FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Frontiers in sports and active living2026; 7; 1744918; doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1744918

A narrative review of factors influencing rider performance and horse welfare in equestrian activities.

Abstract: Equestrian sport is a unique multi-species discipline in which the performance of a horse-rider dyad depends on the harmonious interaction of two athletes with distinct biomechanics and needs. Although the sport contributes substantially to the global economy and is the only Olympic event involving two species, research on rider-centered factors has been fragmented. Current narrative review centered peer-reviewed evidence addressing three questions: (RQ1) how rider biomechanics and posture influence horse performance and welfare; (RQ2) what causes and consequences rider asymmetry has; and (RQ3) how riders' fitness, health and training practices affect performance and well-being. Electronic searches of five databases-namely PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar-covering 2000 to July 2024 retrieved 83 records; 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. Correct pelvic orientation, dynamic trunk control and symmetrical weight distribution were consistently associated with improved saddle pressure distribution and better equine gait. Asymmetries in riders' posture, whether inherent or acquired, contributed to uneven loading and degraded performance, yet many riders were unaware of their imbalances. Studies on fitness and training showed that equestrians often neglect structured off-horse conditioning despite moderate-to-vigorous cardiovascular demands during riding. Targeted core training programmes, cross-training and nutritional support improved balance and reduced back pain. Taken together, the literature points to a need for holistic interventions that combine biomechanical assessment, correction of asymmetry and structured fitness programmes to support both the rider and their horse.
© 2026 Balog, Havanecz, Csányi, Ökrös, Tóth and Berki.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2026-01-22 PubMed ID: 41660061PubMed Central: PMC12872785DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1744918Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article
  • Review

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This review examines how factors related to the rider affect both the performance of the horse-rider team and the welfare of the horse in equestrian sports.
  • It synthesizes research from 17 studies on rider biomechanics, posture, asymmetry, fitness, health, and training practices to identify key influences on outcomes in equestrian activities.

Introduction to Equestrian Sport Dynamics

  • Equestrian sport uniquely involves two athletes: the horse and the rider, each with different biomechanics and needs.
  • Successful performance depends on the harmonious interaction and communication between these two species.
  • The sport is economically significant worldwide and is the only Olympic event involving human-animal collaboration.
  • Despite its importance, research focused specifically on how rider-centered factors influence outcomes has been inconsistent and scattered.

Research Questions and Methodology

  • The review addresses three core research questions (RQs):
    • RQ1: How do rider biomechanics and posture affect horse performance and welfare?
    • RQ2: What causes rider asymmetry and what are its consequences?
    • RQ3: How do rider fitness, health, and training practices impact their performance and well-being?
  • Comprehensive electronic searches were conducted across five major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Google Scholar) covering 2000 to July 2024.
  • From 83 initially retrieved studies, 17 met the criteria for inclusion in this narrative review.

Findings on Rider Biomechanics and Posture (RQ1)

  • Key biomechanical factors positively influencing horse performance and welfare include:
    • Correct pelvic orientation of the rider
    • Dynamic control of the rider’s trunk during movement
    • Symmetrical distribution of weight on the saddle
  • These factors contribute to more even saddle pressure, which is important for the comfort and health of the horse’s back.
  • Improved equine gait quality was associated with good rider biomechanics, enhancing both performance and horse well-being.

Causes and Consequences of Rider Asymmetry (RQ2)

  • Rider asymmetry can be inherent (natural bodily differences) or acquired (through injury, habits, or training).
  • Asymmetrical rider posture causes uneven loading on the horse, leading to discomfort and compromised movement.
  • Imbalances can degrade overall performance by reducing the horse’s ability to move efficiently and comfortably.
  • Many riders are unaware of their own asymmetries, which can perpetuate performance issues and negatively impact horse welfare.

Rider Fitness, Health, and Training Practices (RQ3)

  • Despite the moderate-to-vigorous cardiovascular demands of riding, many equestrians neglect structured off-horse fitness training.
  • Commonly observed issues include:
    • Poor core stability
    • Back pain
    • Insufficient cardiovascular fitness
  • Interventions such as targeted core training programs, cross-training modalities (e.g., pilates, swimming, strength training), and proper nutritional support have demonstrated benefits:
    • Improved rider balance and posture control
    • Reduced musculoskeletal pain, especially in the back
    • Enhanced overall rider well-being and capacity to perform

Implications and Recommendations

  • The evidence highlights the importance of viewing equestrian performance and welfare as a holistic human-animal partnership.
  • Key recommendations include:
    • Comprehensive biomechanical assessment of riders to identify and correct postural asymmetries.
    • Implementation of structured off-horse fitness regimes focusing on core strength, balance, and cardiovascular health.
    • Awareness and education programs for riders to recognize and address their own physical imbalances.
    • Integrated approaches combining biomechanical correction and fitness training to maximize both rider performance and horse welfare.
  • Such holistic interventions have the potential to:
    • Enhance the health, comfort, and performance of the horse-rider dyad.
    • Reduce injury risk to both horses and riders.
    • Improve competitive outcomes and long-term sustainability in equestrian sport.

