It is not uncommon for horses to receive breaks from riding that may last as long as several months. During this time of disuse, horses are likely to receive pasture turn-out while not being ridden. ...This pattern of cyclical work is especially common for horses used in university riding programs. This study aimed to evaluate fitness of physically conditioned and non-conditioned university horses after a semester break, hypothesizing that non-conditioned horses would have a lower level of fitness, resulting in higher resting heart rates and lower levels of muscling, compared with horses remaining in work during the 3-mo period between Spring and Fall semester. Twelve mature stock-type horses aged 16.4 ± 5 yrs at Middle Tennessee State University were divided into 2 groups, a conditioned group that maintained light-to-moderate riding and a non-conditioned group that received no ridden exercise during summer break. Research began at the beginning of the Fall semester and monitored horses for 28 d through their return to work in riding lessons and team practices. On d 0, 14, and 28 peak heart rate during submaximal exercise, resting heart rate, body weight, body condition score, topline muscling score, gaskin circumference, and forearm circumference were recorded. Heart rates were recorded using Polar Equine H10 monitors during rest in stalls and placed under tack while ridden innormal class use of light-to-moderate work. Topline muscling was scored on a previously published scale of 1–5 (1 poor for the breed, 5 exceptional for the breed). Data were analyzed using a mixed model, with effects of day and treatment, with repeated measures (SAS Ver. 9.4). Peak heart rate during submaximal exercise was not different between treatments (P = 0.17) but increased for both treatments through the 28-d study (P = 0.04). The resting heart rate of conditioned horses tended to be lower (P = 0.08). Heart rate results may be influenced by weather, as daily high temperatures decreased from 33°C to 19°C from d 0 to d 28. Forearm circumference was not different (P = 0.30), but gaskin circumference of non-conditioned horses was larger (P = 0.04), although the non-conditioned horses tended to have larger average body weight (P = 0.07). No difference was detected in BCS between groups (P = 0.22). Conditioned horses had higher topline muscling scores (P = 0.02). Compared with their non-conditioned counterparts, horses that were continuously conditioned over a summer semester break had mixed improvement in fitness, based on resting heart rate and topline muscling, suggesting that horses retain a degree of fitness during a 3-mo period of rest on pasture turn-out.
The work “Equestrian Tourism” contains in its structure information related to the activities carried out in equestrian tourism, the organizations that implement quality standards in the leisure ...riding and equestrian tourism industry in Romania, as well as the methods and tools used to promote and attract tourists. The central idea of this paper is based on the fact that equestrian tourism creates conditions for restoring work capacity, while having a pleasant and instructive leisure and acquiring new knowledge, information and even skills. We specify that Romania has an extraordinary potential, composed of anthropic natural resources and of state and private studs and wild horses. We believe that the beneficial effects of equestrian tourism must force decision-makers in this field to create a strong image or brand for this form of tourism, because a compelling message is needed to attract tourists from the country and abroad.
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.
