has been little studied. It was hypothesized that differences in a thigh block design would influence (a) rider-saddle interface pressures, (b) rider kinematics, and (c) equine limb/spinal kinematics. Eighteen elite sport horses/riders were trotted using correctly fitted dressage saddles with thigh blocks S (vertical face) and F (deformable face). Contact area, mean, and peak pressure between rider and saddle were determined using an on-saddle pressure mat. Spherical markers allowed for the measurement of horse/rider kinematics using two-dimensional video analysis. The kinematics of the equine thoracolumbosacral spine were obtained using skin-mounted inertial measuring units. Results were compared between thigh blocks (paired t-test p ≤ 0.05). With F, the contact area, mean, and peak pressure between rider and saddle were significantly higher (p = 0.0001), and the rider trunk anterior tilt was reduced, indicating altered rider-saddle interaction. The horse thoracic axial rotation and flexion/extension were reduced (p = 0.01-0.03), caudal thoracic and lumbar lateral bend was increased (p = 0.02-0.04), and carpal flexion increased (p = 0.01-0.05) with F compared to S. During straight-line locomotion when in sitting trot, thigh block F was associated with altered rider-saddle interaction and rider and equine kinematics, leading to a more consistent rider-saddle interface, a more upright rider trunk during stance, an increased horse thoracic stability and lumbar lateral bend, and forelimb flexion, supporting the importance of optimising rider-saddle-horse interaction.
Publication Date: 2023-06-27 PubMed ID: 37443924PubMed Central: PMC10340000DOI: 10.3390/ani13132127Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The study’s focus is on the impact of different saddle designs, specifically the thigh block, on the biomechanics of both the rider and the horse. The research suggests that a deformable thigh block design can alter the interaction between the rider and saddle, leading to changes in both equine and rider kinematics, potentially improving horse stability and rider position.
Study Design and Hypothesis
- The research scrutinizes how variations in a saddle’s thigh block design may influence a) pressures at the rider-saddle interface, b) rider kinematics – the physics of motion, and c) horse limb and spinal kinematics. The researchers hypothesized that a deformable-faced thigh block, compared to a vertical-faced one, would lead to different rider and horse biomechanics.
Subjects and Experimentation
- Eighteen elite sport horses and riders participated in the study. All subjects trotted using correctly fitted dressage saddles with two types of thigh blocks: S (vertical face) and F (deformable face).
- An on-saddle pressure mat was used to measure the contact area, mean, and peak pressure between the rider and the saddle.
- Rider and horse kinematics were measured using two-dimensional video analysis with the help of spherical markers.
- To capture the horse spine movements, researchers used skin-mounted inertial measuring units that provided data on thoracolumbosacral motion.
Results and Comparison
- The study discovered significant differences between the two thigh block designs. The deformable-faced (F) design resulted in higher contact area, mean, and peak pressure between the rider and the saddle, a significant increase compared to the vertical face (S) design.
- Differences in rider kinematics were also present. The rider’s trunk anterior tilt was reduced with the deformable-faced block, suggesting a change in rider-saddle interaction and potentially improved balance or posture.
- Additionally, the deformable-faced design had a significant impact on the horse’s movement. Thoracic axial rotation and flexion/extension in the horse were reduced, while caudal thoracic and lumbar lateral bend increased. Forelimb flexion was also greater with the deformable face thigh block.
- These differences may correlate to increased stability and changes in gait or stride of the horse.
Conclusion
- This study supports the significance of optimizing rider-saddle-horse interaction. Differences in saddle design, especially the thigh block, can influence rider and horse biomechanics, which could potentially impact performance or prevent injury. Specifically, a deformable thigh block design was noted to increase stability and cause a more upright rider trunk position during stance and modify horse biomechanics.
Cite This Article
APA
Murray R, Fisher M, Fairfax V, MacKechnie-Guire R.
(2023).
Saddle Thigh Block Design Can Influence Rider and Horse Biomechanics.
Animals (Basel), 13(13).
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132127 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7NN, UK.
- Woolcroft Saddlery, Mays Lane, Wisbech PE13 5BU, UK.
- Fairfax Saddles, The Saddlery, Fryers Road, Bloxwich, Walsall, West Midlands WS3 2XJ, UK.
- Centaur Biomechanics, Dunstaffanage House, Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire CV35 9BD, UK.
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Brookman's Park, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Vanessa Fairfax is employed by Fairfax Saddles. VF was not involved in data management, processing, or statistical analysis. None of the remaining authors of this paper have a financial or personal relationship with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of the paper.
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