Prevalence of Lower Back Pain in Portuguese Equestrian Riders

Lower back pain is prevalent in equestrian athletes, but its prevalence and associated factors are unknown in the Portuguese equestrian population. A questionnaire regarding lower back pain and possible associated factors was answered by 347 respondents. Of the respondents, 214 (61.7%) stated having experienced lower back pain in the past 12 months and therefore completed the Roland Morris disability questionnaire. Among the latter, 63.1% stated that lower back pain impaired their performance. The probability of suffering from lower back pain was higher in individuals with higher weekly riding workloads, who reported equestrianism as their main occupation, and who performed daily stable duties. Considering a Roland Morris disability score of 4 as the cut-off value for dysfunction, this sample had an average score of 5.39 ± 4.42. Individuals who stated equestrianism was their main occupation showed a significantly higher risk (OR = 1.759, p = 0.041) of exhibiting a score ≥ 4 than those who stated equestrianism as a hobby. Age (p = 0.029), body mass index (p = 0.047), and daily performance of stable duties (p = 0.030) were also associated with a higher Roland Morris disability score. Further research is needed to understand the full impacts of lower back pain in Portuguese equestrian athletes.

Cardiovascular and locomotory parameters during training in Thoroughbred racehorses: a multi-national study

Studies assessing concurrent speed, cardiovascular physiology and biomechanical parameters in racehorses during training have been rarely reported, mostly due to a lack of available comprehensive technology. Here, using a validated device (the ‘Equimetre’™) that records all parameters simultaneously, we report the effect of increased training speed and thus intensity, from slow canter to hard gallop, on racehorse heart rate, heart rate recovery and on biomechanical parameters, such as stride length and frequency. We also demonstrate the effects of varying track surface, horse age and sex. Cohorts comprised a total of 509 Thoroughbred racehorses in-training in either Australia or France, completing a total of 1,124 and 6,016 training sessions, respectively. Horses varied by age (2-9 years old) and sex (including geldings) and were trained by either a single trainer (Australia) or two trainers (France); both using multiple training centres that varied by track surface (sand, turf or fibre). Data were analysed using Analysis of Variation (ANOVA) or linear mixed-effect models as appropriate. Racehorses increased speed predominantly by an increment in stride length, then frequency, both of which varied according to track surface (shorter stride on sand; P<0.001). Cardiovascular parameters (peak, and recovery of, heart rate) increased with training intensity, but not linearly (Ptrend<0.001). Older horses recorded lower heart rate at 15 mins after training (P=0.002), often due to lower achieved peak heart rate at most training intensities (P<0.001 for the cohort in Australia). In conclusion, this immersive field study demonstrates the value of technology for recording physiological and biomechanical parameters of racehorses-in-training. The data could inform trainers, jockeys and owners on aspects of individual racehorse health, welfare and suitability for certain races.

Breast biomechanics, exercise induced breast pain (mastalgia), breast support condition and its impact on riding position in female equestrians

Breast biomechanics, exercise-induced breast pain (EIBP) and performance effects in female athletes are established. Wearing sports bras during exercise reduces breast movement and EIBP. Despite the prevalence of female equestrians, little investigation of breast movement during horse riding exists, yet excessive breast movement, embarrassment and EIBP are reported. Breast movement relative to the torso is linked to EIBP, associated with magnitude and direction of forces generated. Equestrians may experience novel breast and upper-body movement patterns in response to large vertical excursions of the horse. This study aimed to establish relative vertical breast displacement (RVBD), EIBP and positional changes in three support conditions: ‘no support’, ‘low support’ and ‘high support’. Thirty-eight female equestrians rode a Racewood™ Equine Simulator in each breast support condition in medium walk, medium trot (sitting) and medium canter. Trials were filmed and analysed using Quintic® Biomechanics V29. Significant reductions in RVBD (P<0.001) and EIBP (P<0.001) were identified with increased breast support in all gaits. In medium trot (sitting) a significant reduction in range of movement (ROM) of shoulder-elbow-wrist (P<0.001) was seen from low to high support. ROM of torso-vertical angles were reduced from no support to low support (P<0.001) and further by high support (P<0.001). This reduction in ROM was significantly greater in large breasted riders (cup size DD-FF) (n=21) (P<0.001) compared to small breasted (cup size AA-D) (n=17). These results suggest that appropriate breast support positively impacts EIBP and riding position in female riders possibly enhancing performance. As RVBD and reported EIBP were not wholly comparative with results in female runners, further research is warranted to establish breast movement in equestrianism in three dimensions.

Understanding rider:horse bodyweight ratio trends, weight management practices and rider weight perceptions within leisure and amateur riders in the UK

Horse riders in the UK have a legal responsibility for the welfare of the horses in their care, outlined by the Animal Welfare Act (2006). Understanding weight management factors that influence rider: horse bodyweight (RHBW) ratio is key to safeguarding horse welfare as human obesity rates increase. Recent high-profile incidents have seen riders being asked to dismount for being too heavy, demonstrating an awareness of the possible impact of excessive rider weight, threatening the equestrian industry’s social licence to operate. This study investigated RHBW trends within the UK leisure and amateur rider population to understand rider perception of ‘ideal’ RHBW and factors influencing rider and horse weight management. An online survey (SurveyMonkey®) was distributed via UK equine-related Facebook™ groups and collected information on horse and rider demographics, rider weight management strategies and respondents’ views on the importance of rider weight on horse welfare. Kruskal-Wallis analyses with Mann Whitney U post-hoc tests identified whether differences in respondent views differed between RHBW groups. A total of 971 riders completed the survey; respondents were aged between 18-65+ years old and 88% (n=953) were experienced riders. RHBWs were calculated for 764 (79%) of respondents as 21.2% (n=206) did not know either their own and/or their horses’ weight. Weight tapes (44.5%; n=432) and weigh bridges (29.5%; n=286) were common horse weight estimation methods. RHBWs ranged from 4.9% to 21.88%, mean: 12.5%±2.7%. Riders with lower RHBW thought about their own weight less and measured their horses’ weight less often than those with higher ratios (P<0.005, P<0.0004, respectively). The majority of riders who participated were weight conscious and recognised potential detrimental impacts associated with increased rider weight. Development of RHBW guidelines supported by equestrian governing bodies would highlight the need for riders to consider the impact of weight and support them in choosing suitable horses.

Performance demands in the endurance rider

Endurance is one of the fastest growing equestrian disciplines worldwide. Races are long distance competitions (40-160 km), organised into loops, over variable terrain usually within one day. Horse and rider combinations in endurance races have to complete the course in good condition whilst also aiming to win. Horse welfare is paramount within the sport and horses are required to ‘pass’ a veterinary check prior to racing, after each loop of the course and at the end of the race. Despite the health, fitness and welfare of both athletes within the horse-rider dyad being essential to achieve success, few equivalent measures assessing the wellbeing of the endurance rider are implemented. This review considers evidence from ultra-endurance sports and rider performance in other equestrian disciplines, to consider physiological and psychological strategies the endurance rider could use to enhance their competition performance. Successful endurance riding requires an effective partnership to be established between horse and rider. Within this partnership, adequate rider health and fitness are key to optimal decision-making to manage the horse effectively during training and competition, but just as importantly riders should manage themselves as an athlete. Targeted management for superior rider performance can underpin more effective decision-making promoting ethical equitation practices and optimising competition performance. Therefore, the responsible and competitive endurance rider needs to consider how they prepare themselves adequately for participation in the sport. This should include engaging in appropriate physiological training for fitness and musculoskeletal strength and conditioning. Alongside planning nutritional strategies to support rider performance in training and within the pre-, peri- and post-competition periods to promote superior physical and cognitive performance, and prevent injury. By applying an evidence informed approach to self-management, the endurance athlete will support the horse and rider partnership to achieve to their optimal capacity, whilst maximising both parties physical and psychological wellbeing.

Muscle Function and Kinematics during Submaximal Equine Jumping: What Can Objective Outcomes Tell Us about Athletic Performance Indicators?

Selection and training practices for jumping horses have not yet been validated using objective performance analyses. This study aimed to quantify the differences and relationships between movement and muscle activation strategies in horses with varying jump technique to identify objective jumping performance indicators. Surface electromyography (sEMG) and three-dimensional kinematic data were collected from horses executing a submaximal jump. Kinematic variables were calculated based on equestrian-derived performance indicators relating to impulsion, engagement and joint articulation. Horses were grouped using an objective performance indicator-center of mass (CM) elevation during jump suspension (Z_CM). Between-group differences in kinematic variables and muscle activation timings, calculated from sEMG data, were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) evaluated between-group differences in time and amplitude-normalized sEMG waveforms. Relationships between movement and muscle activation were evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients. Horses with the greatest Z_CM displayed significantly (p < 0.05) shorter gluteal contractions at take-off, which were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with a faster approach and more rapid hindlimb shortening and CM vertical displacement and velocity, as well as shorter hindlimb stance duration at take-off. Findings provide objective support for prioritizing equestrian-derived performance indicators related to the generation of engagement, impulsion and hindlimb muscle power when selecting or training jumping horses.

