Voluntary Rein Tension in Horses When Moving Unridden in a Dressage Frame Compared with Ridden Tests of the Same Horses—A Pilot Study

摘要

Simple SummaryThe aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the maximum rein tension that horses voluntarily adopt when wearing side reins set in dressage frame without a rider, and to compare that to rein tension in dressage frame with a rider. Without a rider, all horses maintained a rein tension force of approximately 1 kg in all gaits. For the same horses with a rider, rein tension force was significantly higher at approximately 3 kg on each side to maintain the dressage frame. Understanding and lowering the peak forces acting on the mouth of the horse could enhance equine welfare in daily riding practice.