Reducing Peak Pressures Under the Saddle Panel at the Level of the 10th to 13th Thoracic Vertebrae May Be Associated With Improved Gait Features, Even When Saddles Are Fitted to Published Guidelines

Murray, Rachel C.; Guire, R.; Fisher, Mark; Fairfax, Vanessa

doi:10.1016/j.jevs.2017.02.010

Cited by 26 publications

(42 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…In the dressage horse at trot, alteration in peak pressures under dressage saddles at T10-T13 was associated with alteration in limb kinematics (Murray et al, 2017). Alterations in back shape under the saddle at T13 with exercise were influenced by saddle fit and work quality in a separate study , suggesting that the area around T13 may be important in the relationship between the saddle and horse.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 81%

“…All the jumping saddles used in the study on the 12 sample horses were independently assessed by four qualified registered SMS saddle fitters using SMS criteria for fitting saddles (City and Guilds, 2007;Murray et al, 2017). Saddle fit was assessed in a straight line and on a circle in walk, trot, and canter on both reins.…”

Section: Experimental Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For each horse, both the usual saddle for the horse (Saddle S) and a modified design Saddle F were assessed. Saddle F was based on a design shown previously by this group to reduce peak pressures under the saddle at T10-13 in dressage horses at trot (Murray et al, 2017). Saddles were included in the assessment process after ruling out structural faults (including loss of integrity of the tree) and confirming that the panel flock or foam was in good condition.…”

Section: Experimental Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Pressure mat data were acquired under the panel either side of the gullet of the saddle using a pressure mat (600 mm long and 200 mm wide for left and right side, 256 sensors arranged in 16 columns and eight rows for each of left and right sides) (Sensor Elastisens MSA600, Pliance, Novel GmbH, Munich, Germany) (sampling rate 50 Hz) positioned under the saddle. Pressure data was acquired under the panel during the final approach stride and takeoff at the level of T10-13 (Cells A4-7 left/right) (Murray et al, 2017). Pressure mat data was captured using blue tooth technology and simultaneous video footage was recorded (50 Hz Panasonic, Kadoma, Japan).…”

Section: Data Collectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There is increasing recognition of the importance of horsesaddle interaction (De Cocq et al, 2004;Dyson, 2013, 2015;Meschan et al, 2007;Murray et al, 2017;Von Peinen et al, 2010). Alterations in the pressure pattern under the saddle during different gaits, and peak pressure under the saddle at thoracic vertebrae 10-13 (T10-13) at trot has been related to limb kinematics (Fruehwirth et al, 2004;Murray et al, 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Reducing peak pressures under the saddle at thoracic vertebrae 10-13 is associated with alteration in jump kinematics

Murray

MacKechnie-Guire²,

Fisher

et al. 2018

CEP

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There is little information about horse-saddle interaction at take-off for a fence, although there is potential that this could have an influence on performance. It was hypothesised that (1) maximum peak pressure under the saddle would occur in the phase of maximum thoracolumbar flexion prior to hindlimb take-off; and (2) limb and trunk kinematics at take-off over the fence would be affected by reducing peak pressure at Thoracic vertebrae (T)10-13 at the point in the stride where peak pressures occur. The peak pressures under the usual saddle (Saddle S) and a saddle modified to reduce peak pressures at T10-13 (Saddle F) were measured during approach and take-off over a 1.30 m upright fence in 12 elite jumping horses. The timing of peak pressures was determined by comparison with simultaneous video data. Shoulder, carpal flexion angle and trunk angle to the horizontal at hindlimb take-off, take-off distance from the fence and fetlock height above the fence were determined using high speed motion analysis. Peak pressures under the saddle at T10-13 and kinematic data were compared between Saddles S and F. Maximum peak pressures occurred at forelimb vertical, during hindlimb protraction, consistent with thoracolumbar ventroflexion. Saddle F was associated with significantly lower peak pressures at T10-13, greater shoulder and carpal flexion, a steeper trunk angle, and higher fetlock height above the fence than Saddle S. Forelimb take-off distance from the fence was not different between saddles, but hindlimbs were significantly closer to the fence with Saddle F, indicating potential increase in ventroflexion through the thoracolumbosacral region. These findings suggest that reducing peak pressures under the saddle at T10-13 are associated with altered kinematics during the approach and take-off over a fence, which may have a positive effect on jumping performance.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 81%

Section: Experimental Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Experimental Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Data Collectionmentioning

confidence: 99%