The ideal female body image in equestrianism has been perceived as a slighter physique, resulting in riders and coaches perceiving that dressage judges have a preferred bias toward smaller riders, ...impacting the overall competition scores. This research aimed to identify certain aspects of rider body shape (BS) that enhance rider posture both physically and subjectively via dressage judge scoring, also to identify if judge bias was present toward rider physique. Aspects of rider posture were measured, including upper body position, rein tension, stirrup force and weight distribution. Measurements of rider volunteers (n = 20) were taken including height, weight, torso height, arm and leg length, reflective markers were used for postural analysis. Riders rode an equine simulator for 30 s in walk, trot and canter left and were recorded on video. Dressage judges (list 1–5, n = 11) were asked to score riders on a scale of one (very bad) to 10 (excellent) for different postural aspects. Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance assessed level of agreement among judges scores, and Regression Analysis made comparisons between BS aspects, judge scores and quantifiable data of rider posture. The results indicated that body mass index (BMI), height, or rider confidence was not related to judges’ scores. There was a moderate agreement overall for all thejudges (Kendall's Coef = 0.466195), higher-level judges showed a substantial agreement (Kendall's Coef = 0.672543) compared with lower-level judges who showed a moderate agreement (Kendall's Coef = 0.476772). A relationship between torso height and judge score indicated that riders with a shorter torso scored higher for upper body position (DF = 1; R-sq(adj) = 22.66%; F-Value = 5.52; P = 0.034); no relationship was found between rider posture (the range around the vertical) and torso height. Riders with longer legs in proportion to their height scored higher from judges for lower leg security (DF = 1; R-sq(adj) = 19.52%; F-Value = 5.61; P = 0.029). Rider leg length was significantly related to stirrup force, indicating that riders with longer legs produced greater force onto the stirrups (DF = 1; R-sq(adj) = 21.04%; F-Value = 6.06; P = 0.023). This identified that judges appeared not to have a rider size bias, contradicting previous rider perceptions. Certain aspects of rider BS were suggested to impact rider ability from the scores received by judges, such as a shorter torso enhancing upper body posture and leg length enhancing the security of the lower leg. Future research investigating further performance indicators or limiters is needed to identify aspects that may enhance rider performance.
•Horses in university settings often undergo periods of disuse over semester breaks•Conditioned and non-conditioned horses were compared at beginning of semester•Peak heart rate during exercise was ...not different between treatments•Topline score of conditioned horses was greater than non-conditioned•Pasture access during disuse may assist in retaining a degree of fitness
Periods of limited activity during semester break may reduce performance during return to ridden work. This study evaluated fitness and muscling of horses when returning to work, following a 12-week period during which horses either continued (conditioned) or discontinued (non-conditioned) ridden work. It was hypothesized that non-conditioned horses would have a lower level of fitness, resulting in higher resting and peak heart rates and lower levels of muscling. Twelve mature, stock type horses aged 16 ± 5 years were assigned to either a conditioned group that maintained light-to-moderate riding or a non-conditioned group receiving no formal exercise. All horses had access to voluntary exercise for 12-24hr/d on grass pasture (1.5-2.5 hectares). Following the 12-week period, all horses were placed into a light-to-moderate intensity exercise program with resting heart rate, peak heart rate, body condition score, gaskin and forearm circumference, and topline muscle measurements performed on d 0, 14, and 28. Peak and resting heart rates were not different between groups (P > 0.05) but increased for both groups throughout the study (P = 0.04). Gaskin circumference of non-conditioned horses was larger (P = 0.04), although non-conditioned horses tended to be heavier (551.4 versus 491.4 ± 21.4 kg; P = 0.07). Conditioned horses had greater average topline muscling scores (P = 0.02). Horses that were conditioned over a 12-week break had greater muscling, but changes in fitness were not detected. Pasture access could contribute to maintenance of fitness during unridden periods.
In this study of the relationship between men and their horses in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century England, Monica Mattfeld explores the experience of horsemanship and how it defined one’s ...gendered and political positions within society.
Men of the period used horses to transform themselves, via the image of the centaur, into something other—something powerful, awe-inspiring, and mythical. Focusing on the manuals, memoirs, satires, images, and ephemera produced by some of the period’s most influential equestrians, Mattfeld examines how the concepts and practices of horse husbandry evolved in relation to social, cultural, and political life. She looks closely at the role of horses in the world of Thomas Hobbes and William Cavendish; the changes in human social behavior and horse handling ushered in by elite riding houses such as Angelo’s Academy and Mr. Carter’s; and the public perception of equestrian endeavors, from performances at places such as Astley’s Amphitheatre to the satire of Henry William Bunbury. Throughout, Mattfeld shows how horses aided the performance of idealized masculinity among communities of riders, in turn influencing how men were perceived in regard to status, reputation, and gender.
Drawing on human-animal studies, gender studies, and historical studies, Becoming Centaur offers a new account of masculinity that reaches beyond anthropocentrism to consider the role of animals in shaping man.
