Horse Rider Actions May Alter Horse Welfare

This research project looked at the physical impact of human riders on horses from two riding centers, finding that three-fourths (74%) of horses had severe vertebral problems, while a fourth (26%) were mildly or not affected.

Chiropractic exams were performed on 19 horses, and both horse and rider postures were observed during a riding lessons. The results showed that nearly three-fourths (74%) of horses had severe vertebral problems, while 26% were not affected or only mildly affected. Statistical correlation with the horses’ attitudes at work and the degree of vertebral problems at rest, and the riders’ positions were examined. Differences between horses from the two riding schools regarding both riders’ and horses’ postures and teachers’ speech content and duration were linked to differences in the attention devoted to riders’ positions. Proper riding balance is believed to have a significant impact on the back health of horses.