[Effect of common head gear on horses]

Area of Science:

• Equine biomechanics
• Animal locomotion
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Common horse headgear (bosal, caveçon, serreta, kappzaum, hackamore) are widely used for equine control.
• Understanding the biomechanical function of these devices is crucial for horse welfare and effective training.
• Existing knowledge lacks detailed analysis of force transmission and concentration on sensitive equine head structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To biomechanically analyze the functions of common horse headgear.
• To compare the mechanical characteristics of various headgear types, including bosal, caveçon, serreta, kappzaum, and hackamore.
• To evaluate their force-transmitting properties in relation to traditional bit types (with and without levers).

Main Methods:

• Biomechanical analysis of headgear function.
• Development of a device to measure and quantify tensile forces transmitted through reins or longe lines.
• Comparative analysis of mechanical characteristics of different headgear and bit systems.

Main Results:

• Most headgear, excluding stable halters, are designed to amplify tensile forces.
• These amplified forces are concentrated on sensitive anatomical regions of the horse's head (nose, lips, mandible, tongue).
• The study demonstrates and compares the mechanical properties of bosal, caveçon, serreta, kappzaum, and hackamore against lever and non-lever bits.

Conclusions:

• Headgear significantly influences force application, with most amplifying and concentrating forces on sensitive areas.
• The developed measurement device allows for quantification of these forces, aiding in understanding equine control signals.
• Biomechanical insights are essential for evaluating the impact of different headgear on horse welfare and training effectiveness.