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European journal of applied physiology2000; 82(5-6); 499-503; doi: 10.1007/s004210000207

Energy expenditure of horse riding.

Abstract: Oxygen consumption (VO2), ventilation (VE) and heart rate (HR) were studied in five recreational riders with a portable oxygen analyser (K2 Cosmed, Rome) telemetric system, during two different experimental riding sessions. The first one was a dressage session in which the rider successively rode four different horses at a walk, trot and canter. The second one was a jumping training session. Each rider rode two horses, one known and one unknown. The physiological parameters were measured during warm up at a canter in suspension and when jumping an isolated obstacle at a trot and canter. This session was concluded by a jumping course with 12 obstacles. The data show a progressive increase in VO2 during the dressage session from a mean value of 0.70 (0.18) l x min(-1) [mean (SD)] at a walk, to 1.47 (0.28) l x min(-1) at a trot, and 1.9 (0.3) l x min(-1) at a canter. During the jumping session, rider VO2 was 2 (0.33) l x min(-1) with a mean HR of 155 beats x min(-1) during canter in suspension, obstacle trot and obstacle canter. The jumping course significantly enhanced VO2 and HR up to mean values of 2.40 (0.35) l x min(-1) and 176 beats x min(-1), respectively. The comparison among horses and riders during the dressage session shows differences in energy expenditure according to the horse for the same rider and between riders. During the jumping session, there was no statistical difference between riders riding known and unknown horses. In conclusion these data confirm that riding induces a significant increase in energy expenditure. During jumping, a mean value of 75% VO2max was reached. Therefore, a good aerobic capacity seems to be a factor determining riding performance in competitions. Regular riding practice and additional physical training are recommended to enhance the physical fitness of competitive riders.
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Publication Date: 2000-09-14 PubMed ID: 10985607DOI: 10.1007/s004210000207Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

This research explores how horse riding impacts a person’s energy expenditure by observing oxygen consumption (VO2), ventilation (VE), and heart rate (HR) in different types of riding sessions, demonstrating that horse riding can significantly increase energy expenditure, thus potentially improving aerobic capacity.

Research Methodology

Five recreational riders were monitored using a portable oxygen analyzer telemetric system during two different experimental riding sessions – dressage and jumping training. These sessions involved varying their riding styles and the horses they rode.

  • In the dressage session, each rider rode four different horses at a walk, trot and canter.
  • In the jumping training session, each person rode two horses (one familiar and one unfamiliar) during warm up (canter in suspension), isolated obstacle jumping (at a trot and canter), and a full jumping course with 12 obstacles.

Findings

The results showed a progressive increase in VO2 during the dressage session. This ranged from a mean value of 0.70 l/min at a walk, to 1.47 l/min at a trot, and 1.9 l/min at a canter. During the jumping session, the mean rider VO2 was 2 l/min with a mean heart rate of 155 beats/min for the canter in suspension, the trot, and the obstacle canter. The jumping course further enhanced these values to a mean VO2 of 2.40 l/min and a heart rate of 176 beats/min.

Comparative Analysis

  • The energy expenditure during the dressage session varied according to the horse for the same rider and among riders.
  • During the jumping session, notable differences were not observed between riders riding known and unknown horses.

Conclusion

This research confirms that horse riding induces significant increase in energy expenditure. A mean value of 75% VO2max was attained during jumping, suggesting that a good aerobic capacity is a crucial factor determining riding performance in competitions. The researchers conclude suggesting regular riding practice and additional physical training for competitive riders to enhance their physical fitness.

Cite This Article

APA
Devienne MF, Guezennec CY. (2000). Energy expenditure of horse riding. Eur J Appl Physiol, 82(5-6), 499-503. https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210000207

Publication

European journal of applied physiology
ISSN: 1439-6319
NlmUniqueID: 100954790
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 82
Issue: 5-6
Pages: 499-503

Researcher Affiliations

Devienne, M F
  • Université Paris XII-STAPS-61, Créteil, France. Mfdevienne@aol.com
Guezennec, C Y

    MeSH Terms

    • Adult
    • Animals
    • Energy Metabolism / physiology
    • Exercise / physiology
    • Exercise Test
    • Female
    • Hemodynamics / physiology
    • Horses
    • Humans
    • Male
    • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
    • Respiratory Mechanics / physiology

    Citations

    This article has been cited 17 times.
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