Equestrian Athletes Research Articles

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.

“Lace up Your Boots and Do Something:” A Symbolic‐Interactionist Analysis of Girls and Young Women Equestrian Athletes' Resilience

This analysis illuminates how girls and young women dedicated to horse sports craft a resilient identity that they take to their wider lives. The constitutive features of their horse person identity are their willingness to love, care, and learn about horses combined with their embodied close relationships with specific horses. This horse person identity orients them toward a resilient mindset marked by perseverance, patience, and adaptability, as they manage the physical and emotional risks inherent in riding. Significantly, they believe that their horse person‐derived resilient mindset is useful for challenges in personal relationships and social interactions outside their riding community.

Corrigendum on: Self-reported acute injury and chronic pain in American equestrian athletes

Corrigendum on: Self-reported acute injury and chronic pain in American equestrian athletes

Understanding the Barriers and Facilitators to Help-Seeking in Irish Equestrian Sport

Equestrian media has highlighted an interest in the impact of mental health on performance and help-seeking behaviours. Due to the dearth of research into equestrian sports, this study aimed to understand rider mental health in equestrian sport and identify the barriers and facilitators to help-seeking among equestrian athletes. Seven equestrian athletes participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences with mental health and the currently available services. The themes generated for riders’ understanding of mental health were multidimensional and cost. The themes for barriers were influences and education. Consequently, the facilitators of seeking help were strength and guidance. The findings support previous studies among jockeys and other athletic populations. Implications for this research highlight the potential for mental health literacy programmes and increased services. Further recommendations for future research suggest examining the current levels of mental health literacy and the differences experienced between disciplines.

Self-reported acute injury and chronic pain in American equestrian athletes

Abstract The use of trauma databases for epidemiological study of equestrian injuries is well established. However, such databases fail to capture minor injuries or injuries when medical attention is not sought. Additionally, concerns about chronic pain in equestrians have only been explored in small samples. The current study is the first nationwide survey of American equestrians 12 years and older participating in all equestrian disciplines. This study aimed to evaluate the patterns of self-reported acute injuries, behaviours of seeking medical attention for acute injuries, and chronic pain. A convenience sample of 2,573 American equestrians completed an anonymous online survey with questions on acute injury anatomical region, type, and if they sought medical attention. Additional questions identified frequency and location of chronic pain. In total, 2,049 survey responses were complete, with 96% female and representation from all regions of the United States. Participation status (PS) was categorised as professionals (19%), amateurs (43%), and recreational (38%). PS was associated with acute injury and chronic pain frequency. Only 3.9% had never experienced an acute injury from equestrian activity. Of all injuries, foot injuries were most reported (13% of all injuries; 52% of participants) with only 39% seeking medical attention. Professionals had higher odds of experiencing acute injuries in most anatomical regions. 42% indicated they had encountered a concussion; of those, 71% sought medical assistance due to a suspected concussion. Chronic back pain frequency was reported at 27.5%. This study is the first to evaluate self-reported injury in a large convenience sample of American equestrians. The current study found a higher rate of lower extremity injuries in equestrians than previously captured in trauma databases. Prior concussion and acute injury increased the odds of individuals experiencing regional chronic pain, suggesting that future studies and interventions should focus on improving preventative and rehabilitative care.

Self-Reported Physical Activity and Perception of Athleticism in American Equestrian Athletes.

Over 75% of American adults are not meeting aerobic and muscular physical activity recommendations, with the majority being females. Equestrian activities are a potential avenue to increase physical activity, especially in females who account for approximately 90% of sport participants. This study describes perceptions of equestrian activities and establishes the patterns of self-reported equestrian, barn work, and nonequestrian physical activity engagement to understand participation in activities that may sustain physical activity across the lifespan. American equestrians (n = 2551) completed an anonymous online survey with questions about perceptions and benefits of equestrian activities, demographics, and engagement in equestrian activities, barn work, and nonequestrian activities. There were 2039 completed responses, (95.6% female), with representation from all regions of the United States. Professionals (20.6%), amateurs (39.1%), and recreational (40.3%) comprised participation status. Significantly fewer recreational participants perceived equestrian as physical activity and as a sport than amateurs (P < .05) and professionals (P < .05). Engagement in equestrian and barn work physical activity was significantly higher in professionals (P < .0001), followed by amateurs (P < .0001), with the lowest in recreational equestrians (P = .001). Professional and amateur equestrians engaged in significantly more nonequestrian physical activity than recreational participants (P < .05). Equestrian physical activity engagement is dependent on the status of participation. Equestrian, barn work, and nonequestrian physical activity do meet physical activity aerobic and muscular recommendations and should be encouraged as a physical activity for females across the lifespan.

Disordered eating in collegiate English equestrian athletes in aesthetic and nonaesthetic disciplines

Little is known about the rates of disordered eating behaviors in the athletes who compete in the disciplines that comprise collegiate English Equestrian sports. Importantly, in some subdisciplines, riders' scores depend upon judges' assessment of their appearance while riding, rather than upon solely objective measures such as time to complete a course. The purpose of the present research was to 1) assess the current rate of disordered eating behaviors in college equestrian athletes, 2) test whether certain disciplines of English riding (i.e., those that focus on aesthetics or non-aesthetics) at the collegiate level have higher rates of disordered eating behaviors, and 3) test whether these athletes face different pressures for appearance and weight if they specialize in aesthetic riding disciplines.English equestrian student athletes from across the United States (N = 330; 97 % female) and from the following disciplines were surveyed: equitation (aesthetic), dressage (aesthetic), hunters (aesthetic), jumpers (non-aesthetic), and eventing (non-aesthetic). The results suggest a high prevalence of disordered eating in the sport (35 % met cut off for disordered eating using the EAT-26). Findings suggest similar rates of disordered eating behaviors between the aesthetic and non-aesthetic disciplines. Findings also indicate that student athletes in aesthetic disciplines were much more likely to say that they were weighed by coaches and pressured to lose weight.Thus, the current study lends empirical support to the notion that coaches can be a source of pressure for these athletes. Issues of addressing disordered eating in coaching and future research are discussed.

Combined driving: task-specific position impacts grip strength of equestrian athletes

BackgroundLoss of hand strength is a predictor of mortality in aging populations. Despite reliance on the hands to participate in equestrian driving activity, no existing studies focus on associations of hand strength to athletic performance. Therefore, this study 1) established baseline handgrip of equestrian combined drivers in standing and task-specific positions, 2) determined endurance of task-specific handgrip, 3) compared handgrip strength to normative data, and 4) evaluated associations of handgrip and equestrian-specific variables.MethodsThere were 51 combined drivers (9 males, 42 females) ages 21–78 who completed a survey, standing handgrip, and grip strength and endurance in a task-specific position. Sixty-three percent of participants were 50 years or older. The dynamometer grip bar was normalized by hand size for standing tests; to duplicate sport-specific tasks, the bar was set to the closest setting. Significances were determined at p < 0.05.ResultsDrivers with more than 30 years of experience demonstrated highest summed standing (73.1 ± 5.2 kg) and summed sitting (59.9 ± 6.3 kg) grip strength. Females 60-years and older had greater handgrip endurance (Χ2 = 8.323, df = 2, p = .0156) in non-dominant (left) hands. Males (60%) reported more cold weather fatigue than females. Glove wearing was associated with bilateral endurance balance; a higher proportion of endurance balance between dominant and non-dominant (49% high-high and 29% low-low; Χ2 = 11.047, df = 1, p = .0009) was realized. There were no associations of handgrip and prior injury.ConclusionsOur results have implications in understanding task-specific and normative grip strengths in aging equestrian populations. Bilateral balance in handgrip strength and endurance is important particularly in maintaining strength in non-dominant hands over time. Equestrian driving sport promotes greater endurance in older females. Strength can be improved by participating in combined driving, and engagement in this sport over several years’ benefits hand strength over time. This cohort of equestrian participants provides evidence that participating in hand-specific activities promotes greater strength, which has been previously shown to improve aging outcomes.

Analysis of Injuries in Competitive Equestrian Events.

Current equestrian sport-related acute injury research is sparse. The goal of this study is to explore equestrian injury types stratified by population and equestrian discipline. Injury reports from the US Equestrian Federation (USEF) were compiled from 2015 through 2019, and the prevalence of different injury types within the main equestrian disciplines was calculated. Retrospective cohort study from USEF accident report data. Athletes competing at USEF sanctioned equestrian events. Equestrian participant's age group, sex, and equestrian event type are the independent variables. Frequency of types of injuries in equestrian events stratified by equestrian discipline, age (junior vs senior), and sex. Three thousand four hundred thirty equestrian athletes injured from 441 816 total athlete exposures during 2015 to 2019 were analyzed showing an injury rate between 0.06% and 1.18% for each discipline with an overall injury rate of 780 per 100 000 athlete exposures. Hunter-jumper and 3-day eventing had the highest injury rates. Head injuries and bone injuries were the most common types. No clinically significant differences in injury rates were observed between males and females or junior and senior equestrian athletes. Equestrian sports have an overall injury rate of 780 per 100 000 athlete exposures in the certified competition setting. Hunter-jumper and 3-day eventing have an increased injury rate compared with nonjumping disciplines. These data should help equestrian event clinicians to anticipate the types of injuries and help outpatient clinicians make preparticipation medical eligibility and assist in counseling for equestrian sports.

Injuries and Illness in Elite Equestrian Athletes: A Two-Season Prospective Study

Problem/Intro: Epidemiological data of injuries and illnesses in equestrian athletes are limited. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence, prevalence, and severity of health Problems among a cohort of elite riders. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study with 38 elite equestrian athletes over a two-year follow-up period. Health Problems were recorded weekly with the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on health problems and subsequently categorized into illnesses and injuries according to the recently published International Olympic Committee guidelines. Based on the athlete’s weekly responses, we calculated health Problem prevalence, incidence and severity. Results: A total of 93 health problems were reported including 30 illnesses and 63 injuries resulting in a weekly prevalence of 12.1% (95% CI: 10.5-13.7) for all health problems. For acute injuries, the chest, lumbosacral region, and neck were the most commonly reported body locations. The lumbosacral Region was the most commonly reported repetitive injury mechanism body region. Illnesses most often affected the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal body systems. Conclusion: There was a low prevalence of injuries among this cohort of elite athletes. Future efforts that further improve athlete safety should focus on repetitive mechanism injuries and implementation and scale-up of preventive equipment to the broader equestrian population.

Symbiosis or Sporting Tool? Competition and the Horse-Rider Relationship in Elite Equestrian Sports.

