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Egenvall A, Engström H, Byström A. Back motion in unridden horses in walk, trot and canter on a circle. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1831-1843. [PMID: 37127806 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10132-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Equine back function is of concern to riders, as well as to veterinarians and physiotherapists; these groups may benefit from knowledge about spinal motion on the circle. This descriptive and comparative study aimed to quantify equine neck, back and pelvic motion in walk, trot and canter on a 9 m circle. Sixteen healthy horses in training, of varying breed and conformation, were measured using optical motion capture (150 Hz), with optical markers on the poll, withers, T15, tubera coxae and lumbosacral joint. Cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar flexion-extension and lateral bending, and pelvic roll, pitch and yaw, were statistically evaluated using mixed models. Motion patterns showed distinct differences between gaits, but were generally similar between horses. The thoracolumbar back was bent towards the inside of the circle (stride mean 5-6º for all gaits). The cervicothoracic spine was more flexed in walk (18°), and more extended in canter (-4--8°), compared to trot (6-7°), whereas the thoracolumbar spine was slightly less extended in canter than in walk. Thoracolumbar flexion-extension range of motion (ROM) increased from walk (4°) to canter (9°), as did pelvic pitch ROM (walk 7° and canter 15-16°), while back lateral bending ROM and pelvic yaw ROM were lowest in trot. Taken together, the study findings suggest that neck and back motion patterns on the circle reflect an interaction between the constraints of circular movement, and the mechanics and characteristics of each gait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agneta Egenvall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | - Anna Byström
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Mayaki AM, Abdul Razak IS, Adzahan NM, Mazlan M, Rasedee A. Clinical assessment and grading of back pain in horses. J Vet Sci 2021; 21:e82. [PMID: 33263229 PMCID: PMC7710460 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2020.21.e82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The clinical presentation of horses with back pain (BP) vary considerably with most horse's willingness to take part in athletic or riding purpose becoming impossible. However, there are some clinical features that are directly responsible for the loss or failure of performance. Objectives To investigate the clinical features of the thoracolumbar region associated with BP in horses and to use some of the clinical features to classify equine BP. Methods Twenty-four horses comprised of 14 with BP and 10 apparently healthy horses were assessed for clinical abnormality that best differentiate BP from normal horses. The horses were then graded (0–5) using the degree of pain response, muscular hypertonicity, thoracolumbar joint stiffness and overall physical dysfunction of the horse. Results The common clinical features that significantly differentiate horses with BP from non-BP were longissimus dorsi spasm at palpation (78.6%), paravertebral muscle stiffness (64.3%), resist lateral bending (64.3%), and poor hindlimb impulsion (85.7%). There were significantly (p < 0.05) higher scores for pain response to palpation, muscular hypertonicity, thoracolumbar joint stiffness and physical dysfunction among horses with BP in relation to non-BP. A significant relationship exists between all the graded abnormalities. Based on the cumulative score, horses with BP were categorized into mild, mild-moderate, moderate and severe cases. Conclusions BP in horse can be differentiated by severity of pain response to back palpation, back muscle hypertonicity, thoracolumbar joint stiffness, physical dysfunctions and their cumulative grading score is useful in the assessment and categorization of BP in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abubakar Musa Mayaki
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B 2346, City Campus Complex, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Intan Shameha Abdul Razak
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Noraniza Mohd Adzahan
- Department of Farm and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mazlina Mazlan
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abdullah Rasedee
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Rater agreement for assessment of equine back mobility at walk and trot compared to quantitative gait analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252536. [PMID: 34086765 PMCID: PMC8177646 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lameness assessment in horses is still predominantly performed using subjective methods. Visual assessment is known to have moderate to good intra-rater agreement but relatively poor inter-rater agreement. Little is known about inter- and intra-rater agreement on the evaluation of back motion, for which no objective measurement technique in a clinical setting is available thus far. Objectives To describe inter- and intra-rater agreement of visual evaluation of equine back mobility. Study design Rater reliability study using a fully crossed design in which all horses are rated by all observers. This data is compared with objective gait analysis. Methods Seventy equine professionals (veterinarians and physiotherapists) and veterinary students evaluated videos of 12 healthy horses at walk and trot on a hard, straight line. Nine parameters related to back mobility were scored: general mobility, thoracic, lumbar, lumbosacral flexion and extension and left and right thoracolumbar latero-flexion. All parameters were compared with simultaneously measured quantitative motion parameters. After 1 month, six randomly chosen horses were re-evaluated by 57 observers. Results For each parameter inter- and intra-rater agreements were calculated using intra-class correlation coefficients. For all parameters, inter-rater agreement was very poor (<0.2). The mean intra-rater agreement of all observers and for all parameters was poor (~0.4) but varied between 0.0 and 0.96 for individual observers. There was no correlation between the visual subjective scoring and objective gait analysis measurements. Main limitations Horses were scored from videos and by lack of any existing (semi-) quantitative system, a custom-made system had to be used. Conclusions The poor inter- and intra-rater agreements of visual scoring of mobility of the equine back and the disagreement between subjective and objective gait analysis data, demonstrate the need for the development and introduction of objective, quantitative and repeatable techniques to assess equine back motion.
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Differential rotational movement and symmetry values of the thoracolumbosacral region in high-level dressage horses when trotting. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251144. [PMID: 33956858 PMCID: PMC8101941 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
High-level dressage horses regularly perform advanced movements, requiring coordination and force transmission between front and hind limbs across the thoracolumbosacral region. This study aimed at quantifying kinematic differences in dressage horses when ridden in sitting trot-i.e. with additional load applied in the thoracolumbar region-compared with trotting in-hand. Inertial sensors were glued on to the midline of the thoracic (T) and lumbar (L) spine at T5, T13, T18, L3 and middle of the left and right tubera sacrale of ten elite dressage horses (Mean±SD), age 11±1 years, height 1.70±0.10m and body mass 600±24kg; first trotted in-hand, then ridden in sitting trot on an arena surface by four Grand Prix dressage riders. Straight-line motion cycles were analysed using a general linear model (random factor: horse; fixed factor: exercise condition; covariate: stride time, Bonferroni post hoc correction: P<0.05). Differential roll, pitch and yaw angles between adjacent sensors were calculated. In sitting trot, compared to trotting in-hand, there was increased pitch (mean±S.D), (in-hand, 3.9 (0.5°, sitting trot 6.3 (0.3°, P = <0.0001), roll (in-hand, 7.7 (1.1°, sitting trot 11.6 (0.9°, P = 0.003) and heading values (in-hand, 4.2 (0.8), sitting trot 9.5 (0.6°, P = <0.0001) in the caudal thoracic and lumbar region (T18-L3) and a decrease in heading values (in-hand, 7.1 (0.5°, sitting trot 5.2 (0.3°, P = 0.01) in the cranial thoracic region (T5-T13). Kinematics of the caudal thoracic and lumbar spine are influenced by the rider when in sitting trot, whilst lateral bending is reduced in the cranial thoracic region. This biomechanical difference with the addition of a rider, emphasises the importance of observing horses during ridden exercise, when assessing them as part of a loss of performance assessment.
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MacKechnie-Guire R, Pfau T. Differential Rotational Movement of the Thoracolumbosacral Spine in High-Level Dressage Horses Ridden in a Straight Line, in Sitting Trot and Seated Canter Compared to In-Hand Trot. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030888. [PMID: 33804702 PMCID: PMC8003829 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessing back dysfunction is a key part of the investigative process of "loss of athletic performance" in the horse and quantitative data may help veterinary decision making. Ranges of motion of differential translational and rotational movement between adjacent inertial measurement units attached to the skin over thoracic vertebrae 5, 13 and 18 (T5, T13, T18) lumbar vertebra 3 (L3) and tuber sacrale (TS) were measured in 10 dressage horses during trot in-hand and ridden in sitting trot/canter. Straight-line motion cycles were analysed using a general linear model (random factor: horse; fixed factor: exercise condition; Bonferroni post hoc correction: p < 0.05). At T5-T13 the differential heading was smaller in sitting trot (p ≤ 0.0001, 5.1° (0.2)) and canter (p ≤ 0.0001, 3.2° (0.2)) compared to trotting in-hand (7.4° (0.4)). Compared to trotting in-hand (3.4° (0.4)) at T18-L3 differential pitch was higher in sitting trot (p ≤ 0.0001, 7.5° (0.3)) and canter (p ≤ 0.0001, 6.3° (0.3)). At L3-TS, differential pitch was increased in canter (6.5° (0.5)) compared to trotting in-hand (p = 0.006, 4.9° (0.6)) and differential heading was higher in sitting trot (4° (0.2)) compared to canter (p = 0.02, 2.9° (0.3)). Compared to in-hand, reduced heading was measured in the cranial-thoracic area and increased in the caudal-thoracic and lumbar area. Pitch increased with ridden exercise from the caudal-thoracic to the sacral area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell MacKechnie-Guire
- Centaur Biomechanics, 25 Oaktree Close, Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire CV35 9BB, UK
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Brookman’s Park, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Thilo Pfau
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Brookman’s Park, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK;
