Impacts of rider skill level and weekly riding frequency on western riders’ identification of asymmetry

Abstract

Asymmetry of stirrup length has been found to impact rider symmetry and can influence rider position. Rider experience also has an influence on symmetry and position, with advanced riders more symmetric and vertically aligned compared with novice. To gain better insight to the understanding of rider asymmetry, a unique approach was performed by evaluating the rider's perception of induced asymmetry while riding in western tack. This study aimed to determine if novice and advanced riders could detect stirrup asymmetry in the same frequency while blinded to treatment. It was hypothesized advanced riders would detect asymmetric stirrups in greater frequency. Utilizing 10 stock-type university horses and 10 (5 advanced, 5 novice) university riders, participants tested specified stirrup treatments over 2 data collection days, with each rider riding the same horse twice. The order of the treatments was randomized, one ride having symmetric stirrups and the other asymmetric (one stirrup shortened by 10 cm). To blind riders to treatment, an equipment fit-check was performed to determine appropriate stirrup length, riders then dismounted and left the arena, allowing for stirrups to be adjusted via a randomized assignment. During this adjustment time, riders were instructed that their horses were being prepared for research, to aid in treatment blinding. Riders returned and remounted, performing a short riding pattern at the walk and trot, with directional changes. To confirm pattern completion, accuracy, and breaks of gait, all rides were videotaped. At the completion of the pattern for both rides, riders were asked to take a survey via Qualtrics, answering questions about their riding experience, the horse they rode, how often they rode per week, and any notes regarding asymmetry in their stirrup and rein length. Data were analyzed with a FREQ procedure in SAS 9. Similar amounts of advanced (60%) and novice (50%) riders correctly identified their stirrups. However, regardless of experience level, 70% of those riding more than 5 h per week and 50% of those riding 1–2 h per week correctly identified their stirrups as symmetric or asymmetric. Additionally, 100% of those riding 2–3, 3–4, and more than 5 h per week performed their pattern correctly, with only 67% of those riding 1–2 h per week doing so. Thus, weekly riding frequency may have an impact on asymmetry identification, not just riding experience. A rider's perception of asymmetry is of interest to the field of equitation science, and hours an individual rides per week may be a contributing factor to rider skills.