A Narrative Review of Horse Rider Performance and Horse Welfare in Equestrian Riding

 

(Illustrative Only)

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You are in your polo or equestrian class, and your instructor keeps talking about posture. At first, it may not seem very important, but over time you begin to understand how much proper posture influences your riding ability and overall control.

The research review below indicates that rider biomechanics, posture, fitness, asymmetry, and training can significantly affect both performance and horse welfare.

As polo players and equestrian riders, it is important to focus on mastering the core fundamentals. Strong posture, balance, coordination, and conditioning not only improve riding performance but also help create a better experience for the horse.

You may want to check out our Polo Related Research Studies Page

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A Narrative Review of Factors Influencing Rider Performance and Horse Welfare in Equestrian Activities

• The review examined how rider biomechanics, posture, asymmetry, fitness, and training practices influence both rider performance and horse welfare in equestrian sports.
• Researchers analyzed 17 peer-reviewed studies selected from 83 records gathered through databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar.
• Proper rider posture, pelvic alignment, trunk control, and symmetrical weight distribution were associated with improved horse gait, reduced saddle pressure, and better overall horse comfort.
• Rider asymmetry, such as uneven shoulder height or pelvic tilt, contributed to imbalanced loading on horses and negatively affected equine locomotion and welfare.
• Many riders were unaware of their own physical imbalances, suggesting the need for objective biomechanical assessments and corrective training.
• Studies showed that equestrian athletes often neglect structured off-horse conditioning despite riding placing moderate-to-vigorous cardiovascular and musculoskeletal demands on the body.
• Core strengthening, cross-training, physiotherapy, and targeted exercise programs were linked to improved balance, reduced lower back pain, and enhanced rider stability.
• Equipment factors such as stirrup length, saddle fit, and asymmetrical wear patterns also influenced rider balance and horse comfort.
• The review emphasized that horse welfare and rider performance are interconnected and require a holistic approach combining biomechanics, conditioning, posture correction, and welfare-focused training.
• Researchers concluded that more large-scale and longitudinal studies are needed to strengthen evidence regarding rider training interventions and long-term effects on horse welfare.

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. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1744918