The objectives were to compare sagittal plane posture of the pelvis, trunk and head of elite dressage riders when they ride actively to train the horse versus sitting passively and following the horses' movements at trot, and to evaluate the effects of these changes in rider posture on load distribution on the horse's back. Synchronised motion capture and saddle mat data of seven elite dressage riders were used to measure minimal and maximal angles and range of motion (ROM) for the pelvic, trunk and head segments, the angle between pelvis and trunk segments, phase-shift between pitching motions of pelvis and trunk, and pelvic translation relative to the saddle. Non-parametric statistical tests compared variables between the two rider postures. In the passive rider posture the pelvis, trunk and head showed two pitching cycles per stride. Maximal posterior and anterior pelvic rotation occurred, respectively, early and late in the horse's diagonal stance phase. Compared with pelvic movements, trunk movements were slightly delayed and head movements were out-of-phase. In the active rider posture the pelvis and trunk pitched further posteriorly throughout the stride. Most of the riders showed similar sagittal plane movements of the axial body segments but with some notable individual variations.

Foot pronation is a common postural condition that is related to postural asymmetry, and that may affect performance in a variety of sports. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether unmounted riders (n=18) with predominantly right or left foot pronation had an increased contralateral pelvic drop during stance of the more pronated foot when walking. This was a preliminary step toward investigating the effects of foot pronation during riding. Kinematic data were collected in 3D (250 Hz) using eight motion capture cameras during walking. The amount of foot pronation was measured by summing eversion and external rotation, and it was analysed in relation to maximal pelvic drop during stance. The results showed that during walking, the majority of the riders had significantly greater contralateral pelvic drop when the foot with the higher degree of pronation was in early stance. If the demonstrated postural asymmetry carries over to other activities where weight is distributed to the feet, e.g. at riding when the riders feet exert a force against the stirrups, this may affect the rider’s performance. Further studies are needed to describe the influence of foot pronation in mounted horseback riders.

Saddle slip, defined as a progressive lateral displacement of the saddle during ridden exercise, has recently been given attention in the scientific press as a potential sign of lameness. The aim of this study was to objectively quantify the normal lateral movement (oscillations) of the saddle relative to the horse in non-lame horses, and associate this movement to the movements of the horse and rider. Data from seven Warmblood dressage horses competing at Grand Prix (n = 6) or FEI Intermediate (n = 1) level, ridden by their usual riders, were used. Simultaneous kinetic, kinematic and saddle pressure measurements were conducted during sitting and rising trot on a force-measuring treadmill. The maximum lateral movement of the caudal part of the saddle relative to the horse's spine (MAX) was determined for each diagonal step. A mixed model was applied, with MAX as outcome, and T6 and S3 vertical position, rigid body rotation angles (roll, pitch, yaw) of the horse’s and rider’s pelvis, vertical ground reaction forces, saddle force, and rider position (rising in rising trot, sitting in rising trot or sitting in sitting trot) as explanatory variables. The least square means for MAX were 14.3 (SE 4.7) mm and 23.9 (SE 4.7) mm for rising and sitting in rising trot, and 20.3 (SE 4.7) mm for sitting trot. A 10 mm increase in maximum pelvic height at push off increased MAX by 1.4 mm (p<0.0001). One degree increase in rider pelvis roll decreased MAX 1.1 mm, and one degree increase in rider pelvis yaw increased MAX 0.7 mm (both p<0.0001). The linear relationships found between MAX and movements of both horse and rider implies that both horse and rider movement asymmetries are reflected in the lateral movements or oscillations of the saddle in non-lame horses.

For efficient rider-horse communication, the rider needs to maintain a balanced position on the horse, allowing independent and controlled movements of the rider’s body segments. The rider’s balance will most likely be negatively affected by postural asymmetries. The aims of this study were to evaluate inter-segmental symmetry of movements of the rider’s pelvis, trunk, and head segments in the frontal plane while rocking a balance chair from side to side and to compare this to the rider’s frontal plane symmetry when walking. Frontal plane rotations (roll) of the pelvis, trunk and head segments and relative translations between the segments were analysed in twenty moderately-skilled riders seated on a balance chair and rocking it from side to side. Three-dimensional kinematic data were collected using motion capture video. Principal component analysis and linear regression were used to evaluate the data. None of the riders displayed a symmetrical right-left pattern of frontal plane rotation and translation in any of their core body segments. The intersegmental pattern of asymmetries varied to a high degree between individuals. The first three principal components explained the majority of between-rider variation in these patterns (89%). A significant relationship was found indicating that during walking, when foot eversion was present on one side, pelvic/trunk roll during rocking the chair was asymmetric and larger to that same side (P=0.02, slope=0.95 in degrees). The inter-individual variation in the rider’s intersegmental strategies when rocking a balance chair was markedly large. However, there was a significant association to the rider’s foot pattern while walking, suggesting consistent intra-individual patterns over multiple situations. Although further studies are needed to confirm associations between the findings in this study and rider asymmetry while riding, riders’ postural control can likely be improved and this may enhance their sport performance.

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Lameness, a wellknown issue in sport horses, impedes performance and impairs welfare. Early detection of lameness is essential for horses to receive needed treatment, but detection of hindlimb lameness is challenging. Riding instructors and trainers observe horses in motion in their daily work and could contribute to more efficient lameness detection. In this cross-sectional and prospective study, we evaluated the ability of riding instructors and trainers to assess hindlimb lameness. We also evaluated different feedback methods for improved lameness detection. For the cross-sectional part, n = 64 riding instructors and trainers of varying level and n = 23 high-level trainers were shown 13 videos of trotting horses, lameness degree: 0–3.5 (test 1) and tasked with classifying the horses as sound, left hindlimb lame, or right hindlimb lame. For the prospective part, the riding instructors and trainers of varying levels were randomly allocated to three different groups (a, b, c) and given 14 days of feedback-based, computer-aided training in identifying hindlimb lameness, where they assessed 13 videos (of which three were repeated from test 1) of horses trotting in a straight line. Participants in groups a-c received different feedback after each video (group a: correct answer and re-viewing of video at full and 65% speed; group b: correct answer, re-viewing of video at full and 65% speed, narrator providing explanations; group c: correct answer and re-viewing of video at full speed). After computer-aided training, the participants were again subjected to the video test (test 2). Participants also provided background information regarding level of training etcetera. Effects of participants' background on results were analyzed using analysis of variance, and effects of the different feedback methods were analyzed using generalized estimation equations. On test 1, 44% (group a), 48% (b), 46% (c), and 47% (high-level trainers) of horses were correctly classified. Group a participants significantly improved their test score, both with (p &lt; 0.0001) and without (p = 0.0086) inclusion of repeated videos. For group c, significant improvement was only seen with inclusion of repeated videos (p = 0.041). For group b, no significant improvement was seen (p = 0.51). Although test 2 scores were low, computer-aided training may be useful for improving hindlimb lameness detection.