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Smirnova KP, Frill MA, Warner SE, Cheney JA. Shape change in the saddle region of the equine back during trot and walk. J R Soc Interface 2024; 21:20230644. [PMID: 38916112 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine back pain is prevalent among ridden horses and is often attributed to poor saddle fit. An alternative explanation is that saddle fits are technically good but fit to the wrong configuration. Saddles are fit for the standing horse, but much of the time ridden is instead spent locomoting when the back experiences the greatest peak forces. We used an array of cameras to reconstruct the surface of the back and its movement during trot, walk and standing for five horses. We verified the setup's accuracy by reconstructing a laser-scanned life-sized model horse. Our reconstructions demonstrate that saddles sit within a large, relatively low-mobile region of the back. However, saddles do sit adjacent to the highly mobile withers, which demands care in positioning and design around this important region. Critically, we identified that saddle curvature between standing and moving horses is substantially different, where trotting and walking horses have flatter backs than their standing configurations. Saddles designed around the locomoting configuration of horses may improve horse welfare by being better fit and decreasing the focal pressures applied by saddles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jorn A Cheney
- Royal Veterinary College , Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton , Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
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Dyson S, Pollard D. Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to 150 Horses with Musculoskeletal Pain before and after Diagnostic Anaesthesia. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1940. [PMID: 37370450 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) was developed to facilitate the recognition of musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this study was to document changes in RHpE scores before and after diagnostic anaesthesia was performed to alleviate pain ± when the saddle was changed. One hundred and fifty horses underwent ridden exercise as part of an investigation of poor performance. The RHpE was applied before and after the interventions. Fifty-two (34.7%) horses exhibited a bilaterally symmetrical short step length and/or restricted hindlimb impulsion and engagement. Fifty-three (35.3%) horses had episodic lameness; only forty-five (30.0%) horses were continuously lame. The median maximum lameness grade when ridden was 2/8 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0-3; range: 0-4). Fifty-six (37.3%) horses had an ill-fitting saddle, which was considered likely to influence performance. The median RHpE scores after the interventions (2/24 [IQR: 1-3, range: 0-12]) were significantly lower than before the interventions (9/24 [IQR: 8-11, range: 2-15]) (Wilcoxon signed-rank z = 10.6, p < 0.001). There was no correlation between the RHpE score and maximum lameness grade before diagnostic anaesthesia (Spearman's rho = 0.09, p = 0.262). It was concluded that the absence of overt lameness does not preclude primary musculoskeletal pain. Gait quality and performance can be improved by diagnostic anaesthesia, with substantial reductions in RHpE scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Dyson
- The Cottage, Church Road, Market Weston, Diss IP22 2NX, UK
| | - Danica Pollard
- The Rodhams, Rodham Road, Christchurch, Wisbech PE14 9NU, UK
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Elmeua González M, Šarabon N. Effects of saddle tilt and stirrup length on the kinetics of horseback riders. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14438. [PMID: 36523469 PMCID: PMC9745947 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background How the modification of saddle fitting parameters in horse riding affects rider's kinetics is very uncertain. The aim of this study is to describe how manipulating the two main adjustments that an end-user is likely to perform (saddle tilt and stirrup length) affects the biomechanics of a horse rider on a living horse. Methods Eleven showjumpers volunteered to take part in this study. Each participant performed a 120-strides standardization trial at trot and canter, with 0° saddle tilt and stirrup length that would position the rider's knee at 90°. Following the standardization trial, four interventions were performed, which consisted of 60 strides with 60 mm shorter stirrups, 60 mm longer stirrups, 4° forward tilted saddle and 4° backward tilted saddle. Stirrup and rein tension forces were measured with tension loadcells. A symmetry index was calculated. Acceleration was measured with inertial measuring units at the helmet and back of the rider and shock attenuation was calculated. Results Shortening the stirrups and adjusting saddle tilt significantly enhanced shock attenuation at canter and increased force on the stirrups at trot and canter (p < 0.05). Lowering the stirrups reduced rein tension forces (p = 0.01). At trot, adjusting saddle tilt and stirrup length enhanced symmetry index on the bit (p < 0.05). These results allowed for general guidelines to be proposed, although individualization became an evident part of any saddle setup design due to a high inter-subject variability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nejc Šarabon
