Kinetics and kinematics of the horse comparing left and right rising trot.
Authors: Roepstorff L, Egenvall A, Rhodin M, Byström A, Johnston C, van Weeren P R, Weishaupt M
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Kinetics and kinematics of the horse comparing left and right rising trot Rising trot's asymmetrical loading pattern has received surprisingly little scientific scrutiny despite its ubiquity in ridden work, prompting Roepstorff and colleagues to investigate whether rider movement during left versus right rising trot produces measurable differences in ground reaction forces and locomotor mechanics. Seven elite horses were ridden on a treadmill in both directions whilst force plate analysis and three-dimensional kinematics captured vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) distribution and spinal/limbar movement patterns. Sitting on the diagonal substantially increased loading through the limbs bearing the rider's weight, with accompanying reductions in lumbar spine height, pelvic roll and tuber coxae height on the loaded side, alongside decreased hindlimb protraction and increased forelimb retraction. Although these biomechanical asymmetries were distinct, the absolute differences in VGRF between left and right rising trot were minor and unlikely to precipitate locomotor pathology in isolation. The findings endorse the standard recommendation to alternate diagonals regularly during ridden trot, whilst establishing that riders and trainers should recognise rising trot as an inherent source of increased asymmetry—knowledge particularly relevant when managing horses with existing lateralised weakness, back sensitivity, or pelvic asymmetry, or when schooling young horses developing their load-bearing patterns.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Riders should alternate diagonals regularly during rising trot to distribute asymmetrical loading effects across both sides of the horse's body
- •While rising trot does induce measurable asymmetry in force and kinematics, the magnitude is unlikely to directly cause locomotor injuries in well-ridden horses
- •Understanding that rising trot affects back, pelvis and limb loading can inform training strategies and rider technique education
Key Findings
- •Force loading was increased in limbs of the sitting diagonal during rising trot
- •Lumbar back was lower between mid-stances of sitting versus non-sitting diagonal
- •Vertical ground reaction force changes between left and right rising trot were distinct but minor in absolute terms
- •Alternating diagonals in rising trot is supported as it reduces asymmetrical loading compared to consistent diagonal use