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Rachel C Murray - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • A descriptive study quantifying warm-up patterns in elite and non-elite Dressage horses in a field environment
    Comparative Exercise Physiology, 2021
    Co-Authors: C A Tranquille, Va Walker, J. Clarke, Rachel C Murray
    Abstract:

    There is very little reported information on the content of the warm-up period in Dressage horses. Our objective was to quantify warm-up content, patterns and duration in a simulated competition (f...

  • comparison of limb kinematics between collected and lengthened medium extended trot in two groups of Dressage horses on two different surfaces
    Equine Veterinary Journal, 2017
    Co-Authors: Va Walker, C A Tranquille, Aj Northrop, J R Newton, Sue J Dyson, J Brandham, Rachel C Murray
    Abstract:

    Background: Dressage horses are often asked to work in lengthened paces during training and competition, but to date there is limited information about the biomechanics of Dressage-specific paces. Preliminary work has shown increased fetlock extension in extended compared with collected paces, but further investigation of the kinematic differences between collected, medium and extended trot in Dressage horses is warranted. Objectives: Investigation of the effect of collected versus medium/extended trot on limb kinematics of Dressage horses. Study design: Prospective kinematic evaluation. Methods: Twenty clinically sound horses in active Dressage training were used: Group 1) ten young horses (≤ 6 years) were assessed at collected and medium trot; Group 2) ten mature horses (≥9 years) were assessed at collected and extended trot. All horses were evaluated on two different surfaces. High-speed motion-capture (240Hz) was used to determine kinematic variables. Forelimb and hindlimb angles were measured at midstance. Descriptive statistics and mixed-effect multilevel-regression analyses were performed. Results: Speed and stride length were reduced and stride duration increased at collected compared with medium/extended trot. Lengthened trot (medium/extended trot) was associated with increased fetlock extension in both the forelimbs and hindlimbs in both groups of horses. Changes were greater in Group 2 compared with Group 1. Shoulder and carpus angles were associated with forelimb fetlock angle. Hock angle was not significantly influenced by pace. Surface had no effect on fetlock or hock angles. Main limitations: Only 2D motion analysis was carried out. Results may have been different in horses with more extreme gait characteristics. Conclusions: Medium/extended trot increases extension of the forelimb and the hindlimb fetlock joints compared with collected trot in both young and mature Dressage horses, respectively.

  • What Effect Does Medium and Extended Trot Have on the Kinematics of the Forelimb in Dressage Horses
    Equine Veterinary Journal, 2015
    Co-Authors: Va Walker, C A Tranquille, Sue J Dyson, Richard Newton, Rachel C Murray
    Abstract:

    Reasons for performing study Metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension overload is increasingly being recognised in Dressage horses and, like forelimb suspensory ligament injury, tends to be seen in horses with extravagant trot steps. However, there is limited understanding of the effects of different paces within the trot on forelimb movement, therefore it is difficult to advise rationally on prevention or management of these types of injury. Objectives To compare forelimb kinematics of collected and medium or extended trot in Dressage horses. Study design Prospective study. Methods Twenty mixed-breed Dressage horses (age 9 ± 4 years; height 168 ± 6 cm; weight 600 ± 63 kg; median competition level = advanced medium) were tested at collected and medium/extended trot (age and training level dependent) in a straight line on an artificial surface ridden by their own rider at sitting trot. Four strides of each pace were recorded using high speed motion capture (240 Hz). Markers were placed on the horses' forelimbs at predetermined anatomical sites. Fetlock, carpus, elbow and shoulder angles were derived at midstance. Descriptive statistics and mixed effect multilevel regression analyses were performed on the data. Results Fetlock extension angle was significantly increased at medium compared with collected trot (coefficient: 5.70; CI 2.58–8.82; P

  • Horse walker use in Dressage horses
    Comparative Exercise Physiology, 2012
    Co-Authors: T.j. Walker, S.n. Collins, Rachel C Murray
    Abstract:

    Horse walkers have become popular in the modern exercise regime for Dressage horses, however recent investigations of injury risk factors have indicated a significant association between horse walker use and lameness. A detailed telephone questionnaire was conducted to document horse walker usage and assess whether horse walker use could predispose Dressage horses to lameness. Information on horse walker features and use, and individual horse lameness history was recorded. Chi-squared tests were performed to identify horse walker variables associated with lameness. Although analyses failed to establish a direct link between lameness and any specific horse walker feature, the high proportion of lame horses in this study suggests that there is an underlying and, as yet, unidentified cause of lameness related to horse walker usage.