From bears on the Renaissance stage to the equine pageantry of the nineteenth-century hunt, animals have been used in human-orchestrated entertainments throughout history. The essays in this volume ...present an array of case studies that inspire new ways of interpreting animal performance and the role of animal agency in the performing relationship.
In exploring the human-animal relationship from the early modern period to the nineteenth century, Performing Animals questions what it means for an animal to “perform,” examines how conceptions or this relationship have evolved over time, and explores whether and how human understanding of performance is changed by an animal’s presence. The contributors discuss the role of animals in venues as varied as medieval plays, natural histories, dissections, and banquets, and they raise provocative questions about animals’ agency. In so doing, they demonstrate the innovative potential of thinking beyond the boundaries of the present in order to dismantle the barriers that have traditionally divided human from animal.
From fleas to warhorses to animals that “perform” even after death, this delightfully varied volume brings together examples of animals made to “act” in ways that challenge obvious notions of performance. The result is an eye-opening exploration of human-animal relationships and identity that will appeal greatly to scholars and students of animal studies, performance studies, and posthuman studies.
In addition to the editors, the contributors are Todd Andrew Borlik, Pia F. Cuneo, Kim Marra, Richard Nash, Sarah E. Parker, Rob Wakeman, Kari Weil, and Jessica Wolfe.
Equestrians are no strangers to injury. Modernization of the sport aims to support safe riding habits and limit fatal injuries, especially with the use of equestrian safety equipment. The purpose of ...this study was to investigate factors influencing the use of safety equipment across a range of equestrian disciplines. It was hypothesized that use, perceptions of efficacy, and influencing factors would differ according to discipline but not other demographic factors. An online survey was widely distributed via horse industry organizations and social media over a 2-week period in January 2021. The survey identified rider demographics including age, education level, geographic region, and primary riding discipline, and used 5-pt Likert-scale questions regarding use, perceived effectiveness, and influences on 3 types of safety equipment. Data were examined using frequency counts, correlation, and mixed model ANOVA (SAS, Inc.). Of 770 responses, 48.6% identified themselves as English riders, 46.2% as western riders, and 5.2% as drivers. As hypothesized, helmet use was lower in western disciplines than English disciplines (P < 0.0001) or driving (P < 0.0001). Participation in a discipline that requires use of safety equipment increased the likelihood of helmet use (P < 0.0001), but not other equipment. Age, level of education, and geographic region did not influence the use of helmets or other equipment (P > 0.05). When asked how often respondents used helmets, only 58.2% of all participants chose “always,” yet 74.2% considered helmets “very effective” in preventing injury. Across all disciplines, 79.1% “strongly agreed” or “somewhat agreed” that their use of helmets was influenced by past injuries and experiences. Of respondents, 75.3% “strongly agree” that youth should be required to wear helmets. Unlike helmet use, only 16.8% had used safety vests in the past year, and 19.5% used safety stirrups. Use of safety vests and safety stirrups was greater (P < 0.001) in English than western disciplines. Of respondents, 58.3% considered safety vests “very effective” or “moderately effective” in preventing injuries; while more than one-quarter (27.8%) were “not sure” of effectiveness of safety stirrups. These results suggest that while helmet use is considered an effective way to prevent injury, discipline norms still heavily influence use. Safety vests and stirrups were less likely to be used and may require more industry wide education or exposure before being widely accepted. Understanding the equestrian demographics and disciplines that are likely to use safety equipment, as well as how they are influenced will allow for greater education and safety in equestrian sport.
This paper aimed to analyze the use of digital media, and the research was conducted via a web survey sent by e-mail to equestrian clubs in Croatia. Social media has significantly altered the way of ...communication and the availability of information in all segments of life and work, including horse breeding. Within digital media, an extremely large amount of information is available that is not necessarily relevant and true. To prevent the use of inadequate information, in 60% of equestrian clubs in Croatia, certain persons are responsible for the content. Less than 50% of the respondents follow influencer posts. Furthermore, 90% of the respondents believe that digital media is an excellent tool that can help in the work of equestrian clubs, while 80% of the respondents believe that it is currently underutilized.