What’s in a warm-up? A preliminary investigation of how European dressage riders and show jumpers warm-up their horses for training and at competition

Equestrian sports such as dressage and show jumping cause physical and physiological stress on the horses’ musculoskeletal structures, which can lead to decreased performance and injury. Warming-up prior to intense exercise can increase utilisation of the aerobic pathway, increase performance and decrease injury risk. Whilst duration of equestrian warm-up regimes has been reported, details of which gaits and skills related tasks, such as jumping and lateral movements, riders elect to use have not been evaluated to date. The purpose of this study was to understand dressage and show jumping riders’ decision-making when warming up at home and prior to a competition. Surveys (dressage: 39 questions; show jumping: 41 questions) were distributed online via social media. Mann Whitney U tests identified significant differences in warming up practice between dressage and show jumping riders. Most riders reported that a warm-up was beneficial for getting the horse ready for work, increasing responsiveness to aids, enhancing suppleness and relaxation, and decreasing injury risk. Both dressage and show jumping riders typically warm-up between 10-20 min. While dressage riders use the walk as their main warm-up gait, show jumpers preferred the trot. Both dressage riders and show jumpers incorporate technical skills in their warm-up such as lateral work, and quick transitions (when riders change gait for only few strides before changing again). Show jumpers include 4-10 jumping efforts, using different fence types. During a competition most dressage and show jumping riders agreed that factors such as perceived stress level of both the horse and rider, crowdedness of the arena, arena footing and size, as well as time allocated by the venue, were important factors that could impact the duration and content of their warm-up routines. Both groups of riders considered horses were sufficiently ‘warmed up’ when they were responsive to the aids and felt supple and relaxed.

An evaluation of factors affecting show jumping warm-up on subsequent show jumping performance in 1.30 m class

Show jumping causes physical and physiological stress on horses’ musculoskeletal structures, which can lead to decreased performance and injury. Appropriate warm-ups can enhance performance, decrease injury risk, as well as increase oxygen kinetics for better efficiency. Despite this, little is known for how warm-up routines affect show jumping performance. Forty-five warm-up routines of show jumpers preparing to enter the show ring were recorded and analysed. Kruskal Wallis analyses with post-hoc Mann Whitney U tests identified if the number of classes combinations completed, types of jumps attempted, warm-up duration, and time spent in each gait during the warm-up varied with rider and horse sex and age, and faults. Spearman correlations assessed if relationships occurred between warm-up duration and content, and the number of faults in the show ring, and horse age. Warm-up ranged from 3:51 to 62:46 min (median 15:09 min) and included at least two jumps (range 2-15). Walk was the most common gait, while upright fences were jumped the most. Knocking down or refusing a fence when warming up did not affect performance. Male riders jumped uprights twice as much as female riders (P<0.03) but this did not impact their performances. Jumping a class prior to the 1.30 affected warm-up, competitors spent longer on the flat before jumping in they had competed earlier in the day (P<0.05) and had fewer jump attempts if they had competed in the class just prior to the 1.30 m (P<0.007). Even though no significant differences were detected, combinations which accumulated >8 faults spent less time warming up. These results suggest warm-up tactics, riders and horses’ age and sex did not influence significantly fault accumulation in the show ring, however warm up routines were influenced by rider decision making and horse age.

COVID-19: Impact on United Kingdom Horse Owners

COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic on 11 March 2020; the United Kingdom (UK) implemented quarantine measures shortly afterward, resulting in rapid changes in how owners managed and interacted with their horses. This study provides a rapid analysis of the initial impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the management of UK leisure and competition horses. A 17 question online survey was distributed via equestrian social media sites to ascertain the impact of COVID-19 on horse and yard management and on human-horse interactions. Frequency analysis combined with Chi-squared and thematic analyses identified the impact of COVID-19 on UK horse owners. Major changes within horse management and horse-human interactions were reported for the majority of horse owners (>65%), regardless of the establishment type or region. Social distancing and visiting restrictions were implemented at most yards, but nearly half were not providing hand sanitization or disinfection protocols for the shared areas/equipment to prevent cross-contamination between users. The financial impact of the pandemic combined with restricted access to veterinary professionals resulted in owners expressing concerns that horse health and welfare may be compromised as a result. Horse owners also felt that the reduced opportunities for horse-human interactions were negatively affecting their mental health and wellbeing.

Faults in international showjumping are not random

Performance analysis (PA) involves the systematic observation and analysis of factors identified to enhance performance to improve athlete decision-making in a specific sport. PA is commonplace in human sports, yet despite potential advantages, its application remains limited in equestrianism. This study aimed to evaluate if factors anecdotally associated with performance in elite showjumping influenced competitive success. 250 combinations attempting 3,052 jumping-efforts across 2nd round European Fédération Equestre Internationale Nations Cup 2017 competition were analysed. Types of fault (e.g. pole down, refusal, etc.) were recorded as well as characteristics of the jump (e.g. jump type, approach angle). Combinations jumped clear at the majority of attempts (93.6; n=2,857) with faults only occurring at 6.4% of jumps (n=195). The most common faults were knock-downs (5.5%), time penalties (0.8%), faults at water jumps (0.3%) and refusal (0.2%). Faults were distributed across all fence types, however, were more common at upright fences (49%) and within combination fences (41%). A linear relationship was found between jumping-effort number and number of fences knocked-down (r=0.7; P<0.001). There were 2.8 times more knock-downs for the second half of the course (efforts 9-15) compared with jumping-efforts 1-7 (P<0.05). Faults were 4 times more likely at jumping-efforts 3, 4, 5 and 8 in the first half of the course (P<0.03) which increased to being 9 times more likely in the 2nd half of the courses (jumping-efforts 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14; P<0.006). A straight approach to a jumping-effort reduced the chance of faults by 48% (P<0.0001) compared to a non-straight approach. These preliminary results suggest faults are not randomly distributed in elite showjumping and that patterns exist within fault accumulation demonstrating that the application of PA techniques in equestrian sport could lead to a performance advantage.

Sport science relevance and integration in horseracing: perceptions of UK racehorse trainers

Whilst equestrian sport science research has expanded over recent years, and technologies to positively impact training and performance have been developed, long-standing traditions and experiential learning in the racing industry still appear to impede the integration of sport science knowledge. This study used semi-structured interviews to investigate the perceptions of eleven national hunt and flat-based racehorse trainers to determine the current status of sport science integration within the racing industry, the perceived barriers to its uptake, and areas where trainers sought further knowledge. Three key higher order themes emerged from the interviews: the current training and monitoring principles for health and fitness of racehorses, trainers’ attitudes toward sport science research, and areas for potential future research and integration of sports science in training. Subjective methods grounded in personal experience were found to form the basis of racehorse training principles, with the application of sport science minimal, namely due to poor integration strategies. Negative connotations arising from a general lack of understanding of the application of knowledge and a scepticism toward adapting already successful principles, as well as pressure from industry stakeholders, appear to create barriers to sport science uptake. Trainers felt a stronger evidence base emphasising performance benefits is needed to overcome these. Where trainers identified areas of research potential, many studies had already been undertaken, highlighting the necessity for effective dissemination strategies to demonstrate how research could apply to industry practice. Increased educational initiatives to showcase technology and improve trainer understanding and application of currently available sport science knowledge is also warranted.

First steps to establishing an equestrian morphology: can Vitruvian ratios help?

Within equestrianism there is increasing focus on rider position and posture, not only in terms of aesthetics and the overall harmonious picture it may portray of the horse-rider combination, but more importantly on the rider’s physical ability to deliver clear, well-timed signals to the horse during training and competitive performance. Anthropometry has been successfully used in a wide range of non-equestrian sports to identify morphologies that are more likely to be successful than others in completing the tasks required by the particular sport or discipline. As physical data have become more readily accessible questions have arisen regarding the rider’s physical ability to achieve and maintain ‘ideal’ and symmetrical riding positions allowing them to transfer their weight and manage their limbs and consequently deliver distinguishable signals to the horse. Clearly identified ideal morphologies exist for a wide range of sports, but there is nothing for equestrianism. Da Vinci’s Vitruvian ‘man’ possesses ideal geometric proportions that depict perfect symmetry and proportion. Within equestrian it is common belief that riders (and horses) should be symmetrical. This study explored how the dimensions of a population of 51 female riders (24.8±8.29 years) aligned with Vitruvian ideals. Ten relative body proportions, selected as potentially the most relevant to horse riding, were obtained for each subject and ratios with total height derived. Only arm span, shoulder width and upper chest to the top of the head in relation to total height aligned with Vitruvian ratios (all P>0.05). Two primary principal components were identified – total height and arm span that could be of potential use for development of an equestrian morphology. Although horse riders’ physical dimensions failed to align well with Vitruvian measures, total height and arm length may have the potential to explain differences in riders’ ability to physically interact with horses and consequently impact their welfare.