- University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia,Laboratory for Motor Control and Motor Behaviour, S2P, Science to Practice, ltd., Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Liehrmann O, Viitanen A, Riihonen V, Alander E, Koski SE, Lummaa V, Lansade L. Multiple handlers, several owner changes and short relationship lengths affect horses’ responses to novel object tests. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Dyson S, Thomson K. The recognition of pain and learned behaviour in horses which buck. EQUINE VET EDUC 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Bye T, Martin R. Static postural differences between male and female equestrian riders on a riding simulator. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3920/cep210003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare static posture of male and female riders on a riding simulator. Ten female and five male riders underwent a 5 min standardised exercise programme on the simulator, they were then videoed for 10 s from each the left, right, and rear views whilst stationary on the simulator. Two-dimensional kinematic analysis of the videos showed that male riders had a more neutrally positioned pelvis in the sagittal plane (median left: 6.47°, right: 5.24°) with females demonstrating a posterior pelvic tilt (L: 14.04°, R: 13.55°). Females showed significantly greater pelvic obliquity (median female: 1.99°, male: 0.73°), trunk lean (F: 1.60°, M: 0.43°), and shoulder tilt (F: 1.79°, M: 0.57°) in the frontal plane, demonstrating an overall greater postural asymmetry. Previous studies of elite riders have shown a more anteriorly rotated pelvis to be more desirable. Symmetry of riding position is favourable as it allows movements to be performed with ease and ensures even force distribution through the saddle to the horse. Male riders may therefore have a biomechanical advantage over females when it comes to maintaining a desirable riding position. This research should now be extended to study riders on the horse in motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- T.L. Bye
- University Centre Bishop Burton, York Road, Bishop Burton, East Yorkshire, HU17 8QG, United Kingdom
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, United Kingdom
| | - R. Martin
- University Centre Bishop Burton, York Road, Bishop Burton, East Yorkshire, HU17 8QG, United Kingdom
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Dyson S, Bondi A, Routh J, Pollard D. An investigation into the relationship between equine behaviour when tacked‐up and mounted and epaxial muscle hypertonicity or pain, girth region hypersensitivity, saddle‐fit, rider position and balance, and lameness. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J. Routh
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health TrustSuffolk
- University of Surrey School of Veterinary MedicineGuildfordUK
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Dyson S, Bondi A, Routh J, Pollard D, Preston T, McConnell C, Kydd JH. An investigation of behaviour during tacking‐up and mounting in ridden sports and leisure horses. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Dyson
- Centre for Equine Studies Animal Health Trust Newmarket UK
| | | | - J. Routh
- Centre for Equine Studies Animal Health Trust Newmarket UK
| | | | - T. Preston
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science University of Nottingham Loughborough UK
| | - C. McConnell
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science University of Nottingham Loughborough UK
| | - J. H. Kydd
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science University of Nottingham Loughborough UK
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Dittmann MT, Arpagaus S, Hungerbühler V, Weishaupt MA, Latif SN. "Feel the Force"-Prevalence of Subjectively Assessed Saddle Fit Problems in Swiss Riding Horses and Their Association With Saddle Pressure Measurements and Back Pain. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 99:103388. [PMID: 33781419 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ill-fitting saddles can impair the well-being and performance of horses. Saddle fit is generally assessed subjectively by a trained professional or with an electronic saddle pressure mat, but little is known about the agreement between both methods. The study aims were (1) to assess the prevalence of saddle fit issues in a riding sound Swiss horse population, (2) to investigate how well the subjective assessment correlates with objectively measured pressure magnitude and distribution under the saddle during riding, and (3) how well both correlate with back pain of the horse. Only 10% of the saddles were free of the assessed problems. Pressures exceeded clinically relevant thresholds in 15% of the horses. There was no clear correlation between back pain and pressure magnitude, but back pain was associated with certain subjectively assessed fit problems. Statistically significant associations between fit problems and the expected pressure patterns were found for panel angles, curvature of the saddle, width of the panel channel, and the waist of the saddle. There was no or limited association of pressure patterns with the balance of the saddle, width and angle of the tree head, or the symmetry of the panels. The results revealed that certain fit problems were reflected in the electronically measured pressure distribution and that the subjective assessment can therefore provide relevant information. Pressure magnitude showed only limited association with back pain, which indicates that there are other factors involved in the development of back problems in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie T Dittmann
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Samuel Arpagaus
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Michael A Weishaupt
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Selma N Latif
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Dyson S, Martin C, Bondi A, Ellis AD. The influence of rider skill on ridden horse behaviour, assessed using the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram, and gait quality. EQUINE VET EDUC 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - C. Martin
- Writtle University College ChelmsfordUK
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Dyson S, Routh J, Bondi A, Pollard D. Gait abnormalities and ridden horse behaviour in a convenience sample of the United Kingdom ridden sports horse and leisure horse population. EQUINE VET EDUC 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Dyson
- The Cottage Market Weston, Diss UK
| | - J. Routh
- Centre for Equine Studies Animal Health Trust Newmarket, Suffolk UK
| | - A. Bondi
- Firbeck House Worksop, Derbyshire UK
| | - D. Pollard
- Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Department Centre for Preventive Medicine Animal Health Trust Newmarket, Suffolk UK
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Dyson S, Pollard D. Application of a Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram and Its Relationship with Gait in a Convenience Sample of 60 Riding Horses. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1044. [PMID: 32560486 PMCID: PMC7341225 DOI: 10.3390/ani10061044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) comprising 24 behaviours has been developed to facilitate the identification of musculoskeletal pain. The aim was to further test the RHpE by its application to a convenience sample (n = 60) of sports horses and riding school horses in regular work and assumed by their owners to be working comfortably. All horses performed a purpose-designed dressage-type test of 8.5 min duration in walk, trot and canter, with their normal rider. The RHpE was applied retrospectively to video recordings acquired in a standardised fashion. Seventy-three percent of horses were lame (≤ grade 2/8) on one or more limbs; 47% had gait abnormalities in canter. Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram scores ranged from 3 to 16/24 (median 9); rider skill score ranged from 2.5 to 8/10 (median 4.75). The effect of horse age, breed, sex, work-discipline, epaxial muscle hypertonicity or pain, an ill-fitting saddle, rider skill score, the presence of lameness or gait abnormalities in canter on the RHpE score was assessed using Poisson regression. Two variables were retained in the final multivariable analysis, rider skill score as a continuous variable (p < 0.001), and lameness (p = 0.008). A RHpE score ≥8 was a good indicator of the presence of musculoskeletal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Dyson
- Independent Consultant, The Cottage, Church Road, Market Weston, Diss IP22 2NX, UK
| | - Danica Pollard
- Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Department, Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK;
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Affiliation(s)
- T. S. Mair
- Equine Veterinary Education Editorial Office
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Boado A, Nagy A, Dyson S. Ultrasonographic features associated with the lumbosacral or lumbar 5–6 symphyses in 64 horses with lumbosacral‐sacroiliac joint region pain (2012–2018). EQUINE VET EDUC 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Boado
- Monte Hijedo 56 Boadilla del Monte Madrid Spain
| | - A. Nagy
- Centre for Equine Studies Animal Health Trust Newmarket Suffolk UK
| | - S. Dyson
- Centre for Equine Studies Animal Health Trust Newmarket Suffolk UK
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