Cite This Article

APA
Balog O, Havanecz K, Csányi T, Ökrös C, Tóth L, Berki T. (2026). A narrative review of factors influencing rider performance and horse welfare in equestrian activities. Front Sports Act Living, 7, 1744918. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1744918

Publication

Frontiers in sports and active living
ISSN: 2624-9367
NlmUniqueID: 101765780
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 7
Pages: 1744918
PII: 1744918

Researcher Affiliations

  • Hungarian University of Sports Science, Budapest, Hungary.
Havanecz, Krisztián
  • Hungarian University of Sports Science, Budapest, Hungary.
Csányi, Tamás
  • Hungarian University of Sports Science, Budapest, Hungary.
Ökrös, Csaba
  • Hungarian University of Sports Science, Budapest, Hungary.
Tóth, László
  • Hungarian University of Sports Science, Budapest, Hungary.
Berki, Tamás
  • Hungarian University of Sports Science, Budapest, Hungary.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The author(s) declared that the research this work was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

References

This article includes 50 references
  1. Note: The following list includes both the 17 empirical studies summarised in Table 1 and additional sources cited in the narrative.
  2. American Horse Council Foundation. The economic impact of the horse industry in the United States. American Horse Council 2017.
  3. Fédération Equestre Internationale. Global equestrian statistics report. Fédération Equestre Internationale 2021.
  4. International Olympic Committee. Olympic Games sports statistics report. International Olympic Committee 2020.
  5. Peham C, Kotschwar AB, Borkenhagen B, Kuhnke S, Molsner J, Baltacis A. A comparison of forces acting on the horse’s back and the stability of the rider’s seat in different positions at the trot. Vet J (2010) 184(1):56–9.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.04.007pubmed: 19428275google scholar: lookup
  6. . FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse. FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse 2024.
  7. Williams J, Tabor G. Rider impacts on equitation. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2017) 190:28–42.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.02.019google scholar: lookup
  8. Licka T, Kapaun M, Peham C. Influence of rider on lameness in trotting horses. Equine Vet J (2004) 36(8):734–6.
    doi: 10.2746/0425164044848028pubmed: 15656506google scholar: lookup
  9. de Cocq P, Clayton H, Terada K, Muller M, Van Leeuwen JL. Usability of normal force distribution measurements to evaluate asymmetrical loading of the back of the horse and different rider positions. Vet J (2009) 181:266–73.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.03.002pubmed: 18502669google scholar: lookup
  10. de Cocq P, Duncker AM, Clayton HM, Bobbert MF, Muller M, van Leeuwen JL. Vertical forces on the horse’s back in sitting and rising trot. J Biomech (2010) 43(4):627–31.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2009.10.036pubmed: 19926088google scholar: lookup
  11. Symes D, Ellis R. A preliminary study into rider asymmetry within equitation. Vet J (London, England: 1997) (2009) 181:34–7.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.016pubmed: 19375366google scholar: lookup
  12. Roepstorff L, Egenvall A, Rhodin M, Byström A, Johnston C, van Weeren PR. Kinetics and kinematics of the horse comparing left and right rising trot. Equine Vet J (2009) 41(3):292–6.
    doi: 10.2746/042516409X397127pubmed: 19469238google scholar: lookup
  13. Sukhera J. Narrative reviews in medical education: key steps for researchers. J Grad Med Educ (2022) 14(4):418–9.
    doi: 10.4300/JGME-D-22-00481.1pmc: PMC9380643pubmed: 35991097google scholar: lookup
  14. Clayton H, Hobbs S. The role of biomechanical analysis of horse and rider in equitation science. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2017) 190:123–32.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.02.011google scholar: lookup
  15. Hobbs SJ, Baxter J, Broom L, Rossell LA, Sinclair J, Clayton HM. Posture, flexibility and grip strength in horse riders. J Hum Kinet (2014) 42:113–25.
    doi: 10.2478/hukin-2014-0066pmc: PMC4234750pubmed: 25414745google scholar: lookup
