Michaela M. Keener

Equestrians report a high rate of chronic pain (CP), which can disrupt horse-rider movement patterns, communication, and safety. Equestrian-related risk factors (i.e., participation level) for reporting CP are well established, while demographic predictors remain underexamined in American equestrians. The purpose of this study was to examine demographic predictors of self-reported CP in American equestrians. This study was a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from adult American equestrians (n = 1,968) that included self-reported CP status (no formal definition or diagnosis) and demographic variables. All variables were categorical. Chi-square tests (P < 0.25) informed forward-selection binary logistic regressions to estimate odds (ORs) of reporting CP across demographic variables, with significance set at P < 0.05. Approximately 45% of the sample reported general CP. The sample was predominantly female (96%). Participation level was a significant predictor of reporting general CP and chronic back, pelvic, and lower leg pain, with professionals having 1.71–1.95 greater odds (P < 0.05) than recreational equestrians, and 1.39–1.80 greater odds than amateur equestrians (P < 0.05). Body mass predicted general CP and chronic back pain, with riders weighing <91 kg having lower odds of reporting general and back CP (ORs = 0.45–0.60, P < 0.05). Model discrimination was modest across analyses (c-statistics: 0.58–0.63). Participation level remains significantly associated with reporting. Body mass emerged as a potential predictor, while other demographic predictors (e.g., age and sex) remain uncertain with regard to reporting CP in American equestrians. Future research should examine body mass, riding biomechanics, and joint-specific load distribution across disciplines with consideration of horse and human health.

Chronic pain (CP) in equestrