Hi All,
Welcome to the first topic for 624EHS - Contemporary Issues in Equine Science.
This topic is all about rider weight. Make sure that you look at the launch powerpoint, which has been posted in the Classroom. All students are required to contribute to this blog in preparation for the marked blogs on future topics. All students have from now until 11:59 pm on Wednesday 16th of October 2020 to contribute to this blog, to debate the issues surrounding rider weight. Ensure you can also evidence your opinions and remember that you are also required to submit a reference list (word document emailed to module leader) by 11.59 pm on Wednesday 16th of October. You will be graded on the quality and quantity of both your blog contributions and your reference list. Remember, the point of this is to debate the issues, so you should be replying to each other's posts. I will be keeping an eye on the blog, but if you have any issues, you should email me. Please note that this topic 1, will serve as a mock and will not count towards your final coursework 3 marks, however, you will receive feedback on this topic on the 23rd of October 2020, to ensure that you are on the right track for future topics. Please remember to register your name with your comments so that I know who has contributed with which comment.
Rosa
Hello
ReplyDeleteHello all!
ReplyDeleteRider weight is a highly debated and controversial topic, which should be handled delicately and with care. It is recommended that horses should not carry above 15 to 20% of the horses Body weight, for example: 20% of a 500kg horse means that the maximum weight a rider can be is 50kg (8 stone). Furthermore, the federation Equestre suggests that endurance riders should weight a minimum of 75kg (Draper, 2017).
Hello all!
DeleteRider weight is a highly debated and controversial topic, which should be handled delicately and with care. It is recommended that horses should not carry above 15 to 20% of the horses Body weight, for example: 20% of a 500kg horse means that the maximum weight a rider can be is 50kg (8 stone). Furthermore, the federation Equestre suggests that endurance riders should weight a minimum of 75kg (Draper, 2017).
Jasmine Pook
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the pervious comment on the controversially that can be involved with discussing this subject, but as well as the recommended range, there are other factor that need to be considered. These are the following: size/statue/age, skilled/mobile of the rider, what activity the horse is performing and how long and whether the horse has orthopaedic problems (Draper, 2017).
JoJo Charman
DeleteI also agree with the above comments in regards to this being a sensitive subject and I think there is more to it than stating that a rider is too heavy for their horse. Oliveira et al., (2020) suggest that rider weight alone is not enough to determine whether a horse is suitable to carry a rider; noting that confirmation/ breed and fitness can also have an impact on the horses ability to carry its rider.
ReplyDeleteKate Porretta
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the previous comments regarding the body weight percentage should not exceed 20%, and I also agree that there are more factors and variables to include than rider weight alone. Christensen et al. (2020) found rider weight between 15 and 20% did not induce any short term alterations in cortisol levels, heart rate, behaviour and gait symmetry during low level exercise.
Stefánsdóttir et al. (2017) increased the body weight of riders up to 35%, which is common for the Icelandic horse used. Increasing the body weight above 20% did induce a physiological response from the horses. Heart rate, lactic acid, rectal temperature and breathing frequency increased.
Both research studies used the same rider and added weight, therefore not taking into account riders experience, balance and how the rider fits the tack.
Both studies also recommend more research into the area to consider the other variables. While I do agree this is a sensitive subject, I also feel that larger riders, like myself, have a responsibility to be aware of the impact they have on their horses.
Leanne Ward
Saddle fit and weight distributions - it is important that the saddle not only fit the horse but the rider. A larger rider in a small saddle may create increased pressure points and pain for the horse.
ReplyDeleteAs rider weight increases, so does the pressure under the saddle (Dyson et al. 2020). Roost et al (2020) used pressure mats to gage the distribution of pressure and magnitude in horses. These horses were ridden by four riders of similar ability but varying heights and weights. Findings show a significant increase in the pressure under the cantle of the saddle when the horse was ridden by the very heavy rider, and that this may have contributed to the development of muscular skeletal pain. This may have also been influenced by the saddle fit for the rider and the rider positions.
Leanne
Hello, I agree with the above statement. It is important to make sure that the tack being used is fitted correctly to the horse and that the rider is not extremely over the horse's weight carriage limit. If problems under the saddle do occur, it is then in fact a welfare issue as the horse is being repeatedly damaged from ridden work because of ill fitting tack and a rider that is too large for the horse. Once it is a welfare issue, the rider must evaluate the situation and change their approach before doing more damage to the horse (Hemsworth, 2015).
