Rider Variables Affecting the Stirrup Directional Force Asymmetry during Simulated Riding Trot.
Authors: Baragli Paolo, Alessi Alberto, Pagliai Marco, Felici Martina, Ogi Asahi, Hawson Lesley, Gazzano Angelo, Padalino Barbara
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Rider Asymmetry and Stirrup Load Distribution Asymmetrical rider weight distribution is increasingly recognised as a potential contributor to back pain in both human and equine athletes, yet simple methods to quantify this asymmetry in a practical setting have been lacking. Baragli and colleagues assessed 147 riders across three standardised positions on a static wooden horse model using load cells on the stirrup leathers, recording directional forces every 0.2 seconds whilst seated, standing in the stirrups, and performing rising trot, alongside collecting demographic and experiential data. Nearly all riders demonstrated significant asymmetry in seated (99.3%) and standing phases (98%), though rising trot showed considerably less consistent asymmetry (46.3%), with notable shifts in which side bore greater load between positions—a finding suggesting that postural demands influence weight distribution patterns differently. One-hand riders were twice as likely to exhibit asymmetry during rising trot compared with two-hand riders (OR: 2.18, p = 0.024), whilst interestingly, natural handedness showed no significant association with measured leg-sidedness, implying that riding technique rather than inherent laterality may be the primary driver of asymmetry. These findings have practical implications for coaches and allied healthcare professionals working with riders experiencing back issues; identifying asymmetrical weight distribution through standardised testing could inform targeted intervention strategies, though further research on equine spinal loading and the clinical significance of rider asymmetry remains essential to establish clear guidelines for professional practice.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Rider asymmetry is nearly universal across different riding positions (46-99%), suggesting asymmetrical loading is a normal biomechanical challenge that should be addressed through training and awareness
- •Riding style, particularly one-handed riding, significantly increases the risk of asymmetrical stirrup loading, indicating that instruction on balanced two-handed riding may help reduce asymmetry-related back pain in both riders and horses
- •Asymmetry patterns differ by riding phase (sitting vs. standing vs. rising), suggesting targeted interventions should be specific to the riding position being performed
Key Findings
- •99.3% of riders demonstrated asymmetry while sitting in the saddle, with 53.4% showing greater right-side loading
- •98% of riders were asymmetrical while standing in stirrups, with 52.8% heavier on the left side
- •46.3% of riders were asymmetrical during rising trot with 51.5% heavier on the left side
- •One-hand riders were 2.18 times more likely to be asymmetrical than two-hand riders (p = 0.024)
- •No significant association found between handedness and calculated leg-sidedness