Hi All,
Welcome to topic 6 for 624EHS - Contemporary Issues in Equine Science.
This topic is all about the use of training aids. Make sure that you look at the launch PowerPoint, which has been posted in the Classroom. DL students (and others who choose this option) are required to contribute to this blog as part of their CW3 assessment. All students have from now until 11:59 pm on Friday 26th of March 2021 to contribute to this blog, to debate the issues surrounding the use of training aids within the equine sector. Ensure you can also evidence your opinions and remember that you are also required to submit a reference list (word document emailed to module leader) by 11.59 pm on Friday 26th of March 2021. You will be graded on the quality and quantity of both your blog contributions and your reference list. Remember, the point of this is to debate the issues, so you should be replying to each other's posts. I will be keeping an eye on the blog, but if you have any issues, you should email me. Please remember to register your name with your comments so that I know who has contributed with which comment. Other FT students can contribute to the blog in preparation for the in-class debate but will not be assessed on this.
Rosa
It has been proven that the position of the horses head and neck influences the kinematics of the thoracolumbosacral spine and results in extension if the back which is undesirable (Bystrom et al, 2009). However, in show jumping the same posture is achieved through draw reins and rollkur, which is used for a longer period of time, with no evidence of consequences (Dyson, 2017). Due to the position, the horse is unable to sustain the posture for a long period of time without resulting in an injury. By ‘forcing’ the horse to maintain that position, it may cause damage and may not have the desired effect on the musculoskeletal system than the practice being used for a shorter amount of time (Dyson, 2017).
ReplyDeleteCottriall et al (2008) looked into side reins and the Pessoa, and the impact that these aids have on increased use of the longissimus dorsi. Disorders of the thoracolumbar spine exist in the form of soft tissue injuries, understanding the affect these training aids can have may prevent pain and injury within these areas. The nine horses used were lunged on a circle under four different conditions and electromyographic (EMG) and speed measurements were taken using surface EMG at T16 and GPS. Although it is believed that side reinds can be used in the development of the dorsal muscles, including the longissimus dorsi this study found that these aids do not increase the use of this muscle to stabalise the back.
DeleteAbbie
DeleteA pessoa training aid is commonly used during training and rehabilitation of horses. When being used for physiotherapy and rehabilitation, it can be used as a sensory facilitation aid because the hindlimb band provides a sensory cue to stimulate a neuromuscular response to create changes in trunk or limb motion (Goff and Stubbs, 2007). It is used to re-educate or re-establish correct muscular activation and establish normal locomotion (Haussler and Paulekas, 2009). Dyson, Murray and Walker (2013) investigated the short term effects of the use of a pessoa on 12 horses when being lunged. It was concluded that a correctly fitted pessoa improves posture, way of going and stimulated core muscle activation without having to increase the load on limbs.
ReplyDeleteAs already mentioned, a well known training aid used in equine sport is the ‘pessoa’. This is a pulley system of ropes which are positioned on the horses body to engage their muscles, including their nuchal ligament and hindquarters (Unknown, 2019). In a paper by Dyson, it is implied that a pessoa does improve hind limb propulsion and engagement, but only when it is used and fitted correctly, (Dyson, 2017). As there are so many parts to a pessoa, it may be difficult to fit it correctly to a horse if you have had no experience with one. It is easy to make one side longer than the other, or to have the hind strap looser than the front side reins, but the only way a pessoa will work correctly is if it all fits together well to encourage the horse to engage his whole body, rather than just the front or hind. The pessoa is popular in the equine industry, especially in composition yards and seen as very beneficial to the horse, and suggested by Walker also changes the horses natural gait and way of going succnificantly, but not all horses need this strenuous equipment (Walker, 2019). Just because the gadget is populer, a specific horse might not need it, such as older horses or horses in certain disciplines. Some horses may struggle with a gadget like a pessoa which could lead to musculoskeletal damage, or lameness if used incorrectly regularly.
ReplyDeleteTo use lunging attachments such as the pessoa, training rollers will be used to provide attachment from the training aid to bit or horse which can cause localised pressure during lunging, and unlike saddle bridles and girths where there have been scientific advancements, there is limited literature around the effect of rollers (Murray et al. 2017).
Delete(Mackechnie-Guire et al. 2018) investigated the pressure distribution beneath a roller when fitted both with and without a pessoa training aid to identify if there is an increase in pressure beneath the roller when using a pessoa. They hypothesised that there would be repeatable high pressure distribution directly underneath the roller in the region of the 11h and 12th thoracis vertebrae and increase in high pressures beneath the roller when being used with a pessoa training aid.
10 adult sports horses were used. All acclimatised to lunging and the attachment of training aids. All warmbloods or very similar, and all lunged in the same bit and roller set up for the study.
The results show significantly higher peak pressures were found beneath the width of the roller directly on top of the spinous process in the region of the 11th and 12th vertebrae when using a training aid compared to when no training aid was used. Pressure distribution was more caudal when using the pessoa as the strap of the pessoa attached to a ring on the back of the roller. Improvements in manufacturing design is needed to create clearance of the vertebrae, like a saddle with a tree.
This study focused on one type of roller, improvements in further study could be achieved by using other types such as leather, or modified rollers which are designed to have clearance over the horse’s spine. (Mackechnie-Guire et al. 2018) also did not look at the horse’s locomotion without the roller so the effect of a roller on locomotion is area for further study.
following this staitment, I feel that one of the main issues with any use of training equipment or gadgets is that they are open for anyone in public to buy, resulting in the problems discussed, such as ill fitted gadgets, or the misuse of training aids. This leads to uneducated equines purchasing training aids their horse may not need or they fit incorrectly which could damage the horses way of going or cause lameness or skeletal problems. Misuse of training aids can have a dramatic effect on the horses performance and can put the horses welfare at risk. This is why it is crucial that uneducated riders and owners understand the basics of well fitted tack suitable equipment for any work with the horse (Harman, J, 1999). More equestrians should be educated on correct fitting and using gadgets to ensure a safe environment for both horses and riders and to allow the gadget to fulfill its purpose and not damage a horse or make a horse work incorrectly. A recommendation could also be asking professionals or experienced people in the equine industry to recommend training aids and educate equine on applying and fitting the equipment correctly.
DeleteHorseman et al. (2016) identifies lack of knowledge as one of the root causes of welfare problems in the UK.
Delete31 interviews were conducted to discuss the perceptions of equine welfare in the UK with the majority of participants believing that welfare problems resulted from a lack of knowledge from the care giver, and poor advice seeking behaviour. In the sub theme of riding and training, the inappropriate use of training aids such as whips, draw reins and lunging equipment which force horses’ heads and necks into false outlines were raised by 13 respondents. The interviewees said it was not the training aid that was the problem but the way in which they were used.
Hockenhull & Creighton (2013) also found an increased risk of ridden behaviour problems was associated with specific types of tack and the use of training aids. Indicating that equipment used by riders on their horses may impact the welfare of the horse.
Understanding these information seeking behaviours of horse owners is vital to ensuring government organisations and welfare charities can concentrate their resources effectively for equine welfare improvement. Human behaviour research suggests that more than just making the information available is required to make people access it and also result in change, especially in regard to animal welfare (Pickering & Hockenhull 2020).
Discovering better ways of communicating up to date equine welfare information to horse owners would help ensure better welfare for horses in the future, alongside further research in the specifics of rider training practices and training aids experienced by UK horses and their prevalence to fully understand the links between training and welfare.
The Pessoa has become increasingly popular among equestrians in recent years, it is used as a training aid to promote muscle development and strenghten the back in young and sport horses. The system can be attached in three positions to cater to the ability and level of the horse in training, Williams (2020) highlights the fact that although use of a Pessoa does not increase longissimus dorsi activity, it does increase kinematic changes which in turn could improve the horse's posture and overall way of going. Walker et al. (2013) reported that the use of the training aid on the middle level (shoulder height) resulted in a significant reduction in speed and stride length in working trot on the lunge, which ultimatley suggets the Possoa helps maintain an improved balance. It was also found that head and lumbosacral angle were also reduced reduced at maximal hind limb retraction while simultaneously dorsoventral displacement of the middle of the back increased suggesting increased engagement of the horse’s core abdominal muscles (Williams, 2020).
DeleteHowever, despite these benefits more reasearch is required into the impact the Possoa has across all levels and gaits in order to obtain a stronger understanding of the long term affects these training aids have on the musculoskeletal system.
Abbie
DeleteUsing a Pessoa helps to encourage the horse to use its abdominal muscles and lengthen epaxial muscles. This helps to develop self-carriage to improve movement patterns, overall creating better propulsion from the hind quarters (Brooks, 2011)
Deletelll fitted gadgets can have negative implications on the horse's way of going and can lead to musculoskeletal problems as well as long term gait problems and lameness (Odendaal, 2009). When a gadget is poorly fitted and is too loose or too big, the training aid is unable to actually help a horse when working as it is ineffective because of the oversized fit. This makes the training aid pointless to the horse, and will not make any improvement (Ridings EquineVets, 2018). Loose gadgets can also be dangerous which can lead to injury to the horse, an example of this is with a german training aid, if it is too long, the horse can trip or get his legs stuck between the ropes as they loop between the front legs, which could lead a horse to fall over and allow injury. On the other hand, if a gadget is applied too tight, restriction of the horse will occur which will force the horse to work overbent, and put them on the forehand, which instead of improving the horse's way of going, will change their gait negatively (Horton, 2019). Gadgets make the horse work as they engage the horse's muscles to work hard, putting them in a frame that they would normally not go in. Because of this, a horse should warm up before applying a training aid. A report by McLean and McGreevy expresses that abrupt change in vertical flexion normally causes the horses nose to come behind the vertical line, which is an incorrect way of going and known as a ‘false outline’. This is demonstrated when the horse's muscles are not ready to engage immediately, hence why a warm up is always needed before working a horse, like people at the gym. Appling gadgets without warm ups can also make horses muscles tighter and can even ‘pull’ and strain muscles, which does not benefit the horse and can seriously damage them (McLean, McGreevy, 2010).
ReplyDelete
DeleteRidden behavioural problems in horses is mainly learned under saddle, taught unintentionally by the rider. It can also be developed in response to pain, frustration, conflict or hyper-reactivity (McGreevy and McLean, 2010).
One of the sources of pain is through artificial aids (draw reins and running martingales) used whilst riding. These aids are used worldwide, with a total of 78% of the population using one or more on their horse (Creighton and Hockenhull, 2013). By having riders and owners understand the risks of using these, will help them look for alternative approaches whilst riding. Owners need to understand how to correctly fit and use these on their horses so that they don’t cause them discomfort.
Creighton and Hockenhull (2012) conducted a survey of 1326 horses to identify if the equipment and training approaches used were causing ridden behaviour problems. One of the problems identified was the horse not slowing down or resisting, which was reported in 84% of the horses sampled. There was an increase in problems when using one or more artificial reusing aids and using traditional techniques. This was also shown to be a problem in discomfort of 61% of horses.
This study proved that artificial training aids and using traditional training techniques increased the chances of horses getting ridden behavioural problems. By reducing the amount of artificial aids on the horse will help them to become more relaxed and not catch bad habits.
