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Forces and pressures on the horse's back during bareback riding
H M Clayton1, B Belock, M Lavagnino
1McPhail Equine Performance Center, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, D202 Veterinary Medical Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. claytonh@cvm.msu.edu
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|July 17, 2012
Summary
Riding bareback concentrates pressure on the horse's back, potentially causing injury. Saddles distribute pressure more evenly, though they register higher overall forces.
Area of Science:
- Equine biomechanics
- Sports science
- Veterinary medicine
Background:
- Understanding rider-horse interaction is crucial for equine welfare.
- Saddle design aims to optimize pressure distribution.
- Bareback riding presents a different pressure dynamic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare forces and pressure distribution during saddle vs. bareback riding.
- To assess the impact on the horse's epaxial muscles.
Main Methods:
- An electronic pressure mat was utilized to measure contact area, mean total force, and pressure variables.
- Data collected from one rider across seven horses during sitting trot.
- Comparison between conventional saddle and bareback conditions.
Main Results:
- Saddle use resulted in larger contact area and higher mean total force.
- Bareback riding showed higher average and maximal pressures, with focal pressure concentrations.
- Lower mass-normalized force in bareback riding suggested unmeasured shear forces.
Conclusions:
- Bareback riding creates focal pressure concentrations, increasing risk of epaxial muscle injury.
- Saddles distribute pressure more broadly.
- Researchers must consider unmeasured shear forces in equine back studies.
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