Basic kinematics of the saddle and rider in high‐level dressage horses trotting on a treadmill

Abstract

Summary Reasons for performing study: A comprehensive kinematic description of rider and saddle movements is not yet present in the scientific literature. Objective: To describe saddle and rider movements in a group of high‐level dressage horses and riders. Method: Seven high‐level dressage horses and riders were subjected to kinematic measurements while performing collected trot on a treadmill. For analysis a rigid body model for the saddle and core rider segments, projection angles of the rider's extremities and the neck and trunk of the horse, and distances between markers selected to indicate rider position were used. Results: For a majority of the variables measured it was possible to describe a common pattern for the group. Rotations around the transverse axis (pitch) were generally biphasic for each diagonal. During the first half of stance the saddle rotated anticlockwise and the rider's pelvis clockwise viewed from the right and the rider's lumbar back extended. During the later part of stance and the suspension phase reverse pitch rotations were observed. Rotations of the saddle and core rider segments around the longitudinal (roll) and vertical axes (yaw) changed direction only around time of contact of each diagonal. Conclusion: The saddles and riders of high‐level dressage horses follow a common movement pattern at collected trot. The movements of the saddle and rider are clearly related to the movements of the horse and saddle movements also seem to be influenced by the rider. Potential relevance: Knowledge about rider and saddle movements can further our understanding of, and hence possibilities to prevent, orthopaedic injuries related to the exposure of the horse to a rider and saddle.

A preliminary investigation of the use of inertial sensing technology for the measurement of hip rotation asymmetry in horse riders

“…A limited number of studies have been carried out into horse and rider posture and asymmetry, with much of what has been done using video analysis (Byström, Rhodin, von Peinen, Weishaupt & Roepstorff 2009;Symes & Ellis 2009;Kang et al 2010) or saddle pressure testing (Peham et al 2010). All these authors suggest the need for further studies.…”

Influence of velocity on horse and rider movement and resulting saddle forces at walk and trot

“…Similarly at trot, the movements of the horse dictate the basic pattern of the rider's movements (Byström et al, 2009). The present study demonstrated, that increasing velocity significantly accentuate the basic motion pattern of the respective gait and consequently exerted a distinct formative influence on the saddle forces.…”

“…The movements of the rider at trot can largely be explained from the vertical and horizontal de-and acceleration of the horse's trunk (Byström et al, 2009). Adaptation to higher trotting velocities was predominately made by increased SL which was achieved by enlarged StL but also by the increasing suspension duration, what increased the vertical dynamics of the gait.…”

“…However, there is no information as to how the movement of the horse's back adapt to increasing velocities at walk. Byström et al (2009Byström et al ( , 2010 investigated the kinematics of saddle and rider with horses walking and trotting on a treadmill and showed that saddle and rider follow a common movement pattern which clearly originates from the horse's movement: at walk rider movements were related to the alternating level difference …”

Evolving protocols for research in equitation science

“…Several authors have garnered valid information for horse equipment design and fit Byström et al, 2010;Fruehwirth et al, 2004;Hofmann et al, 2006;Kotschwar et al, 2010;Latif et al, 2010;Meschan et al, 2007;Monkemoller et al, 2005;Nyikos et al, 2005;von Peinen et al, 2010;Werner et al, 2002;Winkelmayr et al, 2006). More recently, attempts have been made to use this technology to measure changes in pressure on the horse's back from the rider's seat and legs (Belock et al, 2012;Byström et al, 2009;Byström et al, 2010;Clayton et al, 2013;de Cocq et al, 2008;de Cocq et al, 2009;de Cocq et al, 2010a, de Cocq et al, 2010b, Geutjens et al, 2008Nevison et al, 2011;Nevison and Timmis, 2013;Peham, 2008;Peham et al, 2004;von Peinen et al, 2009).…”