Sitting Trot vs Rising Trot: Effects on the Horse's Spine

Introduction

As an Equine Physiotherapist and rider, I have always wondered how different riding styles effect the horse - particularly in dressage. Horses are reaching higher levels at younger ages, and conditions such as kissing spines are the most common back-related issue in dressage horses. This curiosity inspired my master's dissertation, where I explored how sitting and rising trot affect the equine spine, on a circle and a straight line. I wanted to understand the implications the seating styles may have on rehabilitating, young horses or weak horses.

Why I did the study

Dressage riders use sitting trot more frequently than other English-style disciplines, and it is often suggested this places increased strain on the spine, potentially contributing to the higher rate of kissing spines.

Previous studies show that sitting trot increases spinal pressures, but research on spinal movement is inconsistent. Some studies report increased spinal extension (hollowing) in sitting trot, while other show less. I wanted to investigate this further, particularly on circles, which are central to training, assessment and rehabilitation.

As riders, we invest heavily in getting the right saddle and saddle pad to help protect the horses back, but what if our riding style was influencing comfort and movement?

That is what inspired me to carry out this study: to create evidence-based research that can help riders, trainers and fellow-physiotherapists to make informed decisions about when and how to use sitting and rising trot.

How the Study Worked

Six horse and rider combinations took part. Each horse wore small inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors along the back, from the withers to the pelvis. These sensors measured spinal movement up and down (flexion–extension) and side to side (lateral bending).

Each combination performed:

• Sitting trot and rising trot on both a straight line and a 20 m circle,

• Unridden trot on a straight line and 20m circle (for comparison).

This allowed me to see exactly how the back’s movement changed with different seating styles and directions.

The IMU sensors fitted.

The IMU sensors under saddle.

What I Found

The results were really interesting:

• Both sitting and rising trot reduced lateral bending (side-to-side movement) through the middle of the back compared to unridden trot.

• There was no significant difference between sitting and rising trot for most of the measurements.

• There was a significant difference in how the back flexed and extended between straight lines and circles, the back showed slightly more flexion–extension on the circle than in a straight line.

In simple terms: while the presence of a rider understandably changes how the back moves, sitting trot wasn’t shown to cause more restriction or stiffness than rising trot.

What That Means in Practice

These findings suggest that sitting trot, when done correctly, may not be as harmful to the horse’s back as often assumed. The key factor is how the riders balance and movement, rather than simply sitting or rising.

From a physiotherapy and training perspective:

• A balanced, supple rider who can absorb the movement of the trot will have far less negative impact on the back.

• Varying between sitting and rising trot during training may help maintain spinal mobility and comfort.

• When working with young, weak, or rehabilitating horses, introducing sitting trot carefully and gradually is still sensible — but it may not need to be avoided entirely. It can be suggested that sitting trot should initially be conducted on a circle while building strength and stamina.

Takeaway Message

This study helps to dispel some of the myths surrounding sitting trot. It’s not necessarily “bad” for the horse, but it does place different mechanical demands on the spine compared to rising trot. Other factors should be considered when looking at the growing prevalence of kissing spines.

Understanding how your position affects your horse’s back allows you to train more thoughtfully, improve comfort, and support long-term soundness. Equine professionals can use this knowledge to guide correct training and rider education, supporting the horse’s health and wellbeing.

-- Chloe Reeves, Veterinary Physiotherapist, Canine Hydrotherapist and rider.

This study was completed at Writtle University Cow Watering Campus in February 2024 by Chloe Reeves as part of the iMSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy.