Dressage Riders Research Articles

Warm-Up Strategies and Effects on Performance in Racing Horses and Sport Horses Competing in Olympic Disciplines.

Warm-up is a standard component of exercise preparation, intended to lower the risk of injury and improve performance. Comprehensive evidence-based guidelines per discipline are missing. This scoping review aimed to describe the physiological effects and strategies of active warm-up in horses according to different equestrian disciplines. The search strategies identified 479 papers for review. After application of selection criteria, 23 articles published from 1996 to January 2024 were included of which 12 discussed the effects of warm-up on physiological parameters and 11 discussed warm-up strategies in different disciplines. As shown in humans, warm-up enhanced aerobic capacity and increased blood and muscle temperatures, independently from its intensity. Riders emphasized the importance of warm-up to prepare horses for physical work and to increase their reactiveness to aids. A canter or trot was the preferred gait in elite or non-elite dressage horses, respectively, while the walk was in show jumping horses. Warm-up duration and intensity increased with increasing competitive level, but a longer and/or more intensive warm-up did not affect the final score. Dressage riders warmed up their horses for a longer time compared to show jumping riders. Future studies should objectively establish the most profitable warm-up strategies per equestrian discipline and level.

Comparison of the Effect of Dressage Rider Skill Level on Physical Fitness Parameters and Posture on an Equestrian Simulator.

In dressage riding, rider posture plays an important role in the performance of the exercises. The purpose of this study was to compare physical fitness and posture on an equestrian simulator between different competitive dressage rider skill levels. Participants (ten expert and twelve novice competitive dressage riders) performed a physiotherapeutic screening test and an equestrian simulator test. The expert rider group (G2) had less variability in both left (P=.002) and right (P=.021) rein force during medium canter on the simulator compared to the novice rider group (G1). The shoulder angle of the expert riders was larger in all gaits. These findings indicate that the ability to maintain a constant force on the reins and a dynamically stable hand position during riding on a simulator are important indicators for good rider performance. Expert riders presented a trend toward a more stable posture on the simulator as indicated by the reduced trunk variability (P=.034 vs. CV=0.011) and smaller trunk ROM (P=.012 vs. CV=0.011) and knee ROM (P=.033 vs. CV=0.011) in the collected canter and collected walk respectively. These kinematic differences underscore their capability of maintaining a continued and constant force on the reins, but these findings require further research. No significant differences were found between groups in the physiotherapeutic screening. This underlines the difficulty in identifying the physical factors contributing to better rider performance. In conclusion, the current study shows that "stable rein contact" is the main difference between novice and expert competitive dressage riders on the simulator.

The effect of elastic reins on rein tension and performance in dressage horses

Many interactions between horses and humans are mediated through some form of physical equipment, particularly when riding. Multiple styles of reins constructed with elastic inserts are available for purchase with the promise that they will help dressage riders develop a light, steady and ‘elastic rein’ contact for the betterment of both their scores in competition and their horse's wellbeing. Although a number of studies have investigated various aspects of elastic reins, results have been inconclusive with regards to their effect on equine welfare. This study examined the effect of elasticated reins on rein tension. Using a crossover design, ten dressage horses and their usual riders performed a standardized dressage test using both leather reins and leather reins with integrated elastic inserts. Rein tension (Newtons) was recorded using strain-gauge transducers and the mean, maximum, and minimum tensions and the coefficient of variation, as a measurement of rein tension stability, were then assessed as potential indicators of impact on equine welfare and performance. Horse-rider pair performance was self-assessed by the riders and independently by a dressage judge who scored each test. Although no overall statistical differences were found in rein tension or performance measures between elasticated and non-elasticated reins, there were clear indications that this depends on the individual horse (Coefficient of Variation values ranged from 59.8 to 118.8). A commonly used descriptor regarding horse “rideability” in terms of response to rein use is whether the horse is “hard-mouthed” (i.e., generally non-responsive or responds in an unwanted manner) or “soft-mouthed” (responsive). Analysis of rein tensions and dressage test scores suggested that whilst riding “hard mouthed” horses in elasticated reins may be detrimental to welfare through impaired release of pressure, riding “soft mouthed” horses in elasticated reins may be beneficial. It is therefore apparent that the success of use of elastic in reins may depend on individual attributes of the horse, learnt or otherwise, such as whether the horse is “hard-mouthed” or “soft-mouthed.” This study confirms that the application of specific equipment, even that designed to promote better welfare outcomes for the horse, needs to be considered on an individual horse basis.