DeleteFurthermore, when horses are participating in gymnastic jumping exercises weights of 20 to 25% increases dorsal displacement which could lead to issues within the future (De Olivera et al., 2020). Excessive weight can also affect the superficial body temperature of horse. For example, a study conducted by Wilk et al., (2019) suggested that riders exceeding 20% BW increases surface temperature on the neck, front, middle and back parts of the trunk.
ReplyDeleteJasmine Pook :)
Increased rider weight can both cause long term issues and short-term issues. Roost et al., (2019) demonstrated that a greater rider size and weight increased pressure and thus increased the risk of musculoskeletal pain. A temporary side effect of larger riders was slight lameness and the horses displayed behaviours which suggested musculoskeletal pain (Dyson et al., 2020).
ReplyDeleteJasmine Pook
In addition to this a study by Mothershead (2017), looked at how the weight of rider and tack, during riding for long periods of time, will cause back pain in horses. 16 school horses weighing between 431-649kg were ridden in riding classes and various intercollegiate horse shows.
DeletePain scores got recorded several times throughout the study: 28 days into the semester, 3 Fridays during show period, two days of shows and five days after shows. They were tested the Friday before every show. The last pain score they took was 28 days after the last show took place. Horses were averagely carrying 16% (range 10-27%).
The pain scores showed that the pain was lowest at the beginning but highest during showing. It decreased back down after showing had finished. When looking at the covariates the percentage of weight carried, loin width and wither area during the semester had a negative score on back pain. However either width 10cm back from the Musial line increased the scores of back pain.
ReplyDeleteEmily
sent
about a minute ago
Ill-fitting saddles and their negative effects may be accentuated by excessive rider weight. TEST, P.A.S.E. (2018) conducted a study looking into The influence of rider weight on exercise induced changes, six horses in regular work were ridden by four riders of equal ability, but differing rider: horse bodyweight ratios and it was found that the mean change in thoracolumbar width after exercise was significantly different between the light rider (>10 ≤ 12%) and the Heavy rider (>15<18%). There was no significant increase in the tension or pain scores for the light rider although tension scores increased significantly for the Moderate (>12 ≤ 15%) and Heavy riders. The saddles were too small for the heavy rider, but all saddles were ill fitted, this is in line with riding schools as they all get varying weights and some saddles may be ill fitted to the horses. This study also lines with the comments made by Leanne and supports the theory that saddle fit is an important factor to consider when looking at rider weight.
Emily Mettam
I would certainly agree the saddle fit is a huge factor to consider when looking at rider weight; considering research by Dittmann et al. (2020) found saddle fit problems to be significant without factoring in rider weight. Therefore supporting Roost et al (2020) who suggest an increase in rider weight may impact saddle fit and create pressure; leading to asymmetry and musculoskeletal pain.
ReplyDeleteHowever, some papers suggest that rider weight is not an issue and has limited effects. For example, Christensen et al., (2020) found that increased rider weight did not induce any changes in behaviour and physiological parameters. Cortisol was increased however the researchers deemed this to be caused by exercise and not weight.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, De Cocq et al., (2014) found that saddle and rider weight had no effect on limb kinematics and had little effect on range of motion.
Jasmine Pook
Interestingly, Dyson et al., (2020) carried out a study that suggests heavier riders can induce certain behaviours and temporary lameness associated with musculoskeletal pain. Although the riders used in the study were all of a similar riding ability, there was a noticeable difference which may be down to the way the riders carry their weight.
DeleteAbbie Brake
However, Christensen et al (2020) conducted a study looking into whether rider weight induced any changes in behaviour and physiological parameters of the horse. They measured the effects using riders on their own horses with either no extra weight, or 15% extra and 25% extra of the riders BW. This was done so the researchers could isolate the effects of the extra weight. The riders were then asked to ride a standard dressage test, where heart rate, behaviour and saliva was measured as well as gait symmetry. As expected, salivary cortisol concentrations increased in response to exercise, however there was no difference in heart rate other than in response to exercise. Tail swishing was the most common conflict behaviour measured although these results varied vastly between the horses. Therefore, this study found that there were no significant changes in the observed factors when the weight of the rider was changed.
ReplyDeleteEmily
Adding to comments previously stated on the tack, however coming at it from a different angle in terms of the saddle in particular. A study conducted by Mackechnie-Guire et al., (2018) investigate the relationship between saddle and rider kinematics, horse locomotion and thoracolumbar pressures in sound horses. In with an interested into improving the welfare, longevity and performance of the ridden horse. As a ill fitting or positioned saddle is considered to result in back pain, which can product behaviour and performance problems.
