Date Presented

Spring 5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Dr. DuAnn E Kremer

Second Advisor

Dr. Allison B. Jablonski

Third Advisor

Dr. Price Blair

Abstract

Therapeutic riding provides emotional and physical benefits for riders who have disabilities, yet the physical demands placed on equines in therapeutic riding are not fully understood. Equestrian imbalance is a common characteristic in therapeutic riding, which may increase the workload on the equine. This study aims to evaluate whether induced rider imbalance increases equine heart rate, indicating greater workload, in comparison to riding with a balanced equestrian. One therapeutic riding equine and one experienced equestrian from Brook Hill Farm participated in this study. Heart rate (HR) data were collected with a heart rate monitor strapped around the equine for 21 riding sessions in balanced, left lean, and right lean conditions. Controlled left and right rider imbalance was introduced using an exercise band attached from one stirrup to the opposite shoulder of the equestrian to assess changes in equine workload. A session was approximately 20 minutes in length with a standard format of: 5 minutes counterclockwise (CCW) walk, 4 minutes CCW trot, 1 minute CCW walk, 1 minute clockwise (CW) walk, 4 minutes CW trot, 5 minutes CW walk. HR measurements showed elevated HR readings between balanced Fall and Spring trials during CCW walk and trot, and CW walk, with a trend toward significance in the CW trot. HRs were elevated in the left lean trials between seasons and CCW and CW trotting directions, as well as at rest. Right lean HRs were significantly higher than Fall balanced in the CCW walk and trot and the CW trot conditions. HRs in the right lean were significantly higher than left lean Fall trials in the resting and CW trot, and significantly higher than Spring left lean conditions in the CCW trot. Pace in the Spring CW trot for balanced conditions was slower than in the Fall, and there was a trend toward significance in the CW walk. Pace in the left lean CW walk was significantly lower than in the Fall. These results suggest that rider imbalance influences horse heart rate, with effects varying by direction of travel, lean condition, and seasonal fitness. Overall, this information contributes to a deeper understanding of equine welfare in therapeutic riding programs and indicates that fitness, side-dominance, and direction of travel contribute to how rider balance impacts a therapeutic riding equine.

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