The effect of reins on kinetic variables of locomotion.

This study explores the impact of three different types of reins on the movement of horses during both walking and trotting. Results indicated that the use of reins not only affected the positioning of the horse’s head and neck, but also significantly altered the kinetics of both the forelimbs and hindlimbs.

Research Methodology

• Eight saddle horses were used for this study.
• The horses were tested in an automatic walker under three conditions: without reins, with rubber bands, with Chambons and with Back lift; all of these were subjected to the same testing procedure.
• The study utilized the Equimetrix gait analysis system to measure the gait characteristics of the horses.
• Two accelerometric devices were attached to each horse’s sternum and sacrum in order to evaluate the kinetic properties of the fore- and hindlimbs during walking and trotting.
• An analysis of variance was used to analyze the impact of the different reins on the animals’ fore- and hindlimbs.

Research Findings

• The usage of the three types of reins significantly modified both the walk and the trot of the horses.
• Regardless of the type of rein used, their usage resulted in an increased forelimb propulsion during trotting.
• The Chambons increased the dorsoventral activity (upwards and downwards movement) of the hindlimbs while trotting, and also increased hindlimb propulsion while walking.
• The Back lift, on the other hand, heightened forelimb dorsoventral activity during both trotting and walking.
• Overall, the study concluded that the use of the Chambons reins increased the activity of the hindlimbs, while the use of the Back lift reins increased that of the forelimbs.

Implications

• The findings of this study suggest that the use of reins affects not only the position of a horse’s head and neck, but also the movements of its limbs.
• This means that the specific effect of each type of rein could be utilized in training, rehabilitation, or management of locomotor injuries in horses.
• However, more research would be needed to explore this further and establish optimal practices.