  16. Bye TL, Lewis V. Footedness and postural asymmetry in amateur dressage riders, riding in Medium trot on a dressage simulator. J Equine Vet Sci 2021 102:103618.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103618pubmed: 34119193google scholar: lookup
  17. Geser-von Peinen K, Wiestner T, Bogisch S, Roepstorff L, van Weeren P, Weishaupt M. Relationship between the forces acting on the horse’s back and the movements of rider and horse while walking on a treadmill. Equine Vet J 2009 41:285–91.
    doi: 10.2746/042516409X397136pubmed: 19469237google scholar: lookup
  18. Wilkins CA, Wheat JS, Protheroe L, Nankervis K, Draper SB. Coordination variability reveals the features of the “independent seat” in competitive dressage riders. Sports Biomech 2025 24(2):372–87.
    doi: 10.1080/14763141.2022.2113118pubmed: 35993195google scholar: lookup
  19. Keener MM, Critchley ML, Layer JS, Johnson EC, Barrett SF, Dai B. The effect of stirrup length on impact attenuation and its association with muscle strength. J Strength Cond Res 2021 35(11):3056–62.
    doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003278pubmed: 31972822google scholar: lookup
  20. Stapley ED, Stutzman BE, Manfredi JM. The effect of stirrup iron style on normal forces and rider position. J Equine Vet Sci 2020 94:103203.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103203pubmed: 33077067google scholar: lookup
  21. Randle H, Loy J. First steps to establishing an equestrian morphology: can vitruvian ratios help?. Comp Exerc Physiol 2019 16:1–12.
    doi: 10.3920/CEP190041google scholar: lookup
  22. Bye T, Lewis V. Saddle and stirrup forces of equestrian riders in sitting trot, rising trot, and trot without stirrups on a riding simulator. Comp Exerc Physiol 2019 16:1–12.
    doi: 10.3920/CEP190031google scholar: lookup
  23. MacKechnie-Guire R, MacKechnie-Guire E, Fairfax V, Fisher M, Hargreaves S, Pfau T. The effect that induced rider asymmetry has on equine locomotion and the range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine when ridden in rising trot. J Equine Vet Sci 2020 88:102946.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102946pubmed: 32303298google scholar: lookup
  24. Bagesteiro L, Sainburg R. Handedness: dominant arm advantages in control of limb dynamics. J Neurophysiol 2002 88:2408–21.
    doi: 10.1152/jn.00901.2001pmc: PMC10709816pubmed: 12424282google scholar: lookup
  25. Kellis E, Katis A. Biomechanical characteristics and determinants of instep soccer kick. J Sports Sci Med 2007 6(2):154–65.
    pmc: PMC3786235pubmed: 24149324
  26. Bussey M. Does the demand for asymmetric functional lower body postures in lateral sports relate to structural asymmetry of the pelvis?. J Sci Med Sport/Sports Med Aust (2009) 13:360–4.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2009.02.010pubmed: 19596607google scholar: lookup
  27. Eisersiö M, Rhodin M, Roepstorff L, Egenvall A. Rein tension in 8 professional riders during regular training sessions. J Vet Behav (2015) 10(5):419–26.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.05.004google scholar: lookup
  28. Byström A, Clayton H, Hernlund E, Roepstorff L, Rhodin M, Braganca F. Asymmetries of horses walking and trotting on treadmill with and without rider. Equine Vet J (2020) 53:157–66.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13252pubmed: 32125717google scholar: lookup
  29. Clayton H, MacKechnie-Guire R, Hobbs S. Riders’ effects on horses—biomechanical principles with examples from the literature. Animals (Basel) (2023) 13:3854.
    doi: 10.3390/ani13243854pmc: PMC10741103pubmed: 38136891google scholar: lookup
  30. Clayton H, MacKechnie-Guire R, Byström A, Le Jeune S, Egenvall A. Guidelines for the measurement of rein tension in equestrian sport. Animals (Basel) (2021) 11(10):2875.
    doi: 10.3390/ani11102875pmc: PMC8532849pubmed: 34679895google scholar: lookup
  31. Hogg RC, Hodgins GA. Symbiosis or sporting tool? Competition and the horse-rider relationship in elite equestrian sports. Animals (Basel) (2021) 11(5):1352.
    doi: 10.3390/ani11051352pmc: PMC8151029pubmed: 34068606google scholar: lookup
  32. Elbrønd VS, Schultz RM. Deep myofascial kinetic lines in horses, comparative dissection studies derived from humans. Open J Vet Med (2021) 11(01):14–40.
    doi: 10.4236/ojvm.2021.111002google scholar: lookup
  33. Gunst S, Dittmann MT, Arpagaus S, Roepstorff C, Latif SN, Klaassen B. Influence of functional rider and horse asymmetries on saddle force distribution during stance and in sitting trot. J Equine Vet Sci (2019) 78:20–8.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.03.215pubmed: 31203980google scholar: lookup
