An Investigation of Relationships between Horse and Rider Pelvic Asymmetry
Authors: Browne L, Cunliffe C
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Horse and Rider Pelvic Asymmetry Pelvic asymmetry in horses and riders represents a significant but understudied aspect of partnership biomechanics; Browne and Cunliffe addressed this gap by examining whether asymmetries in horse and rider pelves correlate with one another. Fourteen established horse–rider combinations underwent simultaneous assessment by a qualified McTimoney practitioner, with rider iliac crest height discrepancies measured standing and sitting using a PALM palpation metre (triplicate measurements to nearest 0.2 cm), and horse tuber coxae heights determined via plumb line (to nearest 0.5 cm). Asymmetry was remarkably prevalent—occurring in 93% of partnerships—and notably, 85% displayed asymmetry in the same direction; moreover, a significant positive correlation existed between the magnitude of horse tuber coxae height discrepancy and rider iliac crest discrepancy (r² = 0.4, P = 0.014), indicating that greater pelvic rotation in the horse was associated with greater pelvic tilt in the rider. For equine practitioners and therapists, these findings suggest that addressing asymmetry in one member of the partnership cannot be considered in isolation; concurrent assessment and treatment of both horse and rider pelvic alignment may be necessary to achieve meaningful, lasting biomechanical improvements, though the authors appropriately note that further research is needed to establish whether asymmetry is causative or adaptive.
Read the full abstract on the publisher's site
Practical Takeaways
- •Pelvic asymmetry is nearly universal in horse-rider partnerships and frequently occurs in matching directions, suggesting rider asymmetry may influence or reflect horse asymmetry
- •Assessment of both horse and rider pelvic alignment together may be important when addressing asymmetry-related issues in either partner
- •Consider the horse-rider system as an integrated unit when treating performance problems or asymmetry-related lameness, rather than addressing horse and rider independently
Key Findings
- •93% of horse-rider combinations demonstrated pelvic asymmetry, with 85% showing asymmetry in the same direction
- •Mean rider pelvic height discrepancy was 0.89-1.00 cm and mean horse tuber coxae height discrepancy was 1.3 cm
- •Significant positive correlation found between horse pelvic rotation and rider pelvic tilt (r² = 0.4, P = 0.014)