Comparison of stirrup lengths chosen for flatwork by novice and experienced riders

Abstract

Although stirrups may be considered an essential part of equestrian equipment, there is little research describing their use and function. The aim of the present study was to compare stirrup lengths chosen for flatwork by novice and experienced riders, and to measure the associated leg position and knee angles. Ten novice and ten experienced riders, with kinematic markers attached to their greater trochanter, lateral femoral epicondyle, and lateral fibular malleolus, mounted three horses and a mechanical horse. The riders selected an appropriate stirrup length for flatwork by adjusting the unnumbered stirrup leathers. Stirrup length was measured and expressed as a percentage of the rider’s leg length measured from the greater trochanter to the floor when standing. Lateral photographs were taken from both sides with the riders mounted on each horse in a standing position. The kinematic markers were digitised to measure knee angle and ankle position relative to the hip in the anteroposterior direction. Within riders, there was no significant difference in stirrup length between the three live horses or between the mechanical horse and live horse. Experienced riders consistently selected a significantly longer stirrup length as a percentage of their leg length compared with novice riders (combined data for live horses and mechanical horse; P=0.005). Experienced riders demonstrated a significantly larger knee angle (combined data for live horses and mechanical horse) compared with novice riders (118±8° and 109±7°, respectively; P=0.016). Novice riders had a significantly larger knee angle on the mechanical horse compared with the live horse (115±9° versus 107±9°, respectively; P=0.003). The relatively longer stirrup length selected by experienced riders is thought to reflect the development of an independent seat, which implies the ability to move the legs independently of the pelvis. The chair seat adopted by novice riders on the mechanical horse could be considered counter to improving their equitation skills.

Effects of saddle tilt and stirrup length on the kinetics of horseback riders

“…For instance, achieving saddle tilt with correction saddle pads will not lead to the same results as modifying the saddle design so that the panels remain aligned while only the seat tilts for the rider. This is why individualization of saddle setup must be performed with care and by using the general agreements on saddle tilt and stirrup lengths proposed elsewhere ( Kotschwar, Baltacis & Peham, 2010 ; Andrews-Rudd et al, 2018 ; Farmer-Day et al, 2018 ; Keener et al, 2020 ; Roost et al, 2020 ) only as a starting point. From that starting point, one must reach the optimal setup through trial and error.…”

“…While there seems to be an agreement on seeking a saddle tilt of 0° ( Dyson, Carson & Fisher, 2015 ; Roost et al, 2020 ), there is no clear evidence on how this affects the rider performance biomechanically. On the other hand, stirrup length varies depending on personal preference, skill and discipline: more experienced riders have been reported to select longer stirrup lengths when compared to novice riders during flatwork ( Andrews-Rudd et al, 2018 ), which has been linked to a more developed independence of the seat ( i.e. , better balance) of advanced riders.…”