Training aids can also include tack such as weighted boots as they are still designed to change the way of going for a horse. Weighted boots are commonly seen in showjumpers as it is believed that they engage the horse's hindquarters. An investigation by Murphy in 2009 tested horses over a 1.25 , oxer fence with and without the boots. The results showed that there was no difference in the horizontal plane but there was significant difference in the vertical plane, which of course is important in show jumpers and eventers. All horses jumped higher with the weighted boots, meaning these boots could be a very helpful aid for horses jumping at a higher level (Murphy, 2009). Regarding this, a study induced by Wennerstrand in 2006 investigated the effect of weighted boots on the movement of the back in the asymptomatic riding horse and found a significant difference between the movement of the horse with and without the boots. They discovered that weighted boots worn on the hind limbs increased the horses range of movement for dorsoventral flexion and extension in the lumbar but decreased the range of movement for lateral bending at the thoracolumbar junction at the trot (Wennerstrand, 2006). This suggests that weighted boots are only useful for certain disciplines or rehabilitation as they change the horses range of movement to engage the horses muscles when riding on a straight line (such as hacking) but has a negative effect on the horses lateral movement. Like any boot, the fitting of the boot is crucial as an ill fitted boot can damage the horses tendons and ligaments. Dr Jack Murphy implies that horses should only use weighted boots irregularly as there is a possibility of long term musculoskeletal damage to the horse if they are used on a regular basis, as well as overexertion of equine limb which could also change a horses natural gait and over strain tendons and ligaments. Further research in the equine industry must be done on the implications of weight boots and the welfare of the horses using them.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWeighted boots for the use of rehabilitation purposes in the aim of correcting imbalance lameness, compensation, and redistribution of weight due to pain or tension, which can cause repetitive strain injuries. It is considered beneficial to avoid the progression of muscular imbalance to help avoid a compensatory injury and the resulting lameness.
DeleteJensen et al. (2018) used eight horses with no clinical or performance issues Weighted boots were worn on the horses on one hind leg. Horses were evaluated while moving at the walk and trot on a straight line in walk, trot, and canter lunging. Horses were also assessed in terms of complaints by their owners regarding poor performance issues. Findings show that a clear, albeit slight, imbalance for, m. gluteus superficialis of the eight horses in this study, the left hind limb was found to be the weakest, showing a poorer level of engagement during walking, trotting, and cantering for the left hand circle (rein). The significance of this degree of imbalance and its duration needs further study, although it has been stated that muscle pain and injury as a cause of poor performance and lameness in the horse is poorly recognized.
Clayton et al (2008) showed that using lightweight (55g) tactile stimulators attached to the hind pasterns exaggerated the swing phase resulting in elevation of the flight arc of the hoof. Adding weights to the distal limb has proven to require a greater muscular activity to raise the weighted limb. To improve and strengthen the muscles, physiotherapists uses this method to increase the range of motion at the hip and strengthen the muscle (Clayton et al, 2010). Clayton et al (2010) added 700g weights on both hind pasterns to identify the specific muscle groups used. However, results showed that there were no changes in the maximal hip flexion. Leg weights increased inertia due to an increase in positive hip movement. Stance duration became shorter and swing duration became longer, however, speed and stride duration did not change.
DeletePhysiotherapist identified that using weights on the limbs is a good way to improve hip range of movement and increase muscle. However, using heavier weights puts more pressure down on the pasterns and increases the swing phase making it much greater than the horse is used to. This could also cause over extension of the hip creating much bigger problems.
The main aim of a rehabilitation programme is to return the horse to their previous level of performance. Exercises are used to do this which progressively improve proprioception, neuromuscular control and to load and strengthen the musculoskeletal (Tabor & Williams 2018).
ReplyDeletePfau et al. (2017) looked at the effects of a specific resistance band system on back kinematics during trot in hand lunging at the beginning and end of a four week training programme. Collecting data from seven horses at weeks 1 and 4 of a rehabilitation programme using elastic resistance bands. Traditional and rotational range of motion of six landmarks from poll to coccygeal region were used during trot in hand on a hard surface and during lunging on a soft surface both with and without the bands fitted. During rehabilitation circular motion is said to be beneficial, as well as the use of training aids. As the precise effort of the circular exercise in the locomotory muscles is unknown, the choice of circle size, gait and speed must be pragmatic based on the type and severity of injury as well as the goal of rehabilitation (Tabor & Williams 2018).
The bands showed reduction in roll, pitch, and mediolateral displacement in the thoracolumbar region. At week 4, rotational movement was reduced while dorsoventral movement of the thoracis and coccygeal increased. Increase in back movement was measured at 80% of back movement parameters. Elastic resistance bands reduce mediolateral and rotational movement of the thoracolumbar region in trot. Further studies should investigate the underlying mechanism with reference to the core abdominal and hindquarter muscle recruitment and study the long term effects.