Simple SummaryForming relationships with horses is commonly understood as an important part of amateur and elite equestrian sports. Horse-human relationships have historically been romanticized and the success of sporting horse-human combinations has been attributed to a close relationship between horse and rider. Elite equestrian sports differ from amateur equestrian sports, especially where an elite rider earns their primary income from riding and competing horses, and third-party sponsors and owners are financially invested in a horse-rider combination. In this study, 36 elite equestrian athletes were interviewed about their interspecies relationships. Results indicated that a strong horse-rider relationship could, in some instances, inhibit a rider’s ability to compete successfully and engage in a commercialized sporting context, due to tensions between an instrumental approach to animals and meaningful horse-rider interaction. Results also suggested that horse-rider relationships may be peripheral to performance outcomes, or conversely, essential to performance success. The relationship between sporting outcomes and the horse-rider relationship in an elite setting is clearly complex and multifaceted. An increase in transient, instrumental horse-rider relationships may be resulting in a shift towards a commercial, detached model of relating to horses, raising ethical questions around the professionalization of equestrianism and the management of competition horses. The horse-rider relationship is fundamental to ethical equestrianism wherein equine health and welfare are prioritized as core dimensions of sporting success. Equestrianism represents a unique and important form of interspecies activity in which relationships are commonly idealized as central to sporting performance but have been largely unexplored in the sport psychology literature. Horse-rider relationships warrant particular consideration in the elite sporting context, given the tension between constructions of “partnership” between horse and rider, and the pragmatic pressures of elite sport on horse and rider and their relationship. The current study examined the link between sporting performance and the horse-rider relationship in an elite equestrian sporting context. Thirty-six international elite riders from eight countries and six equestrian disciplines participated in a single in-depth interview. A social constructionist, grounded theory methodology was used to analyze this data. The horse-rider relationship was positioned in three different ways in relation to elite sporting outcomes: as pivotal to success; non-essential to success; or as antithetical to success. Participants shifted between these positions, expressing nuanced, ambivalent attitudes that reflected their sporting discipline and their personal orientation to equestrianism. Competitive success was also defined in fluid terms, with participants differentiating between intrinsic and extrinsic markers of success. These findings suggest a complex and multifaceted connection between interspecies performance and relationships in elite sport. Where strong horse-rider relationships are antithetical to performance, a threat to the welfare and ethics of equestrian sport exists. Relevant sporting governing bodies must attend to this problem to ensure the centrality of animal welfare, wellbeing, and performance longevity to equestrian sports.

128 Beyond the ride: the use of psychological skills training in equestrian athletes

Psychological skills training (PST) is a proven coaching method used with athletes in a multitude of sports. This study investigated the use of PST with equestrian athletes. We hypothesized that coaches were not broadly using PST but were using related skills in their coaching techniques. An online survey was administered to equestrian coaches during a 2-mo period in Spring 2020. The survey was designed to collect coaching demographics, and determine whether coaches used specific skills, frequency of use, perceptions of performance improvement, education relative to PST, and limitations of PST use. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, correlations and a mixed model ANOVA (SAS, 9.2). One hundred and 80 6 respondents completed the survey. Contrary to our hypothesis, 91% of equestrian coaches surveyed were using PST with their riders. Confidence building compared with goal setting skills were not different but were used more frequently than other skills (P = 0.017), followed by imagery, self-talk, and task relevant routine (all similar, P > 0.16), and relaxation was the least used (P = 0.017). The type of skills used differed by situation: practice, pre-competition, during competition, post competition. Confidence building was used more in practice than during competition (P < 0.001) but use did not differ during pre- or post-competition (P > 0.32). Goal setting and imagery were most used in practice and pre-competition, compared with during competition and post competition (P < 0.035). Use of relaxation did not differ during practice, pre-competition, or during competition (P > 0.39). Use of confidence building, self-talk, relaxation, task relevant routine and goal setting, was correlated to PST-attributable performance improvement in increasing self-confidence and lessening anxiety (R = 0.41; P < 0.033). When asked which PST skills promoted a positive attitude, positive correlations were found between self-talk, relaxation, and task relevant routine (R = 0.32; P < 0.006). Compared with coaches in an individual or combination setting, coaches involved in a team setting were more likely to use PST with their riders (P < 0.05). No differences were found attributable to the age and level of riders. Lack of training was identified as the largest limiting factor (31%) of PST implementation, with 68% of coaches interested in more PST education and training. These results suggest equestrian coaches actively seek methods for rider improvement beyond the saddle. Further research should explore the best PST methods to use with equestrian athletes.

