Why Lunging and Riding Differ in Symmetry

Understanding Symmetry Metrics

The Equestic SaddleClip measures symmetry through three main metrics:

1. Rhythm Asymmetry: The difference in step duration between left and right diagonal pairs.
2. Push-off Asymmetry: The disparity in propulsion force generated by each diagonal pair, primary coming from the hind legs.
3. Landing Asymmetry: The force distribution during the stance phase, reflecting how the horse lands and absorbs impact on each diagonal.

These metrics are available only for assessing the trot, where the horse moves in diagonal pairs, providing a balanced measure of symmetry.

The left diagonal pair includes the left foreleg and the right hind leg (LF/RH). Hence, the right diagonal pair consists of the right foreleg and the left hind leg (RF/LH).

How the Equestic SaddleClip Measures Symmetry

The SaddleClip, when placed on the saddle wing or surcingle, records detailed symmetry data by measuring differences in timing and forces between the diagonals.

When riding, the SaddleClip measures symmetry influenced by a rider’s balance and aids.

Lunging, however, captures how the horse moves without a rider’s influence, allowing more natural tendencies and compensatory patterns to appear.

Lunging with Equestic SaddleClip

Measuring Symmetry in Lunging vs. Riding

For lunging, the SaddleClip can be attached to either a lunging surcingle or left saddle wing, with stirrups removed to ensure stability. Lunging sessions often reveal different symmetry patterns than riding due to several factors:

• Position Shift: Attaching the SaddleClip to a surcingle, unlike a saddle which positions the Clip near the horse’s center of mass, may place it slightly closer to the front legs impacting symmetry readings.
• Circle Influence: Lunging on a small circle requires the horse to shift body mass to maintain the bend. This can increase landing asymmetry as the horse compensates for turning on a tighter arc.
• Natural Bending Preferences: Most horses have a preferred bending side. When moving on their weaker bending side, they often “fall” slightly inward with the shoulder, compensating by shifting their head outward and increasing landing force on the outside diagonal.
• Absence of Rider Influence: When riding, the rider’s balance and aids help the horse maintain symmetry. On the lunge, the horse must self-regulate without this guidance, often leading to increased asymmetry.

Key Reasons for Symmetry Differences Between Lunging and Riding

1. Position Shift on Surcingle: Attaching the SaddleClip to a surcingle can exaggerate Landing Asymmetry and decrease Push-off Asymmetry values. However, the direction of asymmetry is usually not affected.
2. Body Mass Shifts in Circles: The small circle size in lunging necessitates greater body mass shifts to maintain trajectory, increasing landing asymmetry on the outside diagonal.
3. Rider Support vs. Natural Movement: Riders help stabilize the horse, which can reduce asymmetry. Without this support on the lunge, the horse’s natural movement often leads to a higher asymmetry level.
4. Lunge Line Influence: The tension on the lunge line alters the horse’s balance, affecting the amount of force used in landing and push-off.
5. Short Trot Session: Lunging sessions are typically shorter than riding sessions, meaning even a few asymmetrical steps carry more weight in the overall symmetry percentage, increasing the visible asymmetry. It’s essential to balance time spent lunging in both the left and right directions to avoid further skewing results.

Understanding Asymmetry Levels in Lunging

Interpreting Symmetry Metrics with Confidence

Symmetry metrics are among over one hundred Equine Motion Performance Indicators (EMPI) measured by the SaddleClip. Equestic’s Professional subscription allows users to create separate profiles for lunging and riding sessions, enabling better tracking of symmetry trends and progress across comparable sessions.

Starting in October 2024, the Professional subscription includes at least two horse profiles, allowing more detailed monitoring. Additionally, the Equestic Data Experts Team offers extra guidance and detailed insights for Professional subscription users.

By tracking symmetry trends separately for both riding and lunging, you gain clear insights into your horse’s movement patterns, distinguishing development under saddle from movement without rider influence.

This clarity helps you tailor exercises to enhance balance and performance effectively.

At Equestic, we’re continually advancing our algorithms and deepening our understanding of how horses’ motion patterns change with various riding exercises, training structures, and workload levels.

Our goal is to empower our customers with even deeper insights, enabling them to optimize their horses’ training for sustainable, long-term performance.

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