Biomechanical interaction between saddle, rider, and the horse's back

Deckers, Isabeau

Abstract

Introduction
Understanding the horse-saddle-rider interaction plays a key role in promoting equine welfare and athletic performance. This thesis aimed to advance our understanding of the biomechanical interaction between saddle, rider, and the horse’s back during straight-line walk and trot locomotion, in relation to the horse’s back functioning.
Methods
(1) A systematic review study identified, evaluated, and synthesized the literature about the effect of saddle and rider on the horse’s back biomechanics. (2a-b) Novel research methods were explored, facilitating optical motion capture of the horse’s back in ridden and in-field conditions, including the development of a (loaded) experimental saddle with an open seat and the use of hybrid motion capture. (3a-b) Observational studies were conducted, evaluating the effect of saddle and rider on the horse’s back movement at walk and (rising) trot and posture at halt, and how these effects relate to functional measures of the horse’s back, in ridden competition horses (n=8-20).
Results
(1) The systematic review revealed postural and movement adaptations in the horse’s back when loaded with a saddle and rider, which are associated with the forces acting upon the horse’s back and influenced by saddle fit and the rider’s body mass, seating style, riding skills and asymmetries. (2a) An experimental saddle enabling optical motion capture of the horse’s thoracic region when loaded with a saddle was successfully developed, though loading the saddle with a rider-equivalent mass caused excessive saddle movements at trot. (2b) The proposed hybrid optical-inertial motion capture approach is compatible with optical motion capture in measuring a horse’s back posture and movement at walk and trot on a treadmill (R=0.90-0.99), but has limitations for in-field settings. (3a) A saddle, without rider, induces comparative movement adaptations in the horse’s back to when being ridden at walk and trot. (3b) The effect of saddle and rider on the horse’s back posture at halt and movement at walk and in rising trot relates to the horse’s postural type, thoracolumbar epaxial muscle tone, reactivity, and dimensions, and dorsoventral thoracolumbosacral flexibility and coordination.
Conclusion
This thesis highlights that the effect of saddle and rider on the horse’s back biomechanics should be evaluated for the individual horse-saddle-rider combination, considering the reported factors related to the saddle, rider, and the horse’s back functioning. The study findings can support clinical decision-making when managing back health in the ridden horse. This thesis also introduces novel research methods which can support future research studying the biomechanical interaction between saddle, rider, and the horse’s back.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Dec 20, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 24, 2024
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11533491
• Award Date: Sep 24, 2024