Low Back Pain and Associated Factors among Italian Equestrian Athletes: a Cross-Sectional Study

Low Back Pain and Associated Factors among Italian Equestrian Athletes: a Cross-Sectional Study

Shock Attenuation and Electromyographic Activity of Advanced and Novice Equestrian Riders’ Trunk

Low back pain (LBP) is a prevailing affliction among recreational and professional horse riders. It lowers performance and distracts from the development of the athlete. A lower incidence of LBP has been observed in the professional riding population despite higher training volumes. This paper aims to describe neuromuscular mechanisms through which advanced and novice riders attenuate the shockwave generated between the horse and rider. Six novice riders (age 24 ± 7 years), nine advanced riders (age 31 ± 5 years) and four horses (age 15 ± 3 years) took part in this study. Surface electromyographic activity of the riders’ trunk was recorded along with inertial data from the horses’ leg, saddle and vertebrae of the riders at walk, trot and canter. Analyses of variances revealed a superior shock attenuating ability of the advanced group (F (1,38) &gt; 5.023, p &lt; 0.03) as well as a higher overall muscle tone (F (1,488) &gt; 9.80, p &lt; 0.02). Cross correlation analyses between shock attenuation and electromyographic activity showed that groups differ mostly in timing rather than the intensity of muscle activation. This finding is of great interest for equestrian athletes and coaches, as it points to a greater importance of training muscular anticipation within the trunk stabilizers rather than overall muscle activation.

Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes

PurposeThis paper aims to conduct the first cross-sectional survey on depression, Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes and to assess whether past concussion rates were associated with depression, resilience and well-being.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 511 participants from Canada, Republic of Ireland, UK, Australia and USA took part in an international cross-sectional, online survey evaluating concussion history, depression symptoms, resilience and well-being.FindingsIn total, 27.1% of athletes met clinically relevant symptoms of major depressive disorder. Significant differences were shown in the well-being and resilience scores between countries. Significant relationships were observed between reported history of concussion and both high depression scores and low well-being scores.Practical implicationsFindings highlight the need for mental health promotion and support in equestrian sport.Social implicationsResults support previous research suggesting a need for enhanced mental health support for equestrians. There is reason to believe that mental illness could still be present in riders with normal levels of resilience and well-being.Originality/valueThis study examined an understudied athlete group: equestrian athletes and presents important findings with implications for the physical and mental health of this population.

Helmet use in equestrian athletes: opportunities for intervention.

Background:Equestrian athletes (horse riders) are at high risk for head injury, including concussions.Materials & methods:Adults riders were recruited via social media posting to complete a branching survey collecting data on demographics, riding experience, helmet use, injury history and concussion symptom knowledge. Results are reported as frequencies and percentages, with associations tested using chi-square with significance level p < 0.05.Results:Of the 2598 subjects, about 75% reported always wearing a helmet. Of those who did not, the most common reasons were that helmets are unnecessary (57.4%) or do not fit well (48.6%). Many indicated improper storage conditions and/or did not follow manufacturer’s replacement recommendations. Most (75.4%) reported a high level of comfort with recognizing concussion signs, with half experiencing a prior head injury.Conclusion:This information suggests opportunities for intervention to improve helmet use through increased fit, while the responses indicate a need for further education on proper helmet use.

Asymmetry and Tightness of Lower Limb Muscles in Equestrian Athletes: Are They Predictors for Back Pain?

Athletes may suffer from low back pain (LBP). Some studies have considered restricted range of motion (ROM) as a risk factor for LBP in athletes; however, ROM has not been evaluated in equestrian athletes (EAs) with LBP. The aims of this research in EAs were (I) to analyze the relationship between lower limb ROM (tightness and asymmetry) and LBP and (II) to determine the reference values for lower limb ROM indicating high risk of LBP. Forty-three young (9–18 years old) EAs were voluntarily recruited in technical training camps. The EAs were assessed for 11 passive lower limb ROMs using the ROM-SPORT I Battery. LBP data were taken at the end of a 1-year period through a questionnaire. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated. Sixty-seven percent of EA had suffered LBP. Hip adduction (OR = 1.347, medium; p = 0.015) and knee flexion (OR = 1.109, small; p = 0.023) were predictors of LBP in EAs. A hip adduction of 26° and knee flexion of 128° were found to be the optimal cutoff values for predictive screening of EAs at high risk of LBP.