Does equestrian knowledge and experience influence selection and training practices for showjumping horses?

Selection and training methods for showjumping horses are largely anecdotal, and performance analysis has been proposed as a method for scientifically improving competitive outcomes. To employ performance analysis in showjumping, an understanding of the tacit and explicit knowledge and practices of equestrians is required to identify relevant performance indicators. This study aimed to examine the knowledge and practices of equestrians with varying levels of experience (advanced and novice) for selecting horses, based on evaluation of movement, and training showjumping horses using an original questionnaire. It was hypothesised that differences would be present between advanced and novice responses. The questionnaire was composed of closed-end and follow-up open-end questions and 225 equestrians (66.7% advanced, 33.3% novice) participated. Closed-end responses from advanced and novice groups were analysed separately using Chi-Squared tests and open-end responses were subjected to thematic and content analysis. Closed-end responses showed significant within-group preferences (P<0.0001) for specific movement traits and training methods and between-group response differences <13% revealed that advanced and novice groups displayed similar preferences. Thematic analysis indicated different preferences for movement traits when selecting showjumping horses, as well as differences in the level of tacit knowledge between advanced and novice groups. Advanced equestrians placed greater emphasis on aesthetic forelimb traits than novice equestrians, who emphasised traits that they may be less capable of influencing, such as hindlimb impulsion and position of the horse at take-off. An emphasis on hindlimb movement and flatwork/non-jumping exercises for showjumping training was observed across both groups. Understanding equestrian tacit knowledge and its application is fundamental for developing research that is relevant to equestrians. Findings from this study may form a basis for research to identify relevant, objective performance indicators for performance analysis in showjumping, with the ultimate goal of improving competitive performance and welfare for equine athletes.

Psychological responses of elite young riders to the injury of their horses

Sport is considered a high-risk environment for athletes sustaining injury. Athletes are known to experience negative psychological responses to injury, which can destabilise identity. For athletes, identity is typically constructed around participation in sport, and after injury this identity can be threatened. Within equestrian sport, the addition of a partner athlete also at risk of injury presented a unique circumstance for investigation. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the psychological responses of elite young riders (YR) to the injury of their horses. Five riders competing internationally at YR level for dressage, show jumping and eventing were interviewed about their experiences when their horse suffered serious or career-ending injuries. Interview questions explored athletes’ careers, initial reactions to injury, coping mechanisms and return to elite competition. Thematic analysis revealed that riders re-evaluated their identity as elite athletes and experienced a significant sense of loss when their horses became injured. This appraisal of loss led to YR’s experiencing denial and guilt at the onset of injury akin to personal injury in athletes. As riders perceive the horse as part of the ‘athlete’ package, they are at heightened risk of injury-related psychological stress when compared to other individual athletes. Riders reported mixed views on common sources of social support, suggesting a need for pre-emptive coping education in addition to intervention resources within equestrian sport to minimise the psychological impact of injury, particularly at YR level.

What makes an elite equestrian rider?

Eight international riders from Olympic equestrian disciplines, participated in semi-structured interviews investigating developmental factors which they felt had helped them achieve and retain elite status. Key factors were present across the variable rider journeys to elite status. Riders demonstrated a natural aptitude for horse sports, a desire to learn combined with exposure to environments which fostered confidence and skill development: access to elite and developmental horses, observing elite riders, access to coaches and parental support. Riders consistently questioned the status quo of their practice: through partnerships with multiple horses, self-development and horse-development, and were motivated and driven, with a clear belief that they would achieve success; attributes that remain once elite status was achieved. Success appears initially motivated by participation in equine sports for fun and as rider investment was rewarded by winning, with associated financial benefits. When elite status is attained, motivation and definitions of success become focused more upon the relationship with their horse and the constant challenge of developing their own and their horses’ skills. Elite status appears associated with a successful philosophy that underpins rider’ practice: the way riders’ think, ride, train and run their business, underpinned by distinct individual philosophies. These factors combined help riders remain successful at the highest level of their sport.