Future study should include whether a rehab programme without the resistance band or other aid would have the same results and identify whether the effect of the band system is due to increased activation of the deep core muscles related to dynamic spinal stability.
Limitations are comparing each horse with and without bands a control group does not distinguish whether the differences measured between weeks one and 4 are related to use of the bands, or the exercise regimen.
During rehabilitation of certain muscle groups, the main use of hitting these points is through physical therapy techniques. It has been proven that initial physical therapy/manipulation techniques plus the use of ground work programmes has helped treat back problems (Haussler and Paulekas, 2009). However, Dyson et al (2013) identified that using a pessoa on the lunge increased lumbosacral angle and dorsoventral displacement.
DeleteHorses commonly have lameness and back problems caused by repetitive stress and overloading. By using the Equi-band in training and rehabilitation, this is shown to improve dynamic stability and posture by providing proprioceptive stimulation to the hind quarters (Ericson et al, 2016). An Equi-band consists of resistance bands that fit around the middle third of the abdomen, attached to a specific saddle pad that provides constant proprioceptive feedback during motion to encourage abdominal and hindquarter muscle (Pfau et al, 2015). This method is mainly used to treat back kinematics as it engages abdominal and hindquarter muscle which encourages core postural muscle development (Dyson et al, 2013).
Pfau et al (2017) quantified the effects of the Equi-band on back kinematic parameters over a 4 week period with 7 riding horses. The band showed significant reduction in thoracic and lumbar mediolateral movement. A previous study by Pfau et al (2015) looked at the effect of Equi-band on back kinematics and movement asymmetry. Similar test were conducted, showing a significant reduction in roll, pitch and mediolateral displacement in the cranial-mid thoracic region. Back displacement and range of motion was also significantly greater when the horse was on the lunge in a straight line. Compared to the use of a pessoa, the Equi-band didn’t have a direct effect on lumbosacral flexion or dorsoventral displacement.
The use of external training aids has been linked to behavioural problems, Hockenhull and Creighton (2012) looked into ridden behavioural problems within the UK leisure horse population. An online survey collected data from 1326 horses and they found 78% of respondants incorpate the use of these external aids into their riding or training and an increased likelihood (p<0.001) of problems was associated with the use of these aids including side and draw reins. Williams (2020) highlights how it is the resposibilty of all equestrians to ensure the horses within their care have their welfare requirements met, this includes the correct fitting and use of tack and training aids. One of the biggest causes of welfare implications within the equine industry is a lack of knowledge and understanding (Walker et al. 2013), although manufacturers claim there are multiple benefits to using these external aids, there is limited research into the long term effects they can have (Williams, 2020). Equestrians should establish a strong understanding of how to slowly incorpate external aids into their training regimes, as well as how to fit them, this alone could prevent unnecessary pain which in turn leads to the behavioural problems observed in the study carried out by Hockenhull and Creighton (2012).
ReplyDeleteAbbie
DeleteThe position of the horse’s head and neck influences the kinematics of the thoracolumbar spine, elevation of the head and undesirable extension of the back as a result (Dyson 2017). This debate of hyperflexion of the neck for achieving the best results for dressage and show jumping and the consequences for the health and welfare of the horse has been around for some time (Egenvall et al. 2020)
ReplyDeleteThe elastic strain energy which is stored in the nuchal ligament contributes to 55% of the work of moving the head and neck at walk and 33% and 31% at trot and canter. The motion of a vertical head at the walk conserves the energy in a single forelimb and supports and returns energy during a dual forelimb support phase. Constraining this head and neck movement may alter the magnitude and timing of this energy resulting in decreased stride length. This has been shown to happen when horses wear side reins in a walk pace but not at a trot (Egenvall et al. 2020).
However Dyson (2017) states that there is little evidence to show that hyperflexion of the neck results in any direct clinically adverse effects on the musculoskeletal system, that the use of similar postures are used in show jumping horses through the use of draw reins, with no recognised negative consequences.
