Relationship between pelvic tilt control, horse-rider synchronisation, and rider position in sitting trot

Abstract

Investigation of dressage riders suggests that the performance outcomes of riding can be enhanced by a rider correctly adapting the motion of their pelvis. The pelvis has been identified as an important component of the physical connection of the horse and the rider. This preliminary study aimed to assess whether riders with better control of their pelvic movement, had increased postural stability and horse-rider synchronicity. Twenty-six amateur riders competing in Novice to Grand Prix level dressage rode 35 mixed breed horses in active dressage training which they were used to riding. Riders were divided into two groups according to their ability to perform posterior pelvic tilt whilst sat on a Swiss ball. High-speed motion-capture was captured from the left and right sides and used to assess rider body position, angular measurements and horse-rider synchronicity whilst riding a pre-defined test at collected trot on an artificial surface. Appropriate statistical analyses were used to compare variables between groups. Differences between groups were compared using one-way ANOVA or independent samples t-tests; the significance level was set at P<0.05. No riders in the study were able to perform anterior or posterior pelvic tilt whilst seated on a ball without demonstrating mild or major compensations; the most common of these were inclusion of the lumbar spine or leaning forwards or backwards. The results suggest that riders who could not perform pelvic tilt without major compensations had a more leaning forward posture, were more asymmetrical between the left and right sides and more phase shifted during the swing and stance phases than riders who could perform pelvic tilt with mild compensations.