  • How do features of Dressage arenas influence training surface properties which are potentially associated with lameness
    Veterinary journal (London England : 1997), 2010
    Co-Authors: Rachel C Murray, Sue J Dyson, Juli M. Walters, Hannah Snart, Tim D.h. Parkin
    Abstract:

    Results from a previous study indicated that there are specific arena surface characteristics that are associated with an increased likelihood of lameness in Dressage horses. It is important to understand what modifiable arena factors lead to these detrimental surface characteristics. The aim of this study was to describe the use of training surfaces and arenas for United Kingdom Dressage horses and to investigate any relationships between arena/surface variables and detrimental surface characteristics. Data from a questionnaire returned by 22.5% of all 11,363 registered members of British Dressage were used for the study. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were developed with each of the previously identified surface characteristics as dependent variables. Respondents reported that the majority of arenas were privately owned, sized 20 × 40 m and had a sand and rubber surface. The results indicated that wax-coated and sand and rubber surfaces were associated with less detrimental surface properties than sand, sand and PVC, woodchips or grass. Woodchips were most strongly associated with the detrimental characteristic of slipping, and sand with tripping. The findings indicated that any arena surface should have a base, with limestone the recommended surface, and that crushed concrete was best avoided. This information supported previous studies in racehorses that indicated that surface maintenance is essential, especially when many horses are using an arena daily. Problems were less likely if an arena was privately owned.

Thilo Pfau - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Differential rotational movement and symmetry values of the thoracolumbosacral region in high-level Dressage horses when trotting.
    PloS one, 2021
    Co-Authors: Russell Mackechnie-guire, Thilo Pfau
    Abstract:

    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

  • differential rotational movement and symmetry values of the thoracolumbosacral region in high level Dressage horses when trotting
    PLOS ONE, 2021
    Co-Authors: Russell Mackechnieguire, Thilo Pfau
    Abstract:

    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.

Bulent Ulutas - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Sarah L. Freeman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The use of nutritional supplements in Dressage and eventing horses
    Veterinary record open, 2016
    Co-Authors: C. Agar, R. Gemmill, T. Hollands, Sarah L. Freeman
    Abstract:

    The aim of the study was to determine which types of nutritional supplements were used in Dressage and eventing horses, and the reasons that owners used supplements. An online questionnaire was distributed through British Eventing and Dressage websites, to collect data on demographics of owners and their horses, supplements used and their opinion on health and performance problems. Data were evaluated using descriptive analysis, Sign and Fisher's exact tests for quantitative data, and categorisation of qualitative data. In total, 599 responses met the inclusion criteria (441 Dressage and 158 eventing horse owners). Participants had 26.4 (3–60) (mean (range)) years of riding experience, owned 1.2 (0–10) horses and used 2 (0–12) supplements in their highest performing horse. The main health and performance issues identified for Dressage were ‘energy/behaviour’, ‘lameness’ and ‘back and muscle problems’. The main issues for eventing were ‘stamina and fitness levels’,’ lameness’ and ‘energy/behaviour’. The main reasons for using supplements in their highest performing horse were ‘joints and mobility’, and ‘behaviour’ for Dressage, and ‘electrolytes’, and ‘joints and mobility’ for eventing. Lameness and behavioural problems were significant concerns within both disciplines. There was incongruence between owners’ opinions of problems within their discipline and their reasons for using supplements.

