Did you know that rising trot is less demanding for the horse compared to sitting trot?

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES

We believe in science based development. We are sharing different scientific studies that prove the importance of a good seat. Since the communication between rider and horse is predominately embodied and depending of the quality of the rider’s seat.

equestrian in the saddle

The common opinion in the equestrian world is that rising trot is less demanding for the horse than sitting trot. But could this be objectively measured? The aim of a study performed in the Netherlands was to quantify the force on the horse’s back in sitting and rising trot by using kinematic data.

Results showed that at trot, there are two force peaks presented during one stride circle (one step). Both peaks in rising trot were lower compared to sitting trot, especially in the part of the stride where the rider is standing in the stirrups. This supports the general assumption that rising trot is less demanding for the horse than sitting trot. The peak forward-backward and sideways forces were also lower in rising trot compared to sitting trot. Interestingly, there was a difference in vertical and forward-backward force between the two horses, which had been trained for different types of riding and were on different age.

How was the study performed?

13 female riders and two horses participated in the study. One horse was ridden by 6 riders and the other by 7 riders. Horse and riders were prepared with infrared light retroreflective markers. Data were collected while the horse trotted in a straight line at its preferred speed by using eight infrared cameras. Four full strides at both sitting and rising trot were analyzed for each horse/rider combination. The riders body weight was also taken into account.

 

The conclusion.

It supports the general assumption that rising trot is less demanding compared to sitting trot. Rising trot can therefore be used to prevent injuries in the horse. In addition to reducing peak forces, standing up by the rider might also reduce the energy expenditure of the horse.

Here you will find summaries of scientific articles that explains more.

 

Source.

P. de Cocq, A. M. Duncker, H. M. Clayton, M. F. Bobbert, M. Muller, and J. van Leeuwen. Vertical forces on the horse’s back in sitting and rising trot. Journal of Biomechanics 43 (2010) 627-631.