The Effect of Stirrup Iron Style on Normal Forces and Rider Position

Stapley, Emma D.; Stutzman, Brady E.; Manfredi, Jane M.

doi:10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103203

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 22 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Several publications have shown that modifying saddle characteristics and fit can effectively reduce spinal loading of the rider [30][31][32][33]. Yet this paper demonstrates that not only saddle configuration, but physical fitness and level of expertise can considerably reduce shock propagation through the spine.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 71%

Shock Attenuation and Electromyographic Activity of Advanced and Novice Equestrian Riders’ Trunk

González

Šarabon

2021

Applied Sciences

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Low back pain (LBP) is a prevailing affliction among recreational and professional horse riders. It lowers performance and distracts from the development of the athlete. A lower incidence of LBP has been observed in the professional riding population despite higher training volumes. This paper aims to describe neuromuscular mechanisms through which advanced and novice riders attenuate the shockwave generated between the horse and rider. Six novice riders (age 24 ± 7 years), nine advanced riders (age 31 ± 5 years) and four horses (age 15 ± 3 years) took part in this study. Surface electromyographic activity of the riders’ trunk was recorded along with inertial data from the horses’ leg, saddle and vertebrae of the riders at walk, trot and canter. Analyses of variances revealed a superior shock attenuating ability of the advanced group (F (1,38) > 5.023, p < 0.03) as well as a higher overall muscle tone (F (1,488) > 9.80, p < 0.02). Cross correlation analyses between shock attenuation and electromyographic activity showed that groups differ mostly in timing rather than the intensity of muscle activation. This finding is of great interest for equestrian athletes and coaches, as it points to a greater importance of training muscular anticipation within the trunk stabilizers rather than overall muscle activation.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 71%

Shock Attenuation and Electromyographic Activity of Advanced and Novice Equestrian Riders’ Trunk

González

Šarabon

2021

Applied Sciences

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Stirrup forces during approach, take-off and landing in horses jumping 70 cm

Marlin¹,

Martin

Hughes³

et al. 2021

CEP

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Stirrups aid the rider to stabilise their lower leg allowing it to be used effectively for communication and in maintaining their position in the saddle. Relatively few studies have investigated stirrup forces and to the best our knowledge no studies have reported stirrup forces in jumping. The aim of the present study was to measure stirrup forces in five showjumping horses ridden by the same professional rider. All horses were in regular training and competition jumping at least 30 cm higher than the fence used for the study. The fence chosen was a 70 cm upright with a pole at the top and a groundline. Right and left stirrup forces were measured using wireless load cells placed between the stirrup leathers and the stirrup. The signals were transmitted and digitised at 100 Hz and synchronised with video from a webcam using an inertial measurement unit. After warming-up, including over jumps, each horse attempted the jump three times from each rein in canter (3 horses left then right rein; 2 horses right then left rein). Mean peak total (sum of left and right) stirrup force for the approach (n=5 strides per horse per jump), take-off and landing phase of the jump was 1,034±110, 1,042±284 and 1,447±256 N (range 905 to 1,815 N), respectively (mean ± standard deviation). There was no significant difference between right or left mean peak stirrup force during approach or take-off, but mean peak force was consistently higher on the right stirrup during the early phase of landing on either the right or left rein (right: 827±320 N; left: 615±336 N; P<0.05). In conclusion, the mean total peak stirrup forces measured in the present study in the same rider jumping five different horses over a 70 cm single upright fence are similar to previous reports of peak stirrup forces in gallop and consistent with observations of asymmetric loading of the saddle and horses’ backs by riders.

show abstract

The Effect of Stirrup Iron Style on Normal Forces and Rider Position

Cited by 2 publications

References 22 publications

Shock Attenuation and Electromyographic Activity of Advanced and Novice Equestrian Riders’ Trunk

Shock Attenuation and Electromyographic Activity of Advanced and Novice Equestrian Riders’ Trunk

Stirrup forces during approach, take-off and landing in horses jumping 70 cm

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About