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Studying the Shape Variations of the Back, the Neck, and the Mandibular Angle of Horses Depending on Specific Feeding Postures Using Geometric Morphometrics. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030763. [PMID: 33801885 PMCID: PMC7998216 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of specific feeding positions upon the horse's shape variations of the back and neck postures as well as the variations of the mandibular angle have never been objectively studied. For this reason, geometric morphometrics was applied. Six horses, aged 14 ± 8 years (mean ± standard deviation, SD), were video-recorded while using three different feeding positions: on the ground-control position (CP); neck held 15 ± 3° below withers height with low hay net position (LP); neck held 15 ± 3° above withers height with high hay net position (HP). Data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and partial least squares (PLS). A mixed model procedure was applied to evaluate differences in the magnitude of the mandibular angle. Whilst differences between individual horses were confirmed by canonical variate analysis (CVA), PCA analysis showed that a characteristic feeding position could also be identified on a group level. During the HP hay net position, the back and neck postures as well the mandibular angle were different compared to those exhibited by horses feeding from CP. In LP hay net position, the back posture more closely resembled those exhibited while feeding from CP; however, no similarity between LP and CP was found for neck posture and mandibular angle. Since only a few degrees of variation of the feeding position can influence back and neck postures, this aspect should be further investigated. The right compromise between horse welfare, horse safety, and management practices need to be further explored and long-term effects should be investigated.
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Reitmaier S, Schmidt H. Review article on spine kinematics of quadrupeds and bipeds during walking. J Biomech 2020; 102:109631. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.109631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Donaldson MC, Holter AM, Neuhoff S, Arnosky JA, Simpson BW, Vernon K, Blob RW, DesJardins JD. The Translation of Movement From the Equine to Rider With Relevance for Hippotherapy. J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 77:125-131. [PMID: 31133306 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although horseback riding is a well-established means of rehabilitation therapy for a variety of human patients, there are few data on the biomechanical relationships between horse and rider during such hippotherapy. We simultaneously tracked the movements of a horse with several different novice riders, under conditions similar to hippotherapy, to evaluate whether horses pass the same motion to different riders while being lead at a walk. Riders were outfitted with a goniometric data collection system that recorded the angles of flexion and extension and lateral bending of the thoracic and lumbar spine, as well as the flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction of each hip. We found consistent rhythmic motion in the horse's hock, shoulder, and knee. There were no significant differences in equine movement across six different riders, supporting the conclusion that horses can be used as a reproducible rehabilitation platform for riders. Moreover, although riders demonstrated different baseline postures, there were no significant differences in their ranges of motion in each joint. These results indicate that a horse can reproducibly influence a population of participants in a hippotherapy situation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Simone Neuhoff
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | | | - Beryl W Simpson
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | - Kristine Vernon
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
| | - Richard W Blob
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
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Walker V, Dyson S, Tranquille C, Tacey J, Murray R. Limb and thoracolumbosacral kinematics over an upright and parallel spread fence. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.3920/cep180040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Jumping mechanics have been investigated at take-off, flight and landing, mainly in reference to the limbs with limited evaluation of the thoracolumbosacral region. The objectives of this study were to investigate head, neck, thoracolumbosacral and limb angles in a group of experienced showjumping horses (competing at 1.20-1.60 m) over an upright and parallel spread fence. Ten horses in active showjumping training were recruited (mean 8 years old). High-speed videography (240 Hz) was used to determine thoracolumbosacral kinematic variables of the approach and take-off. No significant differences between the upright and parallel spread fences were observed for any of the variables measured. Individual horse review showed that neck-trunk, thoracolumbar, lumbosacral, coxofemoral angles, take-off distance and speed patterns at take-off were consistent among horses and also repeatable between fence types. Head-neck, stifle and tarsal angles had great variability among horses. The main limitation of this study was that only 2D motion analysis was carried out. In conclusion, analysis of individual horse patterns showed that head, neck, back and limb angles were repeatable over submaximal upright and spread fences in ten horses. Some angles were consistent among horses, but others had individual horse variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V.A. Walker
