Effect of head and neck position on vertical ground reaction forces and interlimb coordination in the dressage horse ridden at walk and trot on a treadmill
Authors: WEISHAUPT M. A., WIESTNER T., von PEINEN K., WALDERN N., ROEPSTORFF L., Van WEEREN R., MEYER H., JOHNSTON C.
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Quantifying how head and neck position influences weight distribution and limb loading in ridden horses has long been poorly understood, making it difficult for practitioners to confidently assess whether specific riding techniques benefit or potentially injure the locomotor apparatus. Researchers measured vertical ground reaction forces and limb timing parameters in seven elite dressage horses ridden on an instrumented treadmill at walk and trot across six head and neck positions, ranging from extremely elevated to lowered and extended, comparing each against a neutral reference position. An extremely elevated head and neck position (nose well in front of the vertical) produced the most pronounced biomechanical changes: stride duration increased, peak forces rose in both fore- and hindlimbs, and load shifted toward the hindquarters, yet forelimb stance time shortened despite reduced relative impulse through the front legs. Conversely, extremely low or free neck positions shifted loading toward the forehand, though with less dramatic overall effect on the locomotor system. For practitioners, these findings suggest that excessively high neck positioning—often emphasised in certain dressage schools—creates more substantial and potentially concerning alterations to limb loading and timing than lower positions, warranting consideration when assessing training methods and managing injury risk.
Read the full abstract on the publisher's site
Practical Takeaways
- •Extremely high neck positions during ridden work create significantly greater biomechanical stress on the locomotor system than low neck positions—reconsider if you're training with very elevated headsets
- •The 'natural' free position (loose reins) shifts loading patterns toward the forehand; a moderately raised position with nose slightly in front of vertical may provide better weight distribution
- •High head carriage increases peak forces in both front and hind limbs despite appearing to elevate the forehand—this could increase injury risk in high-demand work
Key Findings
- •Extremely elevated head position (HNP5) had the largest impact on limb timing and load distribution, increasing peak forces in both fore- and hindlimbs despite reducing forelimb stride impulse percentage
- •At walk, HNP5 shifted stride impulse to hindquarters and decreased stride duration; at trot, it increased stride duration
- •Free/loose rein position (HNP1) shifted loading toward forehand with decreased forelimb peak forces, showing inverse biomechanical effects to HNP5
- •Overreach distance decreased in the flexed neck position (HNP4) at trot, indicating altered limb coordination