Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2026; 16(20); 3170; doi: 10.3390/ani16203170

Teaching Direction Control in Horse Riding: A Pre-Post Intervention Proof-of-Concept Study Using Multi-Modal Motor Learning Techniques.

Blignault, K
·
Buys, T
·
Ramkilawon, G
·
van Vollenhoven, E

Abstract: Many riders experience persistent communication problems with their horses, particularly in controlling speed and direction, despite extensive training. This proof-of-concept study employed a pre-test-post-test intervention design to examine the effectiveness of the Four-Step Riding Programme (FSRP) in developing clear rider-horse body language for direction control. Multi-modal motor learning techniques (MMLTs) were applied to five rider-horse dyads during four one-hour lessons to teach coordinated movement patterns necessary for directional accuracy. Rider-horse communication was evaluated before and after the intervention using video recordings of 13 riding exercises. Three independent assessors rated the performances on a 5-point Likert scale, and riders provided self-assessments on the same scale. Horse stride parameters, reflecting shoulder control, were visualised with the Alogo™ Move Pro electronic sensor. Significant improvements were observed between pre- and post-intervention scores across all assessors and participants ( < 0.05). These preliminary findings suggest that the FSRP holds promise for facilitating the acquisition of rider-horse body language necessary for precise direction control.

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Publication Date: 2026-10-09 PubMed ID: 42939101PubMed Central: PMC13700739DOI: 10.3390/ani16203170Google Scholar: Lookup

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Summary
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Affiliations
Conflict of Interest
References
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Journal Article

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 study tested a new training program to improve how riders communicate with horses to control direction during riding.
The program used multiple learning techniques to teach riders clearer body signals, leading to better coordination and directional control.

Background and Problem

Many horse riders face ongoing issues in effectively communicating with their horses, especially related to controlling speed and direction.
Even experienced riders may struggle to convey precise directional cues, resulting in less effective riding performance.

Study Design

A proof-of-concept study using a pre-test-post-test intervention approach.
Five rider-horse pairs participated collaboratively in the study.
Four one-hour lessons were conducted per pair, focusing on teaching coordinated movements needed for direction control.
The Four-Step Riding Programme (FSRP) was the core intervention framework, integrating multi-modal motor learning techniques (MMLTs).

Intervention Details

The FSRP aimed at developing a clear “body language” between rider and horse, enabling better communication of directional intent.
MMLTs incorporated sensory, motor, and cognitive learning to enhance the acquisition of riding skills.
Lessons focused on synchronized movement patterns critical for improved directional accuracy during riding.

Assessment Methods

Evaluation occurred both before and after the intervention.
Rider-horse communication was assessed by video recordings capturing 13 different riding exercises.
Three independent assessors rated the quality of rider-horse communication using a 5-point Likert scale.
Riders also provided self-assessments using the same scale.
Horse stride parameters, which indicate shoulder control and thus directional movement, were measured through Alogo™ Move Pro electronic sensors.

Results

Significant improvements in rider-horse communication scores were found between pre- and post-intervention assessments across all three assessors.
Riders’ self-assessments also indicated progress.
Objective stride parameter data supported the improvements seen in shoulder control and directional movement.
Statistical significance was confirmed with p-values less than 0.05.

Conclusions and Implications

The Four-Step Riding Programme shows promising effectiveness in teaching riders how to develop precise body language for controlling horse direction.
Multi-modal motor learning techniques appear beneficial in facilitating the coordinated movement necessary for enhanced rider-horse communication.
While preliminary and limited in sample size, these findings suggest further research and expanded trials could validate the FSRP as a useful training method.
Future studies might explore long-term retention of skills and application to a wider variety of rider-horse pairs.

Cite This Article

APA

Blignault K, Buys T, Ramkilawon G, van Vollenhoven E. (2026). Teaching Direction Control in Horse Riding: A Pre-Post Intervention Proof-of-Concept Study Using Multi-Modal Motor Learning Techniques. Animals (Basel), 16(20), 3170. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16203170

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI

ISSN: 2076-2615

NlmUniqueID: 101635614

Country: Switzerland

Language: English

Volume: 16

Issue: 20

PII: 3170

Researcher Affiliations

Blignault, Karin

Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health Care Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0083, South Africa.
Private Practice, Cape Town 8001, South Africa.

Buys, Tania

Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health Care Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0083, South Africa.

Ramkilawon, Gopika

Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa.

van Vollenhoven, Elize

Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Old Soutpan Road (M35), Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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