Exploring the incidence of chronic pain, functional movement and asymmetry in horse riders

Lewis, Victoria

Abstract

Horse riding carries a higher risk of injury compared to many physical activities. The repetitive motion of riding and career longevity of equestrians likely contribute to the development of chronic musculoskeletal pain among riders, yet few studies have examined this relationship. This thesis aimed to identify if chronic pain is endemic in equestrians and to describe horse riders’ experiences of chronic pain, and if present to evaluate the impact of chronic pain on riders’ functional movement and asymmetry and ridden performance.
Using a mixed methods approach, this thesis found that riders of various ages, sexes, and disciplines report high levels of chronic pain. Pain was commonly self-reported in the back, with jumping riders experiencing upper back pain and dressage riders reporting lower back pain. Riders believe this pain restricts their ridden performance. Activities related to horse management were identified as contributing factors to chronic pain development. The findings suggest a culture within equestrianism where riders tolerate chronic pain and rely on self-management of pain, using over-the-counter medications instead of engaging with physical therapy or strength and conditioning programs.
The results have identified that riders show reduced functional movement and motor control compared to athletes participating in other physical activities. This reduction likely contributes to the prevalence of pain reported among riders. Asymmetrical movement patterns and postural discrepancies in riding positions were also observed. The inability to provide symmetrical and controlled movements for effective horse communication may negatively impact rider performance and can lead to conflict behaviours in the horse reducing equine wellbeing and increasing rider injury risk.
Based on the results presented in this thesis, five recommendations to reduce the impact of chronic pain on riders are proposed: 1) To raise awareness and education about chronic pain in equestrian populations; 2) To develop equestrian-specific screening tools to evaluate key performance indicators, such as movement patterns; 3) To create strength and conditioning programs to improve riders' functional movement and motor control; 4), To increase awareness and access to physical therapy as a pain management and injury prevention strategy; and 5, To conduct further research into pain management strategies and interventions to enhance functional movement, reduce injury risk, prolong riders' careers, and improve equine welfare.

• Thesis Type: Thesis by Publication
• Deposit Date: Aug 14, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 16, 2025
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/12788694
• Award Date: Apr 16, 2025