  • The Use of Nutritional Supplements in Dressage and Eventing Horses
    Equine Veterinary Journal, 2014
    Co-Authors: C. Agar, R. Gemmill, T. Hollands, Sarah L. Freeman
    Abstract:

    Introduction Selecting the appropriate nutritional supplements for performance horses is difficult, due to significant gaps in the current scientific evidence. Our hypothesis was that nutritional supplements are chosen based on owner's perception of discipline specific health and performance problems. Methods A mixed methods (open and closed questions) online questionnaire was distributed through British Eventing and Dressage websites, to collect data on demographics of owners and their horses, supplements used, and their opinion on health and performance problems in their discipline, and in their own horses. Data was evaluated using descriptive analysis and Sign and Fisher's exact tests for quantitative data, and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results 599 responses met the inclusion criteria, of which 441 were or had competed in Dressage, and 158 in eventing (unaffiliated novice to affiliated advanced levels). Participants had been riding for 26.4 (3–60) (mean (range)) years, currently competed 1.2 (0–10) horses, and used 2 (0–12) supplements in their top horse. Participants ranked the most important health and performance issues as (1) Energy and behaviour, (2) Lameness, (3) Back and muscle problems for Dressage, and (1) Lameness, (2) Energy and behaviour, (3) Stamina and fitness for eventing horses. The most common reason supplements were used in individual horses were (1) Joints and mobility, (2) Behavioural problems for Dressage, and (1) Electrolytes, (2) Joints and mobility for eventing. Conclusions There was discrepancy between participants' opinions of the main health and performance problems within their discipline, and their reasons for using supplements. Ethical Animal Research The study was approved by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science Ethics Committee at University of Nottingham. Sources of funding: School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham. Competing interests: Teresa Hollands is employed by Dodson and Horrell Ltd.

  • Factors Affecting Owners' Choice of Nutritional Supplements in Dressage and Eventing Horses
    Equine Veterinary Journal, 2014
    Co-Authors: R. Gemmill, C. Agar, Sarah L. Freeman, T. Hollands
    Abstract:

    Introduction Horse owners are faced with a vast range of supplements and different sources of information. The aim of this study was to evaluate sources of information used by owners/riders when choosing supplements for competition horses, their opinions on different sources of information and evaluation of factors that affect their decisions. Methods A mixed methods (open and closed questions) online questionnaire was distributed through British Eventing and Dressage websites to owners/riders of Dressage and/or event horses, to collect data on the demographics of the owner/rider and their horses, sources of information used when choosing nutritional supplements, and their opinion on these different sources. Data was evaluated using descriptive analysis and Chi-squared tests for quantitative data, and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results 757 responses met the inclusion criteria, and owners/riders competed at Dressage and eventing from unaffiliated novice to affiliated advanced level. Veterinary surgeons were considered the most reliable source of information, followed by nutritionists, research studies, coach/trainer and other horse owners. ‘Other horse owners’ were the top source (18% of participants) for the participants' most recent choice of supplement. Respondents with a higher education qualification were significantly more likely to use research papers as a source of information (P

A Bystrom - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • asymmetries of horses walking and trotting on treadmill with and without rider
    Equine Veterinary Journal, 2021
    Co-Authors: A Bystrom, Hilary M. Clayton, M Rhodin, L Roepstorff, Michael A Weishaupt, E Hernlund, Filipe Serra Braganca, Maria Terese Engell, Rene Van Weeren, Agneta Egenvall
    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND Left-right movement symmetry is a highly desirable characteristic in sport horses. OBJECTIVES This study compared movement symmetry in well-trained Dressage horses in unridden and unrestrained position and ridden in a Dressage frame, and investigated possible associations between gaits. STUDY DESIGN Experimental study. METHODS Seven sound, high-level Dressage horses were measured at walk and sitting trot on a treadmill at several speeds under two conditions: with and without rider. Left-right differences in stance duration, stance protraction and retraction based on longitudinal hoof positions, ipsilateral limb tracking, minimum and maximum vertical positions of the dorsal spinous processes of the sixth thoracic (T6), third sacral vertebrae (S3) and wing of atlas, and vertical ground reaction forces were calculated and analysed in mixed models. RESULTS At walk, five body variables indicated increased asymmetry in the ridden condition compared with unridden condition: forelimb stance duration (unridden/ridden left-right differences 9 vs 13 ms; P = .008), forelimb stance protraction (P = .004), stance retraction (P = .001) and first force peak (P = .003), and hindlimb stance retraction (P = .01). At trot, six body variables were more asymmetrical in the ridden condition: forelimb stance duration (2.5 vs 3.8 ms, P = .004); hindlimb stance protraction (P < .0001) and retraction (P = .01), T6 minimum (4 vs 6 mm, P = .001), T6 maximum (9 vs 11 mm, P = .01) and S3 maximum (6 vs 12 mm, P < .001). Five variables had significant associations between asymmetries at walk and trot, but only three demonstrated a positive slope. MAIN LIMITATIONS A limited number of horses and riders were studied. Measurements were performed on a treadmill. CONCLUSIONS High-level horses moved slightly more asymmetrically when ridden in a Dressage frame than in the unridden condition.

