Effects of saddle tilt and stirrup length on the kinetics of horseback riders

PeerJ

article

Marc Elmeua González¹  Nejc Šarabon² 

[1] Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska;University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences;Laboratory for Motor Control and Motor Behaviour, S2P, Science to Practice, ltd.

关键词: Equitation sciences;    Horse riding biomechanics;    Saddle;    Stirrups;    Reins;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.14438

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundHow 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.MethodsEleven 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.ResultsShortening 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.

【 授权许可】

CC BY