Rein tension in novice riders when riding a horse simulator

This study reports tension in the left and right reins when riding a horse simulator that moved only in the sagittal plane. The objective was to determine whether asymmetries in rein tension of novice riders at the rising trot, canter, and halt were present, and if so, to investigate their relationship with the rider’s handedness. The experimental hypothesis was that rein tension would be higher on the side of the rider’s non-dominant hand. 22 novice riders (19 right-handed; 3 left-handed) rode a horse simulator at halt, rising trot and canter. Rein tension was recorded in both reins at a sampling rate of 1000 Hz for 8 s at each gait. The variables measured in rising trot and canter were minimal and maximal tension, the change between minimal and maximal values and mean tension per step at rising trot or per stride at canter. At halt only mean tension during the 8 s recording was measured. Comparisons between right and left reins and between right-handed and left-handed riders were made using mixed models. The results showed no asymmetries in mean tension at halt. In rising trot and canter all significant differences involved higher tension in the right rein regardless of handedness of the riders. During rising trot the minimum was higher in the right rein over all riders and both the mean and maximal values were higher in the right rein in left-handed riders. In canter left-handed riders had higher mean tension in the right rein. All recorded asymmetries had higher tension in the right rein compared with the left and they were more prevalent in left-handed riders which implies higher tension in the non-dominant hand. Rein tension patterns were not symmetrical on the left and right sides and asymmetries in left-handed riders were not mirrored in right-handed riders.