Influence of velocity on horse and rider movement and resulting saddle forces at walk and trot
Authors: Bogisch S., Geser-Von Peinen K., Wiestner T., Roepstorff L., Weishaupt M.A.
Journal: Comparative Exercise Physiology
Summary
# Influence of velocity on horse and rider movement and resulting saddle forces at walk and trot How speed affects forces under the saddle has important implications for assessing ridden horses and fitting tack, yet few studies have systematically examined this relationship. Bogisch and colleagues used an instrumented treadmill to measure kinematics, ground reaction forces and saddle pressure simultaneously in seven dressage horses across a range of walking (1.3–1.8 m/s) and trotting speeds (2.6–3.6 m/s), applying linear regression analysis to identify velocity-dependent changes in movement. The results reveal that even modest speed increases substantially alter biomechanical load: a 10% increase in velocity raised total saddle force peaks by 5% at walk and 14% at trot, with walk forces driven primarily by increased rocking motion and trot forces driven by greater vertical dynamics combined with a stiffer spinal column. For practitioners conducting clinical assessments, saddle fit evaluations or lameness investigations, this finding underscores the critical need to control speed during comparative trials; seemingly minor variations in velocity can mask or exaggerate underlying movement dysfunction, making velocity standardisation essential for meaningful interpretation of saddle pressure data and rider–horse biomechanical compatibility.
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Practical Takeaways
- •When assessing saddle fit or pressure distribution clinically, ensure horses are ridden at consistent speeds—even small pace variations will skew force measurements and make comparisons unreliable
- •Trot is more sensitive to velocity changes than walk (14% vs 5% force increase per 10% speed increase), so standardizing trot speed is especially critical in diagnostic work
- •Understanding that saddle forces change with pace helps explain why a saddle that fits well at one speed may feel different at another, relevant for training progression and fit assessment
Key Findings
- •A 10% increase in velocity at walk increased total saddle force peaks by 5%, while at trot the increase was 14%
- •At walk, increased velocity primarily affected saddle forces through accentuated rocking movement; at trot, through increased vertical dynamics and rider-horse counteracting forces
- •Small velocity changes significantly alter movement dynamics and resulting saddle forces, requiring speed-matched trials for accurate clinical comparisons