The tipping point: Exploring the influence of rider presence and posture on gait parameters in horses working in mounted equine-assisted services

Background

Horses involved in equine-assisted services (EAS) support the psychological and physiological health of individuals through mounted activities; however, limited research exists on how these sessions affect the horse’s movement.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the influence of rider presence and posture on horses’ gait parameters in EAS settings.

Methods

Horses (n = 22) were observed during walk and trot, both with and without a mounted rider, in four EAS centers in the United States. Distal limb-mounted inertial measurement units collected peak ground reaction force (pGRF), stride duration, stride symmetry, stride length, and stationary proportion. Rider posture angular metrics were calculated using static images. Mixed linear regression models assessed effects of rider presence, posture, life stage, and horse-related factors (e.g., age, breed) on each gait parameter.

Results

Rider presence increased pGRF (walk: +2.36 N, P < 0.01; trot: +6.69 N, P < 0.001) increased and stride length (walk: +0.13 m, P < 0.001; trot: +0.23 m, P < 0.001). Stationary proportion increased during the walk (+2.2 %, P = 0.03). Rider left trunk lean increased forelimb pGRF (walk: +0.39, P = 0.03) and stationary proportion (trot: +0.68, P = 0.02). Draft cross breeds (vs. cobs) had increased pGRF (walk: +14.04, P < 0.01; trot: +27.74, P = 0.02), and stride length (trot: +0.82, P = 0.02). Child (vs. adult) riders increased stationary proportion (trot: +4.47, P = 0.04) and reduced stride duration (trot:52.41, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Rider presence, posture, and rider life stage influenced horse gait in EAS contexts. These findings highlight the importance of considering rider-horse interactions in EAS when assessing horse welfare and longevity.