Influence of different head-neck positions on vertical ground reaction forces, linear and time parameters in the unridden horse walking and trotting on a treadmill.
Authors: Waldern N M, Wiestner T, von Peinen K, Gómez Alvarez C G, Roepstorff L, Johnston C, Meyer H, Weishaupt M A
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Researchers measured how six different head-neck positions affected weight distribution and movement patterns in seven high-level dressage horses during treadmill walking and trotting, comparing each position to an unrestrained baseline. Using force plate analysis, they quantified vertical ground reaction forces for each limb and examined temporal parameters including stride length, stance duration and suspension phases. Five of the six tested positions—elevated neck with nose in front of or behind vertical, low flexed neck, and extreme high positioning—shifted loading away from the forehand onto the hindquarters during both gaits, with the extreme high position producing the most pronounced changes to limb timing and load distribution. Notably, the extreme high position paradoxically increased peak forelimb forces despite reducing overall forehand load, due to shortened stance duration concentrating impact into fewer milliseconds. Only forward downward extension of the head and neck maintained loading patterns similar to the unrestrained position, whilst also increasing overreach distance. These findings provide quantitative evidence that neck flexion-based positions commonly used in training produce measurable biomechanical shifts toward increased hindlimb engagement, though clinicians should remain aware that extreme positioning may concentrate rather than distribute forelimb forces, with potential implications for soundness and fatigue patterns.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Elevated and flexed neck positions shift weight from forehand to hindquarters; trainers can use this strategically to reduce forehand loading in horses with forelimb issues
- •Extreme high head-neck positions (HNP5) create the most dramatic changes in limb loading and timing—use cautiously as they increase peak forces despite reducing forehand impulse
- •Forward-downward extension maintains more natural loading patterns and may be preferable for long-term training without altering the horse's natural biomechanics
Key Findings
- •Six different head-neck positions produced measurable changes in vertical ground reaction forces and weight distribution between forehand and hindquarters in walking and trotting horses
- •Elevated neck positions (HNP2, HNP3, HNP5) and low flexed neck (HNP4) decreased forehand loading by 10-15% compared to unrestrained position
- •Extreme high head-neck position (HNP5) had the largest biomechanical effect, increasing peak forelimb forces while decreasing stance duration and increasing suspension phase
- •Forward-downward extension (HNP6) increased overreach distance and maintained forehand loading similar to unrestrained position