Equestrian Rider’s Cardiovascular But Not Metabolic Response During Walk, Trot, And Canter Is Variable

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this case study was to quantify the cardiovascular and metabolic demands during 30 minute dressage rides (walk, trot, and canter) on 5 different horses and to describe differences in responses due to the horse’s influence on the rider. METHODS: A 63kg, 1.6m female (21yr) USPC Level C1 rider (VO2max = 40ml.kg-1.min-1) rode 5 different horses in a dressage arena. Each ride consisted of 10 min walk, 10 min trot, 5 min break and 5 min canter. HR and VO2 were measured via indirect calorimetry (Oxycon Mobile). Average HR and VO2 was determined during each riding condition. Repeated measures ANOVA with LSD post hoc tests were performed to determine differences between riding conditions. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics and significant post hoc tests are displayed in Table 1. Statistically significant differences (p < .001) were found between all 3 riding conditions for all CV variables. All CV responses of walking were significantly less than trotting; CV responses of walking and trotting were both significantly less than cantering. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms VO2 is a moderate intensity activity that can promote fitness. However, there was more variance in HR response on different horses at trot and canter than in VO2. At trot, HR was 127±9, range 122-142 while VO2 was 20±1, range 19-22 ml.kg-1.min-1 . At canter, HR was 149±8, range 132-158 while VO2 was 24±3, range 22-29 ml.kg-1.min-1. These differences in rider response suggest the characteristics of the horse (training level, as well as size and temperament) will influence the cardiovascular HR response in the rider even when the MET level is predictable. This has implications for the use of HR as an indicator of the overall metabolic response in equestrian activities.Table: No title available.