Research reveals weak physical performance in equestrians: Coaching should include more endurance and strength training
Hyttinen’s dissertation marks the first extensive study of riders' physical capabilities under both laboratory conditions and during riding. This globally unique research reveals significant weaknesses in riders’ physical performance.
Deficiencies in maximal strength negatively affect the optimal functioning of the rider's neuromuscular system, impacting the precision, speed, and accuracy of aids given to the horse. Lack of endurance affects concentration, muscle relaxation, and reaction time. Rider fatigue and physical imbalance may increase the horse’s workload, compromising both performance and safety, and particularly affecting the horse’s well-being.
Training program shows improvements in endurance
The riders underwent a 12-week training program incorporating both endurance and strength exercises. Endurance-focused training significantly improved oxygen uptake capacity, as demonstrated by faster performances in show jumping courses. However, no significant improvements in maximal strength were observed, possibly due to insufficient execution of the training program and the inhibitory effects of equestrian training on strength development.
Equestrian coaching should include additional strength and endurance training
The research provides practical guidelines for coaches to improve riders’ physical performance and emphasizes the importance of additional training. It also helps design training programs that enhance the well-being of both riders and horses, increasing safety in riding.
“Whole-body strength, especially core strength, should be developed to prevent lower back pain and improve balance in riding,” Hyttinen states.
“Maximal strength training should be scheduled outside the competitive season when the inhibitory effects of riding on strength development are minimized.”
Hyttinen further emphasizes the need to improve oxygen uptake capacity, noting that international-level riders should match the aerobic fitness of endurance athletes of the same age (~50 ml/kg/min).
Dissertation Details
Anne-Maarit Hyttinen will defend her dissertation, Effects of strength, endurance, and combined strength and endurance training on riders’ physical fitness profile and riding performance in female show jumping and eventing, at the Ģֱ, Seminaarinmäki, Old Festival Hall S212, on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 12:00. Her opponents are Professor Jane Williams (Hartpury University, UK) and Professor Moriz Schumann (Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany), with Associate Professor Juha Ahtiainen (Ģֱ) serving as custos.
Further Information:
Anne-Maarit Hyttinen
Anne.a-m.hyttinen@jyu.fi
+35850 5904 303
