Increased Rider Weight Did Not Induce Changes in Behavior and Physiological Parameters in Horses.
Authors: Christensen Janne Winther, Bathellier Suzie, Rhodin Marie, Palme Rupert, Uldahl Mette
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Concerns about excessive rider weight have prompted investigation into its physiological and behavioural consequences, yet findings remain inconsistent depending on exercise intensity and weight ratios employed. Christensen and colleagues examined twenty established rider-horse pairs performing a standardised dressage test under three conditions: normal rider weight, and loads increased by 15% and 25%, measuring salivary cortisol, heart rate variability, ridden gait symmetry and conflict behaviours throughout. Whilst salivary cortisol rose significantly from baseline across all conditions (reflecting the exercise stimulus itself), no meaningful differences emerged between weight treatments, and gait symmetry, heart rate variables and behavioural responses remained unaffected by the additional load. The weight ratios tested (15–23% of bodyweight) and the relatively low-intensity nature of dressage work appear critical to these null findings; practitioners should note that these results cannot be generalised to heavier riders, higher-intensity disciplines, or horses with pre-existing musculoskeletal compromise. This work usefully demonstrates that moderate weight increases during light-to-moderate ridden exercise do not trigger acute physiological stress in healthy horses, though the practical ceiling for safe rider weight ratios in routine work remains context-dependent.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Adding 15-25% extra rider weight does not produce measurable acute stress or gait changes during low-intensity dressage work, within tested weight ratios (15-23%)
- •Individual horse responses vary considerably—monitor your specific horse rather than relying on group findings
- •These results do not apply to heavier weight ratios, higher exercise intensities, or longer-duration work; caution remains warranted with overweight riders or demanding disciplines
Key Findings
- •Increasing rider weight by 15% and 25% did not significantly alter salivary cortisol, heart rate, heart rate variability, or gait symmetry during dressage
- •Salivary cortisol increased from baseline across all treatments (p < 0.001) but showed no significant difference between weight conditions (p = 0.52)
- •Large individual variation in conflict behavior was observed but no significant effect of weight treatment was detected
- •Results apply only to rider:horse weight ratios of 15-23% and low-to-moderate exercise intensity