Horseback Riding

HORSEBACK RIDING, the use of a horse for movement, associated with the ability to stay firmly on it, control it, and make rational use of its strength. Horseback riding as a recreation and physical education exercise does not have wide distribution, as it is one of the most expensive types of such activity, accessible in bourgeois states only to the wealthiest classes. Under our conditions, horseback riding should be considered as a military-applied exercise or a means of communication and connection for certain areas, which by their natural conditions do not permit the use of other types of movement. The expansion of opportunities for our youth to learn horseback riding through the organization of public riding schools and stables aims to awaken interest through reasonable recreation and prepare youth for service in the cavalry. To acquire the skill of holding firmly and without tension in the saddle and controlling the horse freely, the development of a special riding position is necessary. The most widespread is the English position, adopted by almost all armies and most horseback riding enthusiasts; in this position, the rider is held on the horse by the work of muscles that immovably fix the pelvic and thigh bones, pressed tightly to the saddle and sides of the horse. The torso from the head to the sacroiliac joint and the lower part of the leg from the knee to the heel (shank) maintain free mobility and serve to control the horse's movements. With the correct position, the rider's torso should be vertical in relation to the horse's back, shoulders freely lowered, chest expanded, shoulder blades brought together, head and neck straightened (in one plane with the torso). Such a position facilitates breathing and blood circulation for the rider (prevents stagnation of blood in the abdominal cavity) and work for the horse, which more easily adapts to carrying a stable, relaxed load. For each gait, its own position is recommended: at a walk - as indicated above; at a trot - to soften the shocks received by rider and horse from each other, it is recommended to rise in time with the horse's movement 69S, slightly bending forward and having the point of support not in the stirrups, but at the point of contact with the horse at the knees and hips; at a gallop - it is recommended to sit deeper in the saddle and ensure that the points of contact of the body with the saddle are as immovable as possible. Under these conditions, the horse feels every new movement of the rider's body and the contact of its shins (shanks) with its own body, which is used to control the horse in addition to using the reins. Controlling the horse is based on developing a series of conditioned reflexes in it, obtained in response to painful irritations caused to the horse by pressure on the mouth of the bit and snaffle, pushes to the sides, etc., and on shifting its center of gravity under the influence of changes in the position of its own body and the load (rider) on the horse. The development of these conditioned reflexes, achieved through the training of the horse, requires special skill, patience, and observation, cannot be done by template, as it depends on the individual characteristics of the horse's nervous system, its character and temperament. Incorrect training often leads to disruption and inhibition of the horse's nervous activity, expressed in stubbornness, resistance to the bit, etc. The exploitation of the horse should be based on knowledge of horse anatomy, the physiology of its work, and hygienic rules for its care (which determine the regime of its nutrition, alternation of work and rest, training system, load norms, etc.), love for the horse and a reasonable attitude toward it. Horseback riding, requiring from the rider speed, agility, mobility, the ability to coordinate movements, courage, and observation (especially when engaged in equestrian sports - steeplechasing, in speed and parforce riding - hunting, riding in groups, etc.), contributes to the exercise of all these qualities, the development of the volume of attention, the ability to distribute it in several directions, strengthening of physical health and development of endurance. Horseback riding and service in the cavalry associated with it impose special requirements on a person's health and physical development - short legs and large weight (above 73 kg) are obstacles to engaging in horseback riding and service in the cavalry (large weight due to excessive load on the horse); with enlarged inguinal rings, the presence of eczema and rashes, horseback riding is also contraindicated. Large cavalry marches require systematic preparation and training, as they cause significant energy expenditure and fatigue of the body. For example, according to observations by Ackermann, during a 100-verst cavalry run, the following changes were found in the participants (see table on p. 698). This also indicates the possibility of preparing for a march in such a way that even this heavy load will not cause significant changes in the body. Horseback riding and closeness to the horse are associated with a number of special hazards: the possibility of contracting glanders, scabies, contamination of hands and fouling of eyes, chafing in the hip area, hemorrhoids, inguinal hernia and thigh muscle hernia - requiring the adoption of special hygienic measures (seamless trousers, washing hands, protecting eyes, special disinfection when in contact with sick horses, etc.). Horseback riding and equestrian sports are associated with trauma. Available data indicate the following distribution of traumatic injuries during equestrian sports in the RKKA: 1) by location of injuries: head and face - 12.6%, torso - 18.9%, upper limbs and shoulder girdle - 36.2%, lower limbs and pelvic girdle - 32.3%; 2) by nature of injuries: fractures - 29%, dislocations - 3.2%, damage to the ligament-articular apparatus - 6.5%, bruises and wounds - 61.3%. Boys aged 13-14 years and girls aged 16-17 years can be admitted to horseback riding. A common shortcoming of horseback riding lessons is the lack of simultaneous engagement in other types of physical education, and when preparing for competitions - exclusive attention to training the horse. This leads to insufficient training of the cardiovascular system and other organs and excessive fatigue of participants, therefore medical supervision over the entire course of horseback riding training is necessary.