Ridhästens samling : en jämförelse av subjektiva bedömningar och objektiv kinematisk analys

Abstract: The modern veterinarian in horse practice is often consulted by horse owners concerning riding problems. These problems are more complex and show other characteristics than traditional lameness. For the diagnostic process and to give adequate advice the veterinarians need an understanding of riding terminology and problems related to riding. It is also of high importance that riders, trainers and veterinarians increase the knowledge of equine biomechanics and how these are influenced by the rider. Collection is an important concept in the riding terminology. Riding manuals describe collection in various terms related to changes in the posture and movement pattern of the horse. There are two main aims of this study. One is the comparison of descriptions of collection in important riding manuals with biomechanical measurements in research. The other is the identification of quantitative biomechanical parameters correlated to subjective qualitative estimation of collection at the canter. Three horses ridden by the same rider where filmed in four different degrees of collection according to the judgement of level A -trainers. Their estimation of the degree of collection has been compared to measurable quantitative changes. The parameters used where speed, stride length and the relative change of hip joint angle. The choice of parameters was made considering the definitions of collection in riding manuals, previous research related to collection and the limitations of the recorded material. Speed and stride length are strongly correlated to the estimated degree of collection in this study. Lower speed and shortening of the stride length are distinguishing features of the estimated highest degree of collection in all three horses. The mean value of the hip joint angle in the most collected sequence compared to the least collected show that the angular range is smaller and the minimum value is higher as the degree of collection increases. There are more obvious differences in the hip joint angular pattern between the different degrees of collection in the one older horse in the study. In riding manuals a commonly mentioned symptom of collection is increased bend of the hip joint angle. My results do not support this. Interpretation of the results should be done with caution because of the low number of horses in the study. Many authors of riding manuals point out the fact that collection is depending on and co-existing with other important parameters such as rhythm, self carriage, balance, outline and relaxation. This should be considered in the planning of studies concerning collection. With a horse- and rider material with highest possible dressage skills it would be possible to distinguish parameters closely correlated to collection. If too young horses with less training are used there is a high risk of other factors such as talent for future collection being considered in estimations instead. There is research showing that increase of propulsion and decrease of the hip joint angle in horses can occur after a training period. Studies of horses in different degrees of collection in the same riding session do not show these changes. The most important changes seen in the same session in different degrees of collection are increased stance phase, a decrease in speed and stride length and less retraction of the hind limbs. There are just a few published studies and a low number of horses. More research is needed for conclusions.