  34. Kraft CN, Pennekamp PH, Becker U, Young M, Diedrich O, Lüring C. Magnetic resonance imaging findings of the lumbar spine in elite horseback riders: correlations with back pain, body mass Index, trunk/leg-length coefficient, and riding discipline. Am J Sports Med (2009) 37(11):2205–13.
    doi: 10.1177/0363546509336927pubmed: 19574474google scholar: lookup
  35. Kim H, Lee C-W, Lee I-S. Comparison between the effects of horseback riding exercise and trunk stability exercise on the balance of normal adults. J Phys Ther Sci (2014) 26:1325–7.
    doi: 10.1589/jpts.26.1325pmc: PMC4175230pubmed: 25276009google scholar: lookup
  36. Elmeua M, Sarabon N. Muscle modes of the equestrian rider at walk, rising trot and canter. PLoS One (2020) 15:e0237727.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237727pmc: PMC7446812pubmed: 32810165google scholar: lookup
  37. Hyttinen A-M, Ahtiainen J, Häkkinen K. Oxygen uptake, heart rate and blood lactate levels in female horseback riders during the obstacle test track. Int J Perf Anal Sport (2020) 20:1–12.
    doi: 10.1080/24748668.2020.1764747google scholar: lookup
  38. Bye T, Chadwick G. Physical fitness habits and perceptions of equestrian riders. Comp Exerc Physiol (2018):1–6.
    doi: 10.3920/CEP180012google scholar: lookup
  39. Best R, Williams J, Pearce J. The physiological requirements of and nutritional recommendations for equestrian riders. Nutrients (2023) 15:4977.
    doi: 10.3390/nu15234977pmc: PMC10708571pubmed: 38068833google scholar: lookup
  40. Chatel MM, Tabor G, Williams JR, Williams J. An evaluation of factors affecting show jumping warm-up on subsequent show jumping performance in 1.30 m class. Comp Exerc Physiol (2020) 17:1–14.
    doi: 10.3920/CEP200026google scholar: lookup
  41. Christensen J, Munk R, Hawson L, Palme R, Larsen T, Egenvall A. Rider effects on horses’ conflict behaviour, rein tension, physiological measures and rideability scores. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2020) 234:105184.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105184google scholar: lookup
  42. Williams JM, Douglas J, Davies E, Bloom F, Castejon-Riber C. Performance demands in the endurance rider. Comp Exerc Physiol (2021) 17:199–218.
    doi: 10.3920/CEP200033google scholar: lookup
  43. Wilkins C. Dynamic technique analysis of the female equestrian rider (Thesis). Celeste Wilkins, Gloucester, England; (2021).
  44. Baragli P, Alessi A, Pagliai M, Felici M, Ogi A, Hawson L. Rider variables affecting the stirrup directional force asymmetry during simulated riding trot. Animals (Basel) (2022) 12:3364.
    doi: 10.3390/ani12233364pmc: PMC9737979pubmed: 36496885google scholar: lookup
  45. O’Reilly C, Zoller J, Sigler D, Vogelsang M, Sawyer J, Fluckey J. Rider energy expenditure during high intensity horse activity. J Equine Vet Sci (2021) 102:103463.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103463pubmed: 34119194google scholar: lookup
  46. Westerling D. A study of physical demands in riding. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol (1983) 50(3):373–82.
    doi: 10.1007/BF00423243pubmed: 6683161google scholar: lookup
  47. Devienne MF, Guezennec CY. Energy expenditure of horse riding. Eur J Appl Physiol (2000) 82(5–6):499–503.
    doi: 10.1007/s004210000207pubmed: 10985607google scholar: lookup
  48. Ferrante M, Bonetti F, Quattrini F, Mezzetti M, Demarie S. Low back pain and associated factors among Italian equestrian athletes: a cross-sectional study. Muscle Ligaments Tendons J (2021) 11:344.
    doi: 10.32098/mltj.02.2021.19google scholar: lookup
  49. Carpes F, Reinehr F, Mota C. Effects of a program for trunk strength and stability on pain, low back and pelvis kinematics, and body balance: a pilot study. J Bodyw Mov Ther (2008) 12:22–30.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2007.05.001pubmed: 19083652google scholar: lookup
  50. Duarte C, Raimundo A, Sousa JP, Fernandes O, Santos R. Prevalence of lower back pain and risk factors in equestrians: a systematic review. Sports (2024) 12:355.
    doi: 10.3390/sports12120355pmc: PMC11679230pubmed: 39728895google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,850 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.