The effect of reins on kinetic variables of locomotion

The equestrian literature and reports of experienced riders indicated that attitude of a horse's head and neck is related to the equine locomotion characteristics. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of 3 types of reins on locomotion at walk and trot. Eight saddle horses were tested in an automatic walker without reins, with rubber bands, Chambons and Back lift, using the same procedure. The rubber bands closed the head-neck angle, whereas the Chambons and the Back lift opened it. The gait characteristics were measured with the Equimetrix gait analysis system. Two accelerometric devices were fixed on the sternum and sacrum to measure the kinetic characteristics of the fore- and hindlimbs at walk and trot. Analysis of variance was used to test the effects of reins on the fore- and hindlimbs. All 3 types of reins significantly (P<0.05) modified walk and trot, with increased forelimb propulsion at the trot (P<0.05). Chambons increased the dorsoventral activity of the hindlimbs at the trot and hindlimb propulsion at the walk (P<0.05). Back lift increased forelimb dorsoventral activity both at the trot and walk (P<0.05). It was concluded that the Chambons increased the activity of the hindlimbs while Back lift increased that of the forelimbs. The use of reins modified the head placement and the fore- and hindlimbs activity. The specific effect of each type of rein can be used for training, rehabilitation or management of locomotor's injury.