Hartmann, Elke
- Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Research article2008Peer reviewed
Blokhuis, Mari Zetterqvist; Aronsson, Agneta; Hartmann, Elke; Van Reenan, Cornelis G.; Keeling, Linda
A correct seat and position are the basis for a good performance in horseback riding. This study aimed to measure deviations from the correct seat, test a seat improvement program (dismounted exercises), and investigate whether horse behavior was affected by the rider's seat. Five experienced trainers defined 16 seat deviations and scored the occurrence in 20 riders in a dressage test. Half the riders then carried out an individual training program; after 9 weeks, riders were again scored. The study took no video or heart-rate recordings of horses and riders. Panel members did not agree on the deviations in the rider's seat; the study detected no differences-with the exception of improvement of backward-tilted pelvis-between the groups. Horse behavior, classified as "evasive," increased; horse heart rate decreased in the experimental group. Heart rates of riders in both groups decreased. Seven of 9 riders in the experimental group had the impression that the exercises improved their riding performance. There is a clear need to develop a robust system that allows trainers to objectively evaluate the rider's seat..
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science
2008, Volume: 11, number: 3, pages: 191-203
Animal and Dairy Science
Veterinary Science
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10888700802100876
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/20274