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Equine veterinary journal2005; 37(1); 7-11; doi: 10.2746/0425164054406928

The influence of head and neck position on kinematics of the back in riding horses at the walk and trot.

Abstract: A common opinion among riders and in the literature is that the positioning of the head and neck influences the back of the horse, but this has not yet been measured objectively. Objective: To evaluate the effect of head and neck position on the kinematics of the back in riding horses. Methods: Eight Warmblood riding horses in regular work were studied on a treadmill at walk and trot with the head and neck in 3 different predetermined positions achieved by side reins attached to the bit and to an anticast roller. The 3-dimensional movement of the thoracolumbar spine was measured from the position of skin-fixed markers recorded by infrared videocameras. Results: Head and neck position influenced the movements of the back, especially at the walk. When the head was fixed in a high position at the walk, the flexion-extension movement and lateral bending of the lumbar back, as well as the axial rotation, were significantly reduced when compared to movements with the head free or in a low position. At walk, head and neck position also significantly influenced stride length, which was shortest with the head in a high position. At trot, the stride length was independent of head position. Conclusions: Restricting and restraining the position and movement of the head and neck alters the movement of the back and stride characteristics. With the head and neck in a high position stride length and flexion and extension of the caudal back were significantly reduced. Conclusions: Use of side reins in training and rehabilitation programmes should be used with an understanding of the possible effects on the horse's back.
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Publication Date: 2005-01-18 PubMed ID: 15651727DOI: 10.2746/0425164054406928Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • 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.

This study reveals that the positioning of a horse’s head and neck can significantly impact its back and stride length, particularly during walking. The research involved testing the three-dimensional movements of the thoracolumbar spine on eight Warmblood horses while their head and neck positions were altered using side reins.

Methodology

  • The research studied eight Warmblood riding horses that were in regular work.
  • The horses were tested on a treadmill while walking and trotting.
  • The position of the horses’ head and neck was adjusted between three different levels – high, medium, and low – using side reins that were attached to the bit and an anti-cast roller.
  • Infrared videocameras were used to record the movement of skin-fixed markers placed on the horses to measure the three-dimensional movement of the thoracolumbar spine.

Results

  • The head and neck position of the horses was found to significantly influence the movements of their back, particularly at the walk.
  • When the head was fixed in a high position, the movements of flexion-extension and lateral bending in the lumbar back were significantly reduced, as compared to when the head was free or in a low position.
  • Similarly, at a walk, stride length also varied depending on the head and neck position, with the shortest stride length observed when the head was held high.
  • Conversely, at a trot, stride length was found to be independent of the head’s position.

Conclusions

  • Restrictions and restraints placed on the position and movement of a horse’s head and neck can determinately alter the movements of its back and its stride characteristics.
  • Notably, both stride length and the flexion and extension of the caudal back were significantly reduced when the head and neck were kept high.
  • The study, hence, concludes that caution should be applied when using side reins in training and rehabilitation programmes as not taking the possible effects on the horse’s back into consideration can be counterproductive.

Cite This Article

APA
Rhodin M, Johnston C, Holm KR, Wennerstrand J, Drevemo S. (2005). The influence of head and neck position on kinematics of the back in riding horses at the walk and trot. Equine Vet J, 37(1), 7-11. https://doi.org/10.2746/0425164054406928

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 37
Issue: 1
Pages: 7-11

Researcher Affiliations

Rhodin, M
  • Department of Anatomy, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
Johnston, C
    Holm, K Roethlisberger
      Wennerstrand, J
        Drevemo, S

          MeSH Terms

          • Acceleration
          • Animals
          • Back / physiology
          • Biomechanical Phenomena
          • Exercise Test / veterinary
          • Female
          • Gait / physiology
          • Head / physiology
          • Horses / physiology
          • Male
          • Movement / physiology
          • Neck / physiology
          • Walking / physiology

          Citations

          This article has been cited 16 times.
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