Physiological stress responses and horse rider interactions in horses ridden by male and female riders

Abstract

Traditionally, horse riding has been restricted to men but today equestrian sports are dominated by women. We hypothesised that men and women differ with regard to riding and the response they evoke in their horse. Cortisol and heart rate variability (HRV) were studied in male (n=8) and female riders (n=8) and in horses (n=8) ridden by men and women over a jumping course. Saliva for cortisol analysis was collected, cardiac beat to beat (RR) intervals were recorded and heart rate and HRV variables SDRR (standard deviation of RR interval) and RMSSD (root mean square of successive RR differences) calculated. In another experiment, saddle pressure was compared between male and female riders (n=5 each). Cortisol did not differ between male and female riders and increased in horses (P<0.001) irrespective of the sex of the rider. Heart rate in riders increased from walk to jumping (P<0.001) while HRV decreased (P<0.001) to the same extent in men and women. In horses, heart rate increased (P<0.001) and SDRR and RMSSD decreased during walk and remained low at trot and canter (P<0.001) irrespective of the riders’ sex. In trot (P<0.05) and canter (P<0.01) saddle pressure was slightly lower in female versus male riders. This is due to weight differences and not to a different seat. In conclusion, no fundamental differences existed in the physical effort, stress response and seat between male and female riders and in the response of horses to men and women.

Distribution of Superficial Body Temperature in Horses Ridden by Two Riders with Varied Body Weights

“…As reported by Powell et al [3], horses demonstrate no physiological changes while carrying 10-15% of their BW, which means about 50-75 kg of rider's BW. Only when the load exceeds 25% of their BW do changes become visible, such as an increase in the basic physiological parameters and post-exercise muscle pain, as well as increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system [3,4]. Therefore, the results of the cited studies indicate that the load for a horse should not exceed 20%.…”

Stress Response of Veterinary Students to Gynaecological Examination of Horse Mares – Effects of Simulator‐Based and Animal‐Based Training

“…The decrease in heart rate variability of students when performing a rectal palpation and ultrasonography of the genital tract in mares is thus indicative of a sympathoadrenal stress response, as has been found to the same extent in students during written (Lawler et al 1989) and oral examinations (Spangler 1997). The decrease in HRV was less pronounced than in riders performing equestrian tasks in dressage ) and show jumping (Ille et al , 2014. Because the stress response in veterinary students during a gynaecological skills test in mares remained below the response of riders in equestrian sports, it should not be interpreted as distress but may indicate concentration on their task and awareness of the students, thus corresponding to a eustress situation.…”

“…Because the present study was restricted to skills in large animal gynaecology and to a limited number of students in a specific stage of their curriculum, results may not be directly comparable to other skills tests or exam situations in a veterinary degree programme. However, the increase in heart rate of veterinary students during equine gynaecology skills tests was in the same order of magnitude as in experienced riders during a rehearsal of classical dressage at advanced level (Von ) but lower than in riders in studies on show jumping (Ille et al , 2014. The increase in heart rate caused by the emotional challenge of a gynaecological skills assessment is therefore comparable to the combined effect of physical exercise and psychological demands on riders in equestrian sports.…”

“…) but lower than in riders in studies on show jumping (Ille et al. , ). The increase in heart rate caused by the emotional challenge of a gynaecological skills assessment is therefore comparable to the combined effect of physical exercise and psychological demands on riders in equestrian sports.…”

“…) and show jumping (Ille et al. , ). Because the stress response in veterinary students during a gynaecological skills test in mares remained below the response of riders in equestrian sports, it should not be interpreted as distress but may indicate concentration on their task and awareness of the students, thus corresponding to a eustress situation.…”