Impact of Horseback Riding Exercise Protocols on Muscle Excitation and Energy Expenditure in the Rider
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Over the past century, horseback riding has transitioned from a transportation source to a largely recreational activity. Previous studies have indicated that horseback riding in certain events can increase caloric expenditure leading to health benefits; however, the impact of structured riding exercises designed to target specific health outcomes is unknown. This study evaluated the energy expenditure and muscle excitation achieved through a series of horseback workouts. Ten female subjects (age 22.64 ± 0.23 yrs, weight 65.30 ± 8.79 kg, height 167.60 ± 2.77 cm) participated in three horseback exercise circuits, an abdominal circuit (AC), a leg circuit (LC) and a high intensity interval training ride (HIIT). Subjects wore a mobile metabolic unit (Cosmed K4b2, Cosmed, Italy) and wireless electromyography sensors (Delsys Trigno EMG). All circuits produced the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) exercise heart rate zones for the target population of 100-170 bpm. The LC and HIIT circuits achieved mean Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) values of 4.37 ± 0.96 and 4.43 ± 0.76, respectively. The AC engaged the abdominal muscles to a higher degree than the LC and HIIT circuits. The LC produced higher activation levels in the hamstring and calf muscles than the HIIT circuit. The thigh and gluteus muscles showed no significant differences in activation levels between circuits. Structured horseback riding exercises can be used as effective forms of cardiovascular exercise, and elicit targeted muscle activation; however the comparative extent of muscle activation requires further research. Bios Ellen Black, MS Ellen Black is an equine instructor at North Central Texas College in Gainesville, TX, where she teaches horsemanship and lecture-based courses and manages the college’s equestrian facility. Jennifer Zoller, PhD Dr. Jennifer Zoller is a Horse Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University. Her research focuses on the impact of horseback riding on human health and the effects of competition stress in equestrian sports.
Authors: Ellen Black, Jennifer Zoller
Institutions: North Central Texas College, Texas A&M University
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4410952671