Coordination variability reveals the features of the ‘independent seat’ in competitive dressage riders

ABSTRACT The rider’s ability to consistently coordinate their movements to their horse is a key determinant of performance in equestrian sport. This study investigated the inter-segmental coordination variability between the vertical displacement of a riding simulator and the pitch rotation of 28 competitive female dressage riders’ head, trunk, pelvis, and left foot, in simulated medium and extended trot. A statistical non-parametric mapping three-way repeated-measures ANOVA investigated the influence of gait, competition level and segment on coordination variability. There was a significant main effect of gait and segment (p = 0.05), however, no significant effect of competition level. In medium trot, simulator-pelvis coupling was significantly (p < 0.001) less variable than simulator-head, -trunk, and -foot couplings. Significantly greater coordination variability of simulator-head and -foot relative to the trunk and pelvis suggested that riders can maintain stability in the saddle with their trunk and pelvis while allowing greater variability of their head and foot coupling to the simulator’s vertical displacement. It is proposed that stronger coupling of the rider’s pelvis relative to their other segments is one facet of the equestrian dressage skill of the independent seat. However, greater perturbations during simulated extended trot may necessitate a decrease in the independence of the rider’s seat.

Assessment of Kinematics on an Equestrian Simulator and Physical Fitness According to Different Skill Levels of Dressage Riders

Assessment of Kinematics on an Equestrian Simulator and Physical Fitness According to Different Skill Levels of Dressage Riders

Differential rotational movement and symmetry values of the thoracolumbosacral region in high-level dressage horses when trotting.

High-level dressage horses regularly perform advanced movements, requiring coordination and force transmission between front and hind limbs across the thoracolumbosacral region. This study aimed at quantifying kinematic differences in dressage horses when ridden in sitting trot–i.e. with additional load applied in the thoracolumbar region–compared with trotting in-hand. Inertial sensors were glued on to the midline of the thoracic (T) and lumbar (L) spine at T5, T13, T18, L3 and middle of the left and right tubera sacrale of ten elite dressage horses (Mean±SD), age 11±1 years, height 1.70±0.10m and body mass 600±24kg; first trotted in-hand, then ridden in sitting trot on an arena surface by four Grand Prix dressage riders. Straight-line motion cycles were analysed using a general linear model (random factor: horse; fixed factor: exercise condition; covariate: stride time, Bonferroni post hoc correction: P<0.05). Differential roll, pitch and yaw angles between adjacent sensors were calculated. In sitting trot, compared to trotting in-hand, there was increased pitch (mean±S.D), (in-hand, 3.9 (0.5°, sitting trot 6.3 (0.3°, P = <0.0001), roll (in-hand, 7.7 (1.1°, sitting trot 11.6 (0.9°, P = 0.003) and heading values (in-hand, 4.2 (0.8), sitting trot 9.5 (0.6°, P = <0.0001) in the caudal thoracic and lumbar region (T18-L3) and a decrease in heading values (in-hand, 7.1 (0.5°, sitting trot 5.2 (0.3°, P = 0.01) in the cranial thoracic region (T5-T13). Kinematics of the caudal thoracic and lumbar spine are influenced by the rider when in sitting trot, whilst lateral bending is reduced in the cranial thoracic region. This biomechanical difference with the addition of a rider, emphasises the importance of observing horses during ridden exercise, when assessing them as part of a loss of performance assessment.