Forcing a horse’s head and neck into a position which is unnatural is detrimental and will not have the same desired effects on other areas of the musculoskeletal system as achieving the same posture without coercion (McGreevy 2007; König von Borstel & McGreevy 2014)
DeleteA common problem caused by lunging is hyperflexion. Hyperflexion is when the horse becomes ‘over bent’ and has its nose behind the vertical. A study looking at different head and neck positions (HNP) that when ridden in a HNP where the neck is raised and the nose around the vertical there was the most conflict in behaviour (Smiet et al, 2014). Developing on this, a different study concluded that physiological parameters do not indicate an acute stress response to hyperflexion of the head alone, in horses lunged at moderate speed and not touched with the whip. However, if hyperflexion is combined with active intervention of a rider, a stressful experience for the horse is much more likely (Becker-Birck et al, 2013)
Francois
ReplyDeleteIn response to the use of different training aids, a study produced in 2012 looked specifically at the use of the Monty Roberts training (MRT) technique compared to conventional training (CT). The study only had a sample size of 14 horses, making it more of an interesting read rather than scientific evidence (Fowler, Kennedy and Marlin, 2012). The sample consisted of 14 untrained horses between 3 and 5 years old. Horses were matched on temperament and randomly assigned to either MRT or CT group training. Each trainer was allowed 30 mins per day to work with each horse for 20 days, following which the horses undertook standardised ridden obstacle and flatwork tests, and a ridden freestyle test. The horses were scored for technical performance by a panel of judges who were completely unaware of the study or trainers involved, allowing for unbiased results. The results found that although throughout training the heart rates of the two groups were similar, the MRT achieved higher scoring marks in the ridden tests, suggesting that the MRT technique for the initial training of horses is better than the CT way.
Francois
DeleteAn article written by Murphy et al (2008), looking at training aids and whether or not they are detrimental. The article as a whole begins clearly showing that the author is more siding with the detrimental aspects of training aids, opposed to the beneficial factors. Murphy suggests that draw reins, being the most commonly used gadget, are commonly used by show jumpers, however, are not appropriate to use when jumping. The draw reins are described as additional leverage to the rider’s hands creating force through the horse’s cervical vertebrae. Lunging aids such as the chambon, de gouge and pessoa were also mentioned in the article, but were highlighted for creating confusion and conflict behaviours due to the inconsistency and unpredictable signal response when dealing with pressure in the mouth. A different paper studied the use of thermoregulation for evaluating the use of lunging aids. It has been shown that different lunging aids influence the mobility of the head, neck and back and that lunging aids change the surface temperature of different body parts during work (Masko et al,. 2019). This highlights the reasons for understanding the gadgets being used and ensures they are not detrimental to the horse as an individual. The general consensus for lunging a horse is to improve their way of going and to encourage correct muscle usage and build up, however, generally opinions sway against the use of specific lunging aids.
DeleteWhen thinking of lunging and the advances research needs to make in the future, it is important for people to understand the effects on lunging a horse and the implications on the body, before applying the training aid. For example, looking at the difference in the movement symmetry of horses when on a hard surface compared to a soft surface and when on the lunge compared to a straight line. Horses that objectively quantified as lame on the straight showed decreased movement symmetry during lunging, particularly with the lame limb on the inside of the circle (Pfau et al,. 2016). Evidence like this starts to show the loading differences on the limbs when on a circle compared to in a straight line. So when choosing a training aid, these changes in body weight movement will affect the use of the gadget. A similar study was also done in 2016 but looked at body lean angle in sound, dressage horses. The study concluded that to reduce the risk of falling the horse will lean into the curve, for a sound horse the angle at which they lean should not be affected by which rein the horse is on and may be a good indication of lameness if they differ, however, information about the mechanics of the horse’s movements when on the lunge have not been investigated as much as they should. This would allow for a deeper understanding of how training aids should be used to help the horse, and maybe even open the door for new ideas to be created.
ReplyDeleteJaz