Strain gauge measurement of rein tension during riding: a pilot study

Clayton, Hilary M.; Singleton, Wesley; Lanovaz, Joel L.; Cloud, Gary

doi:10.1079/ecp200553

Cited by 31 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…Their hands are utilized for a range of tasks such as controlling the horse's speed, impulsion, bend, position of head and neck and supporting the horse's balance 25,36 . A varying range of rein tension (0-392 N) was found to occur when comparing different gaits, equestrian disciplines and horse handling [37][38][39][40][41] . Although only one rider was studied, Clayton et al 37 discovered an uneven and quite strong rein contact, which was experienced as even and smooth by the rider.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comparison of rein tension of the rider's dominant and non-dominant hand and the influence of the horse's laterality

Kuhnke

Dumbell

Gauly

et al. 2010

Comp. Exerc. Physiol.

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von Borstel (2010). A comparison of rein tension of the rider's dominant and non-dominant hand and the inuence of the horse's laterality. AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of the horse's laterality on the symmetry of rein tension in right-handed riders. Eleven right-handed riders rode both a right-lateralized (RL) and a left-lateralized (LL) horse. Rein tension was measured during three circles of walk, trot and canter and four walk-halt transitions in each direction. Tensions were recorded continuously using a rein tension meter. The LL horse was ridden with significantly stronger mean tension in the left rein than in the right rein (1.5 vs. 1.4 kg; P ¼ 0.0352). Significantly more tension was applied to the outside rein in a clockwise (1.4 vs. 1.2 kg; P ¼ 0.0202), but not in a counterclockwise, direction (1.3 vs. 1.2 kg; P ¼ 0.49). Less minimum tension (0.06 vs. 0.29 kg) and greater maximum (6.4 vs. 3.9 kg) and range of tension (6.3 vs. 3.6 kg) occurred in the left rein of the RL horse (P , 0.0001) and the right rein of the LL horse (0.37 vs. 0.08 kg, 4.8 vs. 7.4 kg, 4.3 vs. 7.3 kg respectively; P , 0.0001). The results of the present study indicate that the different utilization of both reins is likely to be influenced by the laterality of both horse and rider. These findings may have important implications for equine training, since consistency of reinforcement is an important factor for equine learning success.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comparison of rein tension of the rider's dominant and non-dominant hand and the influence of the horse's laterality

Kuhnke

Dumbell

Gauly

et al. 2010

Comp. Exerc. Physiol.

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“…Young, tension-na€ ıve horses apply a surprisingly high rein tension (up to 40 N) to obtain a food reward in a voluntary test situation [15]. Absolute rein tension values reportedly range from 2 to 104 N [38]. The overall mean rein tension recorded in a long-reining test was 10.7 AE 1 N [39], whereas the overall mean rein tension recorded in a riding test was 7.4 AE 0.7 N [40].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The use of a rein tension device to compare different training methods for neck flexion in base‐level trained Warmblood horses at the walk

Veen

Killian

Vlaminck

et al. 2018

Equine Veterinary Journal

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SummaryBackgroundDebate surrounds the use of high rein tension for obtaining different head and neck positions in the training of sport horses on account of possible welfare issues.ObjectivesTo compare auxiliary rein tension in two methods (Draw Reins and Concord Leader) for obtaining a standardised head and neck position on a hard and a soft surface.Study designIntervention study.MethodsLeft and right rein tensions were measured in 11 base‐level trained client‐owned sport horses (mean age ± s.d.; 10 ± 3.2 years) exercised in‐hand with, in a random order, conventional draw reins or the newly developed Concord Leader in a standardised head and neck position. Rein tension was measured using a calibrated device operating at 10 Hz during six runs of 15 s in a straight line for each training method on both a hard and a soft surface. A linear mixed model and grouped logistic regression analysis were applied to compare the two methods (P<0.05).ResultsThe odds of a tension of 0 N were lower with draw reins than with the Concord Leader. The rein tension (mean sum of the force applied, in N) of the draw reins was 13.8 times higher than that of the Concord Leader.Main limitationsThis study was performed on horses exercised in‐hand; however, these auxiliary aids are normally used when lungeing. Possible redirection of rein tension towards the poll was not measured.ConclusionsWe showed that when using the Concord Leader a similar head and neck position is achieved with a much lower rein tension than with the draw reins and, more importantly, with a much greater likelihood of 0 N. It is unnecessary to use high auxiliary rein tension to obtain a standard, flexed head and neck position.

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“…The range capabilities of tension meters varied within studies, as did the range of tensions reported in the ridden horses. The highest recorded tension was 104 N by Clayton et al (2005). Horses will voluntarily tolerate tensions of up to 11 N (Christensen, 2011), suggesting that tensions greater than this cause discomfort.…”

Section: Range and Sampling Ratementioning

confidence: 97%

Evolving protocols for research in equitation science

Pierard

Hall

Borstel

et al. 2015

Journal of Veterinary Behavior

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Within the emerging discipline of Equitation Science the application of consistent methodology, including robust objective measures, is required for sound scientific evaluation. This report aims to provide an evaluation of current methodology and to propose some initial guidelines for future research. The value of research, especially that involving small sample sizes, can be enhanced by the application of consistent methodology and reporting enabling results to be compared across studies. This paper includes guidelines for experimental design in studies involving the ridden horse. Equine ethograms currently used are reviewed and factors to be considered in the development of a riddenhorse ethogram are evaluated. An assessment of methods used to collect behavioral and physiological data is included and the use of equipment for measurements (e.g., rein-tension and pressure-sensing instruments) is discussed. Equitation science is a new discipline, subject to evolving viewpoints on research foci and design. Technological advances may improve the accuracy and detail of measurements, but must be used within appropriate and valid experimental designs.

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Strain gauge measurement of rein tension during riding: a pilot study

Cited by 31 publications

References 3 publications

A comparison of rein tension of the rider's dominant and non-dominant hand and the influence of the horse's laterality

A comparison of rein tension of the rider's dominant and non-dominant hand and the influence of the horse's laterality

The use of a rein tension device to compare different training methods for neck flexion in base‐level trained Warmblood horses at the walk

Evolving protocols for research in equitation science

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