McPhail Equine Performance Center, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, D202 Veterinary Medical Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Vet J. 2013 Jan;195(1):48-52. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.06.002. Epub 2012 Jul 15.
The objectives of this study were to measure forces and pressure profiles when riding with a conventional saddle compared to bareback riding. An electronic pressure mat was used to compare contact area, mean total force and pressure variables for one rider riding seven horses at sitting trot with a conventional saddle or bareback. The use of a saddle was associated with a larger contact area and higher mean total force compared with the bareback condition. Mass normalized mean total force for bareback riding was lower than expected based on the rider's body mass, suggesting that shear forces exerted by the rider's thighs were not being registered by the pressure mat. In spite of the lower total force, the bareback condition was associated with higher average pressure, higher maximal pressure and larger area with mean pressure >11 kPa. Focal pressure concentrations were present beneath the rider's ischial tuberosities in the area of the horse's epaxial muscles when riding bareback but not when using a saddle. It was concluded that bareback riding was associated with focal pressure concentrations that may increase the risk of pressure-induced injury to the horse's epaxial musculature. The findings also emphasized that researchers should remain cognizant of shear forces, which may not be registered by the pressure mat, but may contribute to the effects of riding on the horse's back.
本研究旨在测量骑乘传统鞍具和光背骑乘时的力和压力分布。使用电子压力垫比较了一位骑手在坐姿快步骑乘 7 匹马时，使用传统鞍具和光背骑乘时的接触面积、总平均力和压力变量。与光背条件相比，使用鞍具时接触面积更大，总平均力更高。基于骑手的体重，光背骑乘时的归一化平均总力低于预期，这表明压力垫没有记录到骑手大腿施加的剪切力。尽管总力较低，但光背条件与较高的平均压力、较高的最大压力和更大的平均压力>11kPa 的区域相关。光背骑乘时，骑手坐骨结节下方、马的脊柱肌肉区域存在局灶性压力集中，但使用鞍具时则没有。结论认为，光背骑乘与局灶性压力集中有关，这可能增加马的脊柱肌肉受到压力引起损伤的风险。研究结果还强调，研究人员应该注意压力垫可能无法记录但可能会对马背部骑乘产生影响的剪切力。
