Energy expenditure of horse riding

Oxygen consumption (VO2), ventilation (V-E) and heart rate (HR) were studie d in five recreational riders with a portable oxygen analyser (K2 Cosmed, R ome) telemetric system, during two different experimental riding sessions. The first one was a dressage session in which the rider successively rode f our different horses at a walk, trot and canter. The second one was a jumpi ng training session. Each rider rode two horses, one known and one unknown. The physiological parameters were measured during warm up at a canter in s uspension and when jumping an isolated obstacle at a trot and canter. This session was concluded by a jumping course with 12 obstacles. The data show a progressive increase in VO2 during the dressage session from a mean value of 0.70 (0.18) l . min(-1) [mean (SD)] at a walk, to 1.47 (0.28) l . min(- 1) at a trot, and 1.9 (0.3) l . min(-1) at a canter. During the jumping ses sion, rider VO2 was 2 (0.33) l . min(-1) with a mean HR of 155 beats . min( -1) during canter in suspension, obstacle trot and obstacle canter. The jum ping course significantly enhanced VO2 and HR up to mean values of 2.40 (0. 35) l . min(-1) and 176 beats . min(-1), respectively. The comparison among horses and riders during the dressage session shows differences in energy expenditure according to the horse for the same rider and between riders. D uring the jumping session, there was no statistical difference between ride rs riding known and unknown horses. In conclusion these data confirm that r iding induces a significant increase in energy expenditure. During jumping, a mean value of 75% VO2max was reached. Therefore, a good aerobic capacity seems to be a factor determining riding performance in competitions. Regul ar riding practice and additional physical training are recommended to enha nce the physical fitness of competitive riders.