Footedness and Postural Asymmetry in Amateur Dressage Riders, Riding in Medium Trot on a Dressage Simulator

This study explored the relationship between footedness and postural asymmetry in equestrian riders. 28 female riders completed the Waterloo Footedness Questionnaire- Revised (WFQ-R), giving a score for footedness. They then took part in a test on a riding simulator where measures of saddle force, stirrup force, and degree of lateral tilt of the pelvic, trunk, and shoulder segments were taken over a period of 20 seconds in trot. Symmetry indices were calculated for stirrup force and saddle force. There were no significant correlations between WFQ-R score and any of the measures of postural symmetry. Only a very small number (n=3) participants showed a marked footedness, with the majority of the sample being classed as ‘mixed footed’ based on test scores. This, coupled with data loss for some participants in each of the parameters, means direct comparison of footedness groups was difficult. However, the variation of asymmetry in the mixed footed group supports the idea that footedness does not have a significant impact on the rider's posture. There was a correlation between trunk lean and stirrup force symmetry index (r=0.537, P=0.021) showing the trunk leaned towards the side of higher stirrup force. There was a significant negative correlation between pelvic obliquity and shoulder tilt (r= -0.481, P=0.023) with 59% of the sample showing pelvic obliquity and shoulder tilt in opposite directions. The findings indicate that there is little effect of footedness on postural asymmetries in the rider. Research should now consider other causal factors to support riders to become more symmetrical.

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

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&lt;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.

Static pelvic posture is not related to dynamic pelvic tilt or competition level in dressage riders

ABSTRACT Static assessment and grouping of riders by competition level are prevalent in equestrian coaching practice and research. This study explored sagittal pelvic tilt in 35 competitive dressage riders to analyse the relationship between static and dynamic postures and assess the interaction of competition level. Riders were assessed using optical motion capture on a riding simulator at halt and in walk, trot, and left and right canter. Mean, minimum and maximum pelvic tilt, and range of motion (ROM) were measured as the pitch rotation of a rigid body formed by markers placed on the rider’s left/right anterior and posterior superior iliac spines and sacrum, averaged over six time-normalised strides. Three key results emerged: (1) there are correlations between the rider’s mean pelvic tilt in simulated walk, trot and canter, but not at halt; (2) mean pelvic tilt values are not significantly influenced by competition level (p = 0.233); and (3) the minimum and maximum pelvic tilt values illustrate individual strategies between gaits. Therefore, results from static assessment and grouping of riders by competition level should be interpreted with caution. Riders should be assessed as individuals, during dynamic riding-specific tasks, to understand their postural strategies.

What’s in a warm-up? A preliminary investigation of how European dressage riders and show jumpers warm-up their horses for training and at competition

Equestrian sports such as dressage and show jumping cause physical and physiological stress on the horses’ musculoskeletal structures, which can lead to decreased performance and injury. Warming-up prior to intense exercise can increase utilisation of the aerobic pathway, increase performance and decrease injury risk. Whilst duration of equestrian warm-up regimes has been reported, details of which gaits and skills related tasks, such as jumping and lateral movements, riders elect to use have not been evaluated to date. The purpose of this study was to understand dressage and show jumping riders’ decision-making when warming up at home and prior to a competition. Surveys (dressage: 39 questions; show jumping: 41 questions) were distributed online via social media. Mann Whitney U tests identified significant differences in warming up practice between dressage and show jumping riders. Most riders reported that a warm-up was beneficial for getting the horse ready for work, increasing responsiveness to aids, enhancing suppleness and relaxation, and decreasing injury risk. Both dressage and show jumping riders typically warm-up between 10-20 min. While dressage riders use the walk as their main warm-up gait, show jumpers preferred the trot. Both dressage riders and show jumpers incorporate technical skills in their warm-up such as lateral work, and quick transitions (when riders change gait for only few strides before changing again). Show jumpers include 4-10 jumping efforts, using different fence types. During a competition most dressage and show jumping riders agreed that factors such as perceived stress level of both the horse and rider, crowdedness of the arena, arena footing and size, as well as time allocated by the venue, were important factors that could impact the duration and content of their warm-up routines. Both groups of riders considered horses were sufficiently ‘warmed up’ when they were responsive to the aids and felt supple and relaxed.

A scoping review of determinants of performance in dressage.

