Acta Univ. Palacki. Olomuc., Gymn. 2009 39(3): 43-50

The influence of the leader on the movement of the horse in walking during repeated hippotherapy sessions

Tereza Dvořáková, Miroslav Janura, Zdeněk Svoboda, Milan Elfmark
Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacky University, Olomouc

Background: The movement of a walking horse is utilized as a tool for a therapeutic effect in hippotherapy. The movement impulses of the horse's back are influenced by the movement action of its limbs, morphology, speed of walk, etc.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the leader on a horse's movement while walking during repeated hippotherapy treatment sessions.

Methods: Three dimensional (3D) videography was used for the assessment of the movements of a horse (selected points on the limbs and back) and a human being (reaction to the horse's movement). The study was done with the repeated measurements (n = 6) of the movement of horses (n = 2) and riders (n = 12) during five weeks of hippotherapy intervention (9 sessions in total) by the different leaders (n = 6) of the horses.

Results: There are differences in the range of movement of selected points on the limbs and back of the horse while leading it as done by different leaders (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). The changes in the kinematics of the horse's limbs are transmitted to the horseback movements of horse H1 only within a limited range. The range of the differences on the limbs and back for horse H2 is similar. The movement responses of healthy riders show differences in the lower part of the spine (p < 0.05); in the upper part of the spine the differences are minimal. The horse leader is one of the key factors for adhering to the desired medical effect, which is established on the basis of the intervention of physiotherapy throughout hippotherapy.

Conclusions: As there are a number of factors which could have a negative effect on the movement of the horse (weather, disturbing influences of the environment, low quality surface), the activities of the horse leader in keeping the relevant direction and speed of the horse's movement are decisive factors. This study emphasises the significance of the role of the horse leader in therapy and puts stress on his/her level of professionalism, fitness, motivation and performance.

Keywords: hippotherapy, leader of a horse, 3D videography, movement response of the rider

Prepublished online: February 3, 2010; Published: June 1, 2009  Show citation

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Dvořáková, T., Janura, M., Svoboda, Z., & Elfmark, M. (2009). The influence of the leader on the movement of the horse in walking during repeated hippotherapy sessions. Acta Universitatis Palackianae Olomucensis. Gymnica, 39(3), 43-50
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