ReplyDeleteDuring locomotion, the horse's back go through experience three-dimensional translation, these are: dorsoventral, mediolateral, craniocaudal and then in additional rotations. Therefore a well fitting and positional saddle that fits both horse and rider, is inclined to enhance the rides stability and benefit from unhindered back functions.
They found within their study that when the saddle roll in trot, after the saddle had been corrected, the saddle continued to roll to the outside. This resulted in an increase in the outside front fetlock hyperextension (p=0.02) and inside hind fetlock hyperextension (p<0.05). Which in term with the riders displaying an increased thoracic side bend on the contralateral side to the direction of the saddle roll (p=0.02.
Even through they were not looking at the weights of the riders in the study or the corresponding factors the effect of saddle roll in this study could suggest an increased would be likely if the rider carried additional weight. As a horses with an asymmetrically positioned saddle naturally altered their locomotion to accommodate, which can propose joint or muscles problems in the long term.
JoJo Charman
Gait can also be affected with an increased rider weight. Within taisush ponies Matsuura et al., (2013) investigated the effect of varying weight on gait. The results suggested that gait symmetry at 120kg was significantly lower than the first test of 70kg. Furthermore, De Cocq et al., (2004) found that increased rider weight and saddle, caused a greater extension of the back, which could contribute to soft tissue injuries and kissing spines, further in the future.
ReplyDeleteTo extend on saddle weight and fit, Bondi et al., (2019) found that the combination of saddle fit and rider weight can (i.e. the rider being to large for the saddle) cause the horse to be unbalanced and work “crookedly” which can cause an uneven force distribution which could potentially lead to uneven muscle development.
Jasmine Pook
Similarly, a study by Benton (2006), examined how rider weight can have an effect on the horses stride of motion. They used 3 middle aged quarter horse geldings in normal conditions where they measured the duration of the swing phase, phase suspension, stride and stance phase. She measured this with a rider and then added weights of 20lbs and 40lbs during working trot (total weight of 170.7lbs +- 6lbs).
DeleteResults shows that all horses had changes with the extra 20lbs weight, causing their stance phase to lengthen and suspension phase at trot to shorten. At 40lbs 2 horses had the same changes as the 20lbs weight.
This shows that a riders weight will have an effect on the horses gaits during motion with extra added weight of the rider.
Kirstie McLaughlin
Following on from how rider weight can effect the gait of the horse, a study carried out by William & Tabor (2017) looked into the impact of the balance of the rider, and how heavier riders may struggle to efficiently balance their weight. This in turn can limit the effectiveness of the riders aids, and the horse's movements.
DeleteAbbie Brake
Stefánsdóttir et al., (2017) found that horses tended to work more aerobically until the body weight of the rider reached 22.7%, however, researchers deemed this to be due to the horses back confirmation rather than weight. Furthermore, Gunnarsson et al., (2017) also found that Body weight of the rider had no effect on beat, symmetry and height of the front leg lifting within tolt (Icelandic horses).
ReplyDeleteContradictory, to these papers, increased rider weights negatively influenced thoracolumbar width changes with exercise, increasing the tension and pain the horse endures when ridden (Test, 2018). According to Christensen et al., (2020) when ridden increased salivary levels were due to exercise rather than weight. However, Roberts et al., (2018) found that salivary cortisol levels were greater in riders of heavier body weights which contradicts other research.
Jasmine Pook
Weight carrying ability should not be solely based on horse and rider weight.
ReplyDeleteNot only does the breed and conformation of a horse need to be considered when assessing weight carrying ability but also the fitness of the horse.
(Andersen, 2019) investigated the effect of rider weight on the back muscle longissimus dorsi. This muscle is located in the equine back and is the largest muscle originating at the spinous processes of the sacrum, lumbar and thoracis vertebrae and wing of the ilium and the insertions are to the transverse processes and tubercles of the ribs.
Using riders described as light-weight, medium and heavy weight the mfBIA (multi frequency bioimpedance) and AMG (acoustic myography) data reveal that the longissimis dorsi remains relaxes and very comparable across the two extremes of light weight and heavy weight riders. No swelling or inflammation recorded. Horses were revealed to have similar muscle mass and this muscle was healthy and fit for both extreme groups.
