A Review of Factors Influencing Polo Rider Performance and Horse Welfare

(Illustrative Only)

Riding is about more than understanding horses and how they move. It also requires developing muscle memory and a strong connection with the horse through your seat. The more you ride, the more balanced, coordinated, and connected you become.

You can improve your riding by strengthening your core and leg muscles, increasing flexibility, and staying physically fit. Activities such as yoga and strength training are great additions to polo and other equestrian sports.

Research shows that fitness, balance, posture, coordination, strength, and mental focus all affect riding performance. When riders improve these areas, they can communicate more clearly with their horses through subtle cues and movements.

Horses are very aware of small changes in a rider's position. A slight shift in weight or leg pressure can signal what the rider wants to do next. Because of this, it is important to maintain a good seat, proper posture, and clear, consistent signals.

A balanced and fit rider helps the horse better understand what is being asked, creating a stronger partnership and improving performance for both horse and rider.

If you're interested in a fitness or yoga program, along with balanced nutrition guidance designed to support your riding performance, feel free to send a message through the site. As a licensed fitness trainer and yoga instructor, I can help you develop a program tailored to your goals and equestrian activities.

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

• The review examines the unique partnership between horse and rider, emphasizing that successful equestrian performance depends on the interaction of two athletes with different physical and psychological needs.
• Rider characteristics such as physical fitness, balance, posture, coordination, strength, and psychological preparedness can significantly affect both competitive outcomes and horse welfare.
• Effective communication between horse and rider is essential. The quality of cues, training methods, and mutual trust influences performance, safety, and the well-being of the horse.
• The review highlights that poor riding techniques, inadequate fitness, or inappropriate training approaches may negatively impact horse health, stress levels, and overall welfare.
• The authors conclude that future research should adopt a more integrated approach that considers both rider-centered and horse-centered factors to improve performance while promoting ethical treatment and welfare standards in equestrian sports.

Balog, O., Havanecz, K., Csányi, T., Ökrös, C., Tóth, L., & Berki, T. (2025). A narrative review of factors influencing rider performance and horse welfare in equestrian activities. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7, Article 1744918. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1744918