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Equine veterinary journal2009; 41(3); 274-279; doi: 10.2746/042516409x394436

The effect of different head and neck positions on the caudal back and hindlimb kinematics in the elite dressage horse at trot.

Abstract: Dressage involves training of the horse with the head and neck placed in a position defined by the rider. The best position for dressage training is currently under debate among riders and trainers, but there are few scientific data available to confirm or disprove the different views. Objective: To evaluate the kinematic effects of different head and neck positions (HNPs) in elite dressage horses ridden at trot. Methods: Seven high-level dressage horses were subjected to kinetic and kinematic measurements when ridden on a treadmill with the head and neck in 5 different positions. Results: Compared to free trot on loose reins the HNP desired for collected trot at dressage competitions increased T6 vertical excursion, increased sacral flexion and decreased limb retraction after lift-off. Further increasing head or head and neck flexion caused few additional changes while an extremely elevated neck position increased hindlimb flexion and lumbar back extension during stance, increased hindlimb flexion during swing and further increased trunk vertical excursion. Conclusions: The movements of the horse are significantly different when ridden on loose reins compared to the position used in collected trot. The exact degree of neck flexion is, however, not consistently correlated to the movements of the horse's limbs and trunk at collected trot. An extremely elevated neck position can produce some effects commonly associated with increased degree of collection, but the increased back extension observed with this position may place the horse at risk of injury if ridden in this position for a prolonged period. Conclusions: Head and neck positions influence significantly the kinematics of the ridden horse. It is important for riders and trainers to be aware of these effects in dressage training.
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Publication Date: 2009-05-28 PubMed ID: 19469235DOI: 10.2746/042516409x394436Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 investigates the impacts of different head and neck positions on the movement dynamics of elite dressage horses during a trot. It discovers that these positions significantly alter the horse’s movements and may have implications on horse performance and safety.

Objective and Methodology

  • The primary objective of the study is to understand the kinematic changes caused by various head and neck positions (HNPs) in high-level dressage horses while trotting.
  • To achieve this, the researchers performed kinetic and kinematic examinations on seven elite dressage horses. These horses were ridden on a treadmill, adopting five different HNPs. This controlled environment allowed accurate measurements across various parameters such as limb retraction, trunk vertical excursion, sacral flexion, and hindlimb flexion.

Results and Findings

  • Compared to a free trot on loose reins, the competition HNP for a collected trot highlighted distinct differences. The collected trot position led to more significant T6 vertical excursion (the horse’s natural up and down movement), increased sacral flexion (flexing at the lower back), and reduced limb retraction after lift-off.
  • Increasing the head or head and neck flexion resulted in only a few additional alterations. Meanwhile, an excessively elevated neck position led to more notable changes, such as increased lumbar back extension during stance, further increased trunk vertical excursion, and higher hindlimb flexion during both swing and stance phases.
  • The degree of neck flexion did not consistently correlate with the movements of the horse’s limbs and trunk during the collected trot.

Conclusions and Implication

  • The researchers concluded that HNPs significantly influence the kinematics of a ridden horse. They underscored that riders and trainers in dressage should be aware of these effects during training.
  • While an excessively elevated neck position might produce effects generally associated with an increased degree of collection, prolonged use of this position may risk back injury to the horse due to the increased extension.
  • The study highlighted the need for further research to understand the optimum level of neck flexion that guarantees performance without compromising the animal’s welfare.

Cite This Article

APA
Rhodin M, Gómez Alvarez CB, Byström A, Johnston C, van Weeren PR, Roepstorff L, Weishaupt MA. (2009). The effect of different head and neck positions on the caudal back and hindlimb kinematics in the elite dressage horse at trot. Equine Vet J, 41(3), 274-279. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x394436

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 41
Issue: 3
Pages: 274-279

Researcher Affiliations

Rhodin, M
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
Gómez Alvarez, C B
    Byström, A
      Johnston, C
        van Weeren, P R
          Roepstorff, L
            Weishaupt, M A

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Biomechanical Phenomena
              • Gait / physiology
              • Head
              • Hindlimb / physiology
              • Horses / physiology
              • Neck

              Citations

              This article has been cited 22 times.
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