To date there have been no studies assessing side-saddle rider ability. As rider ability has been known to have a distinct effect on equine performance, it is important to identify the optimal riding style to enable the optimal rider-horse combination. Results identifying side-saddle rider asymmetries offer the potential for side-saddle specific exercises to be developed enabling a clear application to industry.Ībstract = 'Rationale: Current research has identified significant differences in rider ability across different levels. Out-of-saddle discipline specific exercises to improve rider symmetry and strength are increasing in popularity for the modern rider. There is an abundance of research assessing the astride riding position and its influences on the horse which offers a platform for future studies assessing the side-saddle rider position. Further positional differences were identified between the two groups, however none were significant (P 0.05) results this may have been due to the small sample size assessed.ĭiscussion and Conclusion: This preliminary study has identified significant differences between the NOV and ADV riding styles in different gaits through kinematic and pressure distribution analysis. Significant statistical differences were seen between the NOV and ADV groups for shoulder symmetry at walk (P=0.034) and pelvis symmetry for both walk and trot (P=0.043 and P=0.034 respectively). A non-parametric Mann Whitney U Test for difference (P0.05) was performed for the comparison of NOV and ADV riders for each positional angle as well as the comparison of PP symmetry. Results: Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 24 for Mac.

A Tekscan pressure pad was also placed between the simulator and saddle to assess weight distribution by calculating differences in peak pressure (PP).

Methodology: 2-D motion analysis was used to determine the angles of the trunk, lower left leg, shoulder symmetry and pelvis symmetry of 8 advanced (ADV) riders and 10 novice (NOV) riders in the 4 conditions stated above. A comparison of novice and advanced side-saddle riders offers an insight into the potential differences and variations in riding style.Īim: The purpose of this study was to identify whether there were any significant differences in the riding position and weight distribution of novice and advanced side-saddle riders in halt, walk, trot and canter on an equine simulator. Rationale: Current research has identified significant differences in rider ability across different levels.

Equine simulator