A snapshot of the training schedule for 8 professional riders riding dressage

Abstract

The aim of this study was to document and categorise riding sessions, carried out by professional riders, by describing the riding sessions according to gait, ridden track, lateral movements, rider position in the saddle and rein length. These data were then analysed relative to horse and rider characteristics, e.g. educational level of horse and rider, time in training and laterality of the horse. Eight professional riders riding 3 familiar horses each participated in the study and the riders were asked to demonstrate their normal routine for flatwork/dressage with each horse. The whole training session was video recorded. Video recordings were scrutinised and data were categorised and analysed. Mixed models were used for the statistical analysis, including rider as random effect. The median length of the riding sessions were 31 min. The riders spent 38% of the riding session at the walk, 39% at the trot, 8% at left lead canter and 9% at the right lead canter. The riders devoted 28-29% of the riding session to riding straight, turning left and turning right and 8% to riding lateral movements. The ridden exercises performed and the duration of the exercises was to a large extent connected to the educational level of the horse and its time in training with the rider. More work at the canter and lateral movements at the trot were included for upper level horses compared to lower level horses. Horses in training for more than one year, compared to less than one year, were ridden for longer durations at the canter and shorter durations at the trot. The disposition of riding sessions needs further investigation. In particular, large scale epidemiological studies of orthopaedic injuries need to consider the daily riding sessions in detail.