As a first step in achieving an evidence-based classification system for the sport of Para Dressage, there is a clear need to define elite dressage performance. Previous studies have attempted to quantify performance with able-bodied riders using scientific methods; however, definitive measures have yet to be established for the horse and/or the rider. This may be, in part, due to the variety of movements and gaits that are found within a dressage test and also due to the complexity of the horse-rider partnership. The aim of this review is therefore to identify objective measurements of horse performance in dressage and the functional abilities of the rider that may influence them to achieve higher scores. Five databases (SportDiscuss, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, VetMed) were systematically searched from 1980 to May 2018. Studies were included if they fulfilled the following criteria: (1) English language; (2) employ objective, quantitative outcome measures for describing equine and human performance in dressage; (3) describe objective measures of superior horse performance using between-subject comparisons and/or relating outcome measures to competitive scoring methods; (4) describe demands of dressage using objective physiological and/or biomechanical measures from human athletes and/or how these demands are translated into superior performance. In total, 773 articles were identified. Title and abstract screening resulted in 155 articles that met the eligibility criteria, 97 were excluded during the full screening of articles, leaving 58 included articles (14 horse, 44 rider) involving 311 equine and 584 able-bodied human participants. Mean ± sd (%) quality scores were 63.5 ± 15.3 and 72.7 ± 14.7 for the equine and human articles respectively. Significant objective measures of horse performance (n = 12 articles) were grouped into themes and separated by gait/movement. A range of temporal variables that indicated superior performance were found in all gaits/movements. For the rider, n = 5 articles reported variables that identified significant differences in skill level, which included the postural position and ROM of the rider’s pelvis, trunk, knee and head. The timing of rider pelvic and trunk motion in relation to the movement of the horse emerged as an important indicator of rider influence. As temporal variables in the horse are consistently linked to superior performance it could be surmised that better overall dressage performance requires minimal disruption from the rider whilst the horse maintains a specific gait/movement. Achieving the gait/movement in the first place depends upon the intrinsic characteristics of the horse, the level of training achieved and the ability of the rider to apply the correct aid. The information from this model will be used to develop an empirical study to test the relative strength of association between impairment and performance in able-bodied and Para Dressage riders.

Lumbar Spine Loading During Dressage Riding.

Lower back pain is prevalent in horse riders as a result of the absorption of repetitive and multiplanar propulsive forces from the horse. Global positioning system technology provides potential for in vivo measurement of planar loading during riding. To quantify the uniaxial loading at the lumbar and cervicothoracic spine during dressage elements. Repeated measures, randomized order. Equestrian arena. Patients (or Other Participants): Twenty-one female dressage riders. Each rider completed walk, rising trot, sitting trot, and canter trials in a randomized order. A global positioning system unit was placed within customized garments at C7 and L5, collecting triaxial accelerometry data at 100Hz. PlayerLoad based on the rate of change of acceleration and calculated in the anteroposterior (AP), mediolateral, and vertical planes during each trial. There was no significant main effect for global positioning system location in the AP (P = .76), mediolateral (P = .88), or vertical (P = .76) planes. There was a significant main effect for pace in all trials (P < .001), with successive elements eliciting significantly greater loading (P ≤ .03) in all planes in the order walk < rising trot < canter < sitting trot. There was a significant placement × element interaction only in the AP plane (P = .03) with AP loading greater at L5 during walk, rising trot, and canter trials, but greater at C7 during sitting trot. The significant main effect for dressage element was indicative of greater pace of the horse, with faster pace activities eliciting greater loading in all planes. In vivo measurement of spinal accelerometry has application in the objective measurement and subsequent management of lumbar load for riders.

Factors influencing the symmetry and magnitude of rein tension in english and western riding

The apparatus that riders use to restrain or communicate with horses have progressed over time. With the increased awareness of animal welfare, the use of some of these devices is now questioned more deeply. Many equestrian disciplines have rules about apparatus to which competitors must adhere. In this study we aimed to identify the routine use of various items of apparatus in particular disciplines. Using an online questionnaire, we surveyed the use of common bitted and bitless bridles, nosebands, whips, and spurs in relation to each of the 1,101 respondents' preferred disciplines. We also explored the use of nosebands, whips, and spurs in relation to preferred bridle type. We found that dressage riders were more likely to use a noseband and a whip but, possibly as a reflection of the rules, were unlikely to use a bitless bridle. Western performance riders were most likely to use a curb bit and spurs but do not often use nosebands or whips. These results provide no indication of the techniques associated with each piece of gear, the way in which they are used, or any welfare problems associated with them. Nevertheless, the results inform the growing debate about the mandatory use of apparatus, especially severe bits, in certain sports.