The RDA Riding for the Disabled Association (2018) have a weight chart guidance sheet where they include a number of steps to help work out what they consider to be the correct weight capacity for horses. Discussing riders of the same weight which may have different riding weights, taking into consideration unbalanced riders with low core stability stating they will ‘ride heavier’ and additional weight will need to be added. And also including tall riders, where the rider may unbalance the pony they are riding.
ReplyDeleteI have done a search of riding schools local to me to find out if they publish their weight limits online. The two that did are noted below. I think it should be a requirement of a riding school to provide clear and easily accessible information to clients as to avoid any embarrassment.
Grenoside Equestrian Centre 14 and a half stone (Grenoside Equestrian Centre | Riding School Sheffield, 2018)
Smeltings equestrian 16 stone (Smeltings Farm Riding Centre - Riding Lessons, 2019)
More research should be conducted into ways for regulating rider weight and the recommendations. Perhaps, the Government should enforce weight recommendations under the riding establishment scheme and licensing, as this could provide clear guidelines to centres and provide owners with relevant information into determining the optimum weight.
ReplyDeleteWhereas the donkeys which offer rides on the beach are limited to carrying no more than 50.8kg (8 stone) although they do only short and slow rides. It could be beneficial to provide similar recommendations within trekking centres and riding schools (Donkey Sanctuary, 2008). Furthermore, vets could potentially say something if they deem the horses welfare to be compromised but the vets would have to tread lightly and be sensitive (Draper, 2017).
Jasmine Pook
I also agree with this statement as the The Government doesn’t appear to have any guidelines under the riding establishment licence (GOVUK, 2017). I think they should to an extent, especially when it is affecting the horses health and condition. Saying this, some riding schools have a weight limit as they may not be able to provide heavier riders with correct size horses, and a lot of horses that work at riding schools are older and therefore not as strong as they once were, therefore, a weight limit is needed.
DeleteEven though this works towards maintaining horse welfare, what does this mean for heavier people that want to learn how to ride?
The rider's weight compared to the horse they are riding is an extremely important and controversial topic to discuss as it can cause welfare issues for a horse if the rider is too heavy for them. There is a lot of considerations when covering this topic such as:
ReplyDeleteThe horse's weight carriage
The breed of the horse
The hight of the horse
The age of the horse
What the rider is doing with the horse (intense work/jumping/trekking ect.)
The shape of the rider (tall/ short ect)
The rider ability
Each of these factors are very important as they all contribute to the conclusion that is; if a rider is too heavy for their horse, what should be done about it?
As already stated, equestrians overall agree that the ‘correct’ weight carriage of a horse is 15-20% of the horse's body weight (Roost, 2020). But when applying this to a practical test, Powell discovered that horses had a greater change in muscle soreness and muscle tightness when carrying 25% and 30% of their body weight (Powell, 2008). This suggests that if the rider is over 20% of the horse's body weight, there may be an impact on the horse's wellbeing.
Caulfield, et al (2008) conducted a study looking into the psychological effects of rapid weight loss and attitudes towards eating among a sample size of 41 professional jockeys. By using the Brunel mood scale and the Eating attitude test they were looking into the relationship between the rapid weight loss, moods and the jockey’s attitude towards food. I feel this is a good was of testing although the sample size could have been bigger to represent more of the jockey population. Both tests were conducted after 3 different events – at the jockeys minimal weight (achieved through rapid weight loss), their optimal riding weight (when they were not restricting their weight and felt healthy) and their relaxed weight (when they had no light rides or no rides) Caulfield et al hypothesised that the jockeys would have a more negative mood when compared to their moods at optimal and relaxed weights. This trend was also hypothesised for the eating attitudes as well and the results supported these. It is therefore supported that there is a negative impact on the jockey’s psychological well-being when trying to lose weight rapidly. It is suggested by many retired jockeys and doctors that the minimum weight restriction should be raised due to the fact that the lowest body fat you can get active athletes down to is about 5kg, and the lowest that has seen among 350 jockeys who have gone to John Moore’s in the last ten years was 3.7kg. The current minimum is 8st and it has been suggested by Dr George Wilson of Liverpool John Moores university that the weight should be increased to 8st7lb as to allow for the 5kg of body fat which is similar of that to Australian racing. More needs to be said about what jockeys need to do in order to reach racing weight and the Jockey Club/ BHA need to look more into the psychological effects that the jockey has to endure to make race weights. As even after the initial weigh in they do not rehydrate as they fear not making the post race weigh in.
ReplyDeleteEmily