Feasibility of a 5-week functional movement course for dressage horse riders

Research suggests that riders with more control over their body are able to train horses more efficiently and with less stress or injury. There is little research into improving the performance of horse riders using interventions off the horse. The primary objective was to determine the feasibility of running a 5-week functional movement program to improve strength, flexibility and performance of horse riders. The secondary objective was to determine preliminary outcomes in horse rider performance. A functional movement program was designed and included exercises to improve pelvic stability, scapular retraction and hip extension. Feasibility outcomes were assessed qualitatively. Quantitative assessment of muscle strength and flexibility and a Novice level dressage test were performed at baseline and after the program. Eight participants completed the program with high participant satisfaction. There were difficulties around recruitment and attendance of assessments. There were significant improvements in some of the secondary outcomes. This study indicates that this is a promising area for future research. Primary results suggest that it would be feasible to run a large scale RCT to determine effectiveness of the program. Secondary outcomes indicate that horse riders’ performance could be improved secondary to a functional movement program.