  • Kinematics of saddle and rider in high-level Dressage horses performing collected walk on a treadmill.
    Equine veterinary journal, 2010
    Co-Authors: A Bystrom, Michael A Weishaupt, Marie Rhodin, K. Von Peinen, Lars Roepstorff
    Abstract:

    Summary Reasons for performing the study: The kinematics of the saddle and rider have not been thoroughly described at the walk. Objective: To describe saddle and rider movements during collected walk in a group of high-level Dressage horses and riders. Methods: Seven high-level Dressage horses and riders were subjected to kinematic measurements while performing collected walk on a treadmill. Movements of the saddle and rider's pelvis, upper body and head were analysed in a rigid body model. Projection angles were determined for the rider's arms and legs, and the neck and trunk of the horse. Distances between selected markers were used to describe rider position in relation to the horse and saddle. Results: During the first half of each hindlimb stance the saddle rotated cranially around the transverse axis, i.e. the front part was lowered in relation to the hind part and the rider's pelvis rotated caudally, i.e. in the opposite direction. The rider's seat moved forwards while the rider's neck and feet moved backwards. During the second half of hindlimb stance these movements were reversed. Conclusion: The saddles and riders of high-level Dressage horses follow a common movement pattern at collected walk. The movements of the saddle and rider are clearly related to the movements of the horse, both within and outside the sagittal plane. Potential relevance: The literature suggests that the rider's influence on the movement pattern of the horse is the strongest at walk. For assessment of the horse-rider interaction in Dressage horses presented for unsatisfactory performance, evaluations at walk may therefore be the most rewarding. Basic knowledge about rider and saddle movements in well-performing horses is likely to be supportive to this task.

  • the effect of different head and neck positions on the caudal back and hindlimb kinematics in the elite Dressage horse at trot
    Equine Veterinary Journal, 2009
    Co-Authors: M Rhodin, C Gomez B Alvarez, A Bystrom, C Johnston, P R Van Weeren, L Roepstorff, Michael A Weishaupt
    Abstract:

    Reasons for performing study: Dressage involves training of the horse with the head and neck placed in a position defined by the rider. The best position for Dressage training is currently under debate among riders and trainers, but there are few scientific data available to confirm or disprove the different views. Objective: To evaluate the kinematic effects of different head and neck positions (HNPs) in elite Dressage horses ridden at trot. Methods: Seven high-level Dressage horses were subjected to kinetic and kinematic measurements when ridden on a treadmill with the head and neck in 5 different positions. Results: Compared to free trot on loose reins the HNP desired for collected trot at Dressage competitions increased T6 vertical excursion, increased sacral flexion and decreased limb retraction after lift-off. Further increasing head or head and neck flexion caused few additional changes while an extremely elevated neck position increased hindlimb flexion and lumbar back extension during stance, increased hindlimb flexion during swing and further increased trunk vertical excursion. Conclusions: The movements of the horse are significantly different when ridden on loose reins compared to the position used in collected trot. The exact degree of neck flexion is, however, not consistently correlated to the movements of the horse's limbs and trunk at collected trot. An extremely elevated neck position can produce some effects commonly associated with increased degree of collection, but the increased back extension observed with this position may place the horse at risk of injury if ridden in this position for a prolonged period. Potential relevance: Head and neck positions influence significantly the kinematics of the ridden horse. It is important for riders and trainers to be aware of these effects in Dressage training.

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