Rider reported factors influencing choice of stirrup length in dressage, showjumping and eventing, and para equestrianism

The main functions of a saddle are to improve rider stability and comfort, with the stirrups providing support for the rider’s legs. The criteria upon which riders base their choice of stirrup length for different equestrian disciplines does not appear to have been reported. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the factors that play a role in a rider’s choice of stirrup length for different equestrian and para-equestrian disciplines. An online questionnaire consisting of open and closed demographic questions, and 28 Likert scale questions related to factors which are anecdotally associated with stirrup length was distributed via social media horse pages. Respondents were asked to identify factors that influenced their decision making when setting their stirrup length in dressage, showjumping and eventing (dressage, showjumping and cross-country phases). 2,183 participants took part in this study, the majority were female (97%; n=2,131). 8% of the sample (n=184) categorised themselves as para-equestrians. Most respondents (n=1,200) identified themselves as dressage riders (amateur: 89%, n=1,068; professional: 11%, n=132), 665 riders engaged in showjumping (amateur: 87%, n=579; professional: 13%, n=86) and a further 393 riders selected eventing as their primary discipline (amateur: 89%, n= 350; professional: 11%, n=43). All riders consistently ranked feel of stirrups once mounted, how stable stirrups feel once moving and type of saddle being used as the three most important factors when deciding stirrup length across the disciplines. Dressage riders were more greatly influenced by the factors investigated when setting stirrup length then either showjumping or event riders (Kruskal Wallis: P&lt;0.04). For eventing participants, exercise type, safety, saddle type and rider stability were key factors influencing stirrup length selection between different phases of the competition. These factors were generally ranked as more important for the dressage/flatwork phase compared to showjumping or cross country schooling (Kruskal Wallis: P&lt;0.01). Stirrup length is likely to affect rider comfort, performance and safety while having relatively less effect on the horse’s well-being, therefore it is not surprising that riders from all disciplines placed high emphasis on factors related to the rider and saddle.

A preliminary study to investigate the prevalence of pain in elite dressage riders during competition in the United Kingdom

Equestrianism is more dangerous than many sports including motorcycle riding, skiing, football, and rugby with one in five equestrians seriously injured during their riding career. Current research has focused on acute riding injuries but as seen in other sports over-use injuries, repetitive strain and lifestyle could aggravate symptoms causing chronic pain. An elite rider suffering from pain may still choose to compete with pain due to the pressures from sponsors and owners and the need for competition success. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of riders at the elite level competing with pain, and whether they perceived this pain to have a negative effect on their performance. A quantitative approach was used due to the experimental nature of the study. Fifty questionnaires were distributed to elite dressage riders (British Dressage Group 3 and above) at the Festival of Dressage, Hartpury College to establish the prevalence of riders competing with pain. 74% of elite dressage riders competed while experiencing pain, 62% of this pain was classed as chronic and 76% of riders stated that this pain was in the low back. Over half (51%) relieved the symptoms of pain by using over the counter pain medication. There was a highly significant relationship between riders competing with pain and the perception that this pain affecting negatively on performance (χ2=16.216a, df=1, P=0.001). This high incidence of elite dressage riders who compete with pain, particularly lower back pain (LBP), could be problematic given the longevity of a rider’s career which can span over four decades. This research reports rider’s perceptions and self-reported pain and management options, which may affect the data. Further research is needed to establish the causes of back pain and appropriate management strategies.

Riders’ Perceptions of Equestrian Communication in Sports Dressage

AbstractThe aim of this study is to enhance the understanding of how sport dressage riders describe rider-horse communication when riding, and to relate these descriptions to current research on human-horse communication. Interviews with 15 amateur dressage riders were analyzed using a qualitative approach. The study shows that the interviewed riders describe the communication with the horses partly in a behavioristic way, applying concepts based on learning theory, which deviate from the description of riders as lacking understanding of these concepts put forth by some researchers. The riders connect the timing of their aids to equestrian feel, which they describe as the most difficult yet the most awarding aspect of the interspecies communication that riding is. Simultaneously, they acknowledge that horses are fully capable of choosing to listen to and cooperate with their requests.

