KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF THE SLIDING STOP IN WESTERN RIDING AT THE MALLORCA WESTERN REINING TROPHY 2006

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to show the acceleration acting during the sliding stop. As data source we used a DVD of 10 finalists of the Mallorca Western Festivals 2006 (reining competition). These videos were analysed using the SIMI-Motion software. Additionally to the defined location on the horse and rider the reference points on the horse (saddle pad) and on the panel fence (advertising board) were digitised. With the help of the reference point the coordinates were determined and the acceleration was calculated. The maximum acceleration of the sliding stop in the running direction was mean=37.92 m/s² (SD=9.47). The vertical acceleration of the sliding stop at this time was mean=8.50 m/s² (SD=6.26).With an expected mass of horse and rider between 500 to 600 Kg, this acceleration will lead to a load between 11.6 KN and 37.6 KN. The conclusion is that the acting load during the sliding stop is comparable to load on the extremity during a gallop race. The question remains what are the effects of the sliding to the lower hind extremities of the horse and does it lead to injuries?