Trunk Lateral Flexor Endurance and Body Fat: Predictive Risk Factors for Low Back Pain in Child Equestrian Athletes.

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common overuse musculoskeletal injury suffered by child equestrian athletes (CEA). Despite this, little is known about the risk factors related to LBP in these athletes, and very limited research has been conducted on this topic. This study was designed to investigate predictive risk factors for LBP in CEA. The purposes of this research were to determine whether anthropometric, range of motion (ROM), core endurance and sagittal spinal morphotype measures are risk factors for LBP and to establish a diagnostic cutoff value for those factors associated with LBP. Nineteen CEA between the ages of 12 and 17 years were voluntarily recruited. Potential risk factors evaluated included corporal composition, lower limb ROM, core endurance and sagittal spinal measures. Associations and predictions were calculated between these risk factors and the LBP during the last 12 months. Almost half of the CEA have suffered at least one episode of LBP. Two risk factors and cutoff values were identified as predictors of LBP in CEA: having a high body fat higher than 23% (p = 0.01) and trunk lateral flexor endurance lower to 65 s (p = 0.021), body fat being the strongest predictor.

Combined Driving: Task-specific Position Impacts Grip Strength Of Equestrian Athletes

Equivalent to a human triathlon, combined driving is an equestrian sport designed to test ability to navigate horses and carriage during three phases. Drivers control up to four horses at a time relying heavily on hand strength. PURPOSE: to 1) establish baseline data on grip strength and endurance of combined drivers in standing and task-specific positions; and 2) compare grip values to normative data by driver age. METHODS: Drivers were included if medically cleared to actively compete, and free from current injury. Fifty-one combined drivers (9 males, 42 females) ages 21-78 participated during two nationally recognized events. All drivers were right hand dominant. 63% of drivers were over 50 y/o. 22% of drivers reported having arthritis in their hands/wrists. Drivers completed a demographics and sport-specific survey, and three grip tests in two positions: standing and task-specific (sitting). Measures included peak values and endurance. Peak grip was recorded into four categories based on normative values. RESULTS: Females with more than 30 yrs of driving experience had higher strength in the non-dominant hand (p=0.0345). There was a significant difference between strength based on position for both sexes (Table 1). Over 45% of females were stronger than normative data for both dominant and non-dominant hand, while only 22% of males fell in the stronger category. Female drivers average hand grip strength was 1.25 times greater than the normative population. The endurance for all subjects was significantly higher for the right hand (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to establish standing and task-specific grip strength in combined drivers. Female drivers over 50 y/o demonstrated greater hand strength in their non-dominant hand, suggesting continuous use of hands for driving promotes strengthening muscle and maintaining hand function regardless of reported arthritis. Results demonstrated equestrian driving is beneficial to hand grip strength.

AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO THE ASSESSMENT OF THE COORDINATION ABILITIES IN EQUESTRIAN ATHLETES AT THE INITIAL STAGE OF TRAINING

Aim. The article deals with developing coordination abilities in equestrian athletes at the initial stage of training through a specially organized training process. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the premises of the Grand Prix sports and recreation complex (Samara region, Podstepki village, Togliatti). 36 equestrian athletes aged from 16 to 17 years were examined. The main (MG) and the comparison group (CG) consisted of 18 males and females. The comparison group was engaged in a standard program (4 days per week, 1 hour). The main group had 4 training sessions per week. On the fourth day, the main group practiced specially selected exercises aimed at developing coordination abilities. The diagnostic method included the Human temporal and spatial properties analyzer 2.1 software, as well as the BALANCE SYSTEM SD training platform. Results. According to the results of the study, significant changes in the spatial and temporal properties were observed among triathletes and competitors in both males and females. The significance of differences of unilateral and bilateral postural stability confirms the importance of the ability to static and dynamic balance, as well as coordination and combination of movements for equestrian athletes involved in show jumping, dressage and eventing. Conclusion. Special exercises on the force platform allow improving coordination abilities, temporal and spatial properties and postural stability in show jumping, dressage and eventing.