Postural changes and their effects in elite riders when actively influencing the horse versus sitting passively at trot

The objectives were to compare sagittal plane posture of the pelvis, trunk and head of elite dressage riders when they ride actively to train the horse versus sitting passively and following the horses’ movements at trot, and to evaluate the effects of these changes in rider posture on load distribution on the horse’s back. Synchronised motion capture and saddle mat data of seven elite dressage riders were used to measure minimal and maximal angles and range of motion (ROM) for the pelvic, trunk and head segments, the angle between pelvis and trunk segments, phase-shift between pitching motions of pelvis and trunk, and pelvic translation relative to the saddle. Non-parametric statistical tests compared variables between the two rider postures. In the passive rider posture the pelvis, trunk and head showed two pitching cycles per stride. Maximal posterior and anterior pelvic rotation occurred, respectively, early and late in the horse’s diagonal stance phase. Compared with pelvic movements, trunk movements were slightly delayed and head movements were out-of-phase. In the active rider posture the pelvis and trunk pitched further posteriorly throughout the stride. Most of the riders showed similar sagittal plane movements of the axial body segments but with some notable individual variations.

Differences in rider movement pattern between different degrees of collection at the trot in high-level dressage horses ridden on a treadmill

Collection is a central term in equine dressage, defined as a shortening of the horse’s stride length with retained energy and hind limb activity. How collection is induced by the rider has yet not been investigated objectively. The aim of this study was therefore to compare the movement pattern of high-level dressage riders between free trot (loose reins), passage and a range of three speeds in collected trot.Both at higher speed in collected trot and in passage, the rider’s pelvis became more caudally rotated and the rider’s lumbar back became more flexed. However, in passage there was also a decrease in phase-shift between horse and rider movements, suggesting that the rider used the seat more actively. In free trot, the rider’s pelvis was more cranially rotated, the lumbar back was more extended, the rider’s body inclined more forwards, and the phase-shift between horse and rider was increased, compared to collected trot. The observed changes were partly explainable from changes in the horse’s movement pattern. However, most differences in rider body position seemed unrelated to the horse’s movements, but were in accordance with instructions in equestrian texts, suggesting that those changes were voluntarily adopted by the riders.

Apparatus use in popular equestrian disciplines in Australia

Abstract The apparatus that riders use to restrain or communicate with horses have progressed over time. With the increased awareness of animal welfare, the use of some of these devices is now questioned more deeply. Many equestrian disciplines have rules about apparatus to which competitors must adhere. In this study we aimed to identify the routine use of various items of apparatus in particular disciplines. Using an online questionnaire, we surveyed the use of common bitted and bitless bridles, nosebands, whips, and spurs in relation to each of the 1,101 respondents' preferred disciplines. We also explored the use of nosebands, whips, and spurs in relation to preferred bridle type. We found that dressage riders were more likely to use a noseband and a whip but, possibly as a reflection of the rules, were unlikely to use a bitless bridle. Western performance riders were most likely to use a curb bit and spurs but do not often use nosebands or whips. These results provide no indication of the techniques associated with each piece of gear, the way in which they are used, or any welfare problems associated with them. Nevertheless, the results inform the growing debate about the mandatory use of apparatus, especially severe bits, in certain sports.

Postural characteristics of female dressage riders using 3D motion analysis and the effects of an athletic taping technique: A randomised control trial

ObjectivesTo observe postural characteristics of female dressage riders, through application of three-dimensional motion analysis and to assess the effects of athletic taping on postural asymmetry during sitting trot. DesignRandomised cross-over. SettingData collection took place at Myerscough Agricultural College in an indoor riding area. ParticipantsTen healthy female experienced dressage riders participated. Main outcome measurementsMovement kinematics of the trunk and pelvis, pre and post taping intervention. ResultsRiders presented pre-intervention with asymmetric movement characteristics through dynamic observation of trunk and pelvic postures during sitting trot. There was a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the range (°) of trunk lateral-flexion following tape intervention applied over the thoracic spine. ConclusionThis study supports the quantification of dynamic postural characteristics of dressage athletes by three-dimensional motion analysis. Asymmetrical postures occur within dressage riders when performing sitting trot. The application of tape to ‘align’ asymmetry altered riders' postures. Taping over the thoracic region resulted in a compensatory increase in motion through the lumbar region. Clinicians should approach the application of postural taping with an awareness of the restrictive mechanisms of tape. Findings may help clinicians determine whether technique/type of tape applied is suitable for achieving marginal gains in the alignment of posture in competitive dressage athletes.