A scoping review of determinants of performance in dressage

Abstract

As a first step in achieving an evidence-based classification system for the sport of Para Dressage, there is a clear need to define elite dressage performance. Previous studies have attempted to quantify performance with able-bodied riders using scientific methods; however, definitive measures have yet to be established for the horse and/or the rider. This may be, in part, due to the variety of movements and gaits that are found within a dressage test and also due to the complexity of the horse-rider partnership. The aim of this review is therefore to identify objective measurements of horse performance in dressage and the functional abilities of the rider that may influence them to achieve higher scores. Five databases (SportDiscuss, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, VetMed) were systematically searched from 1980 to May 2018. Studies were included if they fulfilled the following criteria: (1) English language; (2) employ objective, quantitative outcome measures for describing equine and human performance in dressage; (3) describe objective measures of superior horse performance using between-subject comparisons and/or relating outcome measures to competitive scoring methods; (4) describe demands of dressage using objective physiological and/or biomechanical measures from human athletes and/or how these demands are translated into superior performance. In total, 773 articles were identified. Title and abstract screening resulted in 155 articles that met the eligibility criteria, 97 were excluded during the full screening of articles, leaving 58 included articles (14 horse, 44 rider) involving 311 equine and 584 able-bodied human participants. Mean ± sd (%) quality scores were 63.5 ± 15.3 and 72.7 ± 14.7 for the equine and human articles respectively. Significant objective measures of horse performance (n = 12 articles) were grouped into themes and separated by gait/movement. A range of temporal variables that indicated superior performance were found in all gaits/movements. For the rider, n = 5 articles reported variables that identified significant differences in skill level, which included the postural position and ROM of the rider’s pelvis, trunk, knee and head. The timing of rider pelvic and trunk motion in relation to the movement of the horse emerged as an important indicator of rider influence. As temporal variables in the horse are consistently linked to superior performance it could be surmised that better overall dressage performance requires minimal disruption from the rider whilst the horse maintains a specific gait/movement. Achieving the gait/movement in the first place depends upon the intrinsic characteristics of the horse, the level of training achieved and the ability of the rider to apply the correct aid. The information from this model will be used to develop an empirical study to test the relative strength of association between impairment and performance in able-bodied and Para Dressage riders.

Relationships between the Rider’s Pelvic Mobility and Balance on a Gymnastic Ball with Equestrian Skills and Effects on Horse Welfare

“…Equestrian sports are unique among the Olympic disciplines in that they involve two athletes of different species. The skill of the rider is key to maximizing the benefits of training to produce a top performance in the competition arena [ 2 ]. In this study, we have correlated the riders’ proficiency in performing three tasks on a gymnastic ball with the quality and harmony when riding the horse, and with physiological and behavioral indices of their horse’s performance.…”

“…A published review of the equestrian literature identified functional abilities of the rider that may affect horse performance in dressage and influence the horse to achieve higher scores [ 2 ]. The rider’s ability to coordinate pelvic and trunk movements with the horse’s body movements emerged in this review as a key indicator of rider influence.…”

“…The rider’s ability to coordinate pelvic and trunk movements with the horse’s body movements emerged in as a key indicator of rider influence in the review by Hobbs et al [ 2 ]. This is consistent with the finding that pelvic roll exercise on a gymnastic ball was correlated with the parameter riding quality and harmony in this study.…”

“…The saddle undergoes three-dimensional movements involving translations along, and rotations around, the vertical, longitudinal and transverse axes of the horse’s body [ 1 ]. The rider’s pelvis interfaces directly with the saddle and is regarded as the key component both in allowing the rider to follow the horse’s movements and in facilitating transmission cues to the horse [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. During their equestrian education, riders learn to move and stabilize their pelvis to accommodate and influence the horse’s movements [ 6 ].…”

“…The rider’s pelvic control is regarded as a key determinant in the sport of dressage [ 2 ]. The pelvis is moved and stabilized by the core musculature that connects the pelvis to the trunk and the extrinsic leg muscles that affect the position and movements of the pelvis relative to the thigh.…”