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
| | - S.J. Dyson
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
| | - C.A. Tranquille
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
| | - J.B. Tacey
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
| | - R.C. Murray
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
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Greve L, Dyson S. What can we learn from visual and objective assessment of non‐lame and lame horses in straight lines, on the lunge and ridden? EQUINE VET EDUC 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Greve
- 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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11
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Pfau T, Simons V, Rombach N, Stubbs N, Weller R. Effect of a 4-week elastic resistance band training regimen on back kinematics in horses trotting in-hand and on the lunge. Equine Vet J 2017; 49:829-835. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. Pfau
- Department of Clinical Science and Services; Royal Veterinary College; London UK
- Structure and Motion Lab; Royal Veterinary College; London UK
| | - V. Simons
- Department of Clinical Science and Services; Royal Veterinary College; London UK
| | | | - N. Stubbs
- Department of Equine Sports Medicine; Tierklinik Lüsche; Germany and Samorin, Napoli Slovak Equestrian Club Ślovak
| | - R. Weller
- Department of Clinical Science and Services; Royal Veterinary College; London UK
- Structure and Motion Lab; Royal Veterinary College; London UK
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Walker V, Tranquille C, Dyson S, Spear J, Murray R. Association of a Subjective Muscle Score With Increased Angles of Flexion During Sitting Trot in Dressage Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Nankervis KJ, Finney P, Launder L. Water depth modifies back kinematics of horses during water treadmill exercise. Equine Vet J 2015; 48:732-736. [PMID: 26502104 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Water treadmill exercise can be incorporated into the rehabilitation programmes of horses recovering from back pathology, yet little is known about the effect of this type of exercise on thoracolumbar movement ranges. OBJECTIVES To measure the flexion-extension range of motion (FE ROM) of the thoracolumbar spine and pelvic vertical displacement during water treadmill walking at 3 water depths and compare these with the control condition. STUDY DESIGN Within-subject trial using a crossover design in healthy horses. METHODS A total of 14 horses walked at 0.8 m/s on a water treadmill for 3 min at each of the following depths; hoof (control), metatarsophalangeal joint (low), tarsal joint (medium) and femoropatellar joint (high). Skin surface markers on T6, T10, T13, T18, L3, L5 and S3 were used to obtain FE ROM and the minimum and maximum angular motion pattern values (AMPmin and AMPmax) for T10, T13, T18, L3 and L5. Markers placed on left and right tuber coxae were used to obtain pelvic vertical displacement. Friedman's tests and post hoc Wilcoxon's signed ranks tests were used to determine the effects of water depth on measured variables. RESULTS The FE ROM of T10 (8.4°), T13 (8.1°), T18 (6.9°) and L3 (6.4°) when walking at high depth was significantly greater than control (5.5, 5.7, 5.1 and 5.1°, respectively; P<0.008); T13 AMPmin was significantly lower in high water (-3.0°) than control (0.1°, P = 0.001) and L3 AMPmax significantly greater in high water (-1.9°) than control (-4.8°, P = 0.001). There was no significant association between pelvic vertical displacement and water depth. CONCLUSIONS Walking in high water causes cranial thoracic extension and thoracolumbar flexion when compared with walking in water at hoof depth. This postural change should be considered when designing rehabilitation programmes for horses with back and/or hindlimb pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Nankervis
- The Equine Therapy Centre, Hartpury College, Gloucestershire, UK.
| | - P Finney
- The Equine Therapy Centre, Hartpury College, Gloucestershire, UK
| | - L Launder
- Osteopathy for Horses, Welshpool, Powys, UK
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Münz A, Eckardt F, Witte K. Horse-rider interaction in dressage riding. Hum Mov Sci 2013; 33:227-37. [PMID: 24290612 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2013.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Revised: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In dressage riding the pelvis of the rider interacts with the horse physically. However, there is little information about the influence of riding skill on the interaction of the human pelvis with the horse. Therefore this paper aims to study the interaction between horse and rider in professional riders (PRO) and beginners (BEG). Twenty riders rode in walk, trot, and canter in an indoor riding hall with inertial sensors attached to their pelvis and to the horses' trunk. Statistical analysis of waveform parameters, qualitative interpretation of angle-angle plots, and cross-correlation of horse and rider were applied to the data. Significant differences between PRO and BEG could be found for specific waveform parameters. Over all gaits PRO kept their pelvis closer to the mid-position and further forward whereas BEG tilted their pelvis further to the right and more backwards. The coupling intensity of horse and rider revealed differences between the gaits. Furthermore phase shifts were found between PRO and BEG. This paper describes a sensor-based approach for the investigation of interactions of the human pelvis with the trunk of a horse under in-field conditions. First the results show that the riding level influences the posture of a rider and secondly that differences can be detected with contemporary available sensor technology and methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Münz
- Department of Sport Science, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Brandenburgerstr. 9, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Falko Eckardt
- Department of Sport Science, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Brandenburgerstr. 9, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Kerstin Witte
- Department of Sport Science, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Brandenburgerstr. 9, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany.
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Correlations of unfavorable movement characteristics in warmblood foals and mares with routinely assessed conformation and performance traits. Animal 2012; 7:11-21. [PMID: 23031204 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731112001322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
New movement traits reflecting unfavorable movement characteristics were defined on the basis of detailed movement evaluations (DME) of warmblood foals and mares performed in connection with regular breeding events of the Oldenburg horse breeding societies in 2009 and 2010. DME information was available for 3374 foals and 2844 mares and used for correlation analyses with conformation information on 1987 mares from studbook inspections (SBI) in 2009 and performance information on 2758 mares from mare performance tests (MPT) in 2000 to 2008. Analyses of variance revealed few significant differences between scores for SBI and MPT traits in mares without and with indications of imbalance (IMB) in general or specific findings like irregular tail tone or posture (TTP). SBI scores for general impression and development were significantly lower and MPT scores for trot under rider tended to be higher in IMB-positive mares. Genetic parameters were estimated in linear animal models with residual maximum likelihood. Additive genetic correlations and Pearson correlation coefficients between univariately predicted breeding values indicated unfavorable genetic correlations of IMB and TTP with dressage-related conformation and performance traits. For SBI and MPT traits, we found similarities between the correlation patterns for DME traits in foals and mares. The results implied that breeding of dressage horses may benefit from revision of current movement evaluation and consideration of specific movement characteristics.
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McGreevy P, McLean A, Buckley P, McConaghy F, McLean C. How riding may affect welfare: What the equine veterinarian needs to know. EQUINE VET EDUC 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3292.2010.00217.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Van WEEREN PR, McGOWAN C, HAUSSLER KK. Science overview: Development of a structural and functional understanding of the equine back. Equine Vet J 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00207.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Matsuura A, Ohta E, Ueda K, Nakatsuji H, Kondo S. Influence of equine conformation on rider oscillation and evaluation of horses for therapeutic riding. J Equine Sci 2008; 19:9-18. [PMID: 24833950 PMCID: PMC4019204 DOI: 10.1294/jes.19.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
To obtain basic knowledge about selecting horses for therapeutic riding, the influence of equine conformation on rider oscillation and relationships between these factors and the evaluation on horses as the therapeutic riding were studied. Thirty-five riding horses were used. Equine conformation was estimated by 24 indices. Rider oscillation was measured by an accelerometer fixed at the rider's waist. The spatial position of the oscillation was estimated by a double integration of the acceleration. Horses were evaluated for therapeutic riding by a Riding for the Disabled Association instructor as a rider. Evaluations were on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score for 27 items. Horses were classified into 4 groups: the short and narrow (SN), short and wide (SW), tall and narrow (TN), and tall and wide (TW). The frequencies of rider oscillation both at walk and trot were higher (P<0.01), and the vertical (P<0.01) and longitudinal (P<0.05) amplitudes at trot were smaller, on short horses than on tall horses. The vertical amplitude at walk was smaller (P<0.05) and the lateral amplitude at trot was larger (P<0.01) on wide horses than on narrow horses. Short horses could be used for the rider who requires side walkers. Wide horses could be used for relieving muscular tension and for the rider who could not maintain good balance on the horse. Short and wide horses should be suitable for therapeutic riding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Matsuura
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita 9 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - Emiko Ohta
- Riding for the Disabled Association Japan, Otsuka 3-5-2-301, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0012, Japan
| | - Koichiro Ueda
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita 9 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - Hiroki Nakatsuji
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita 9 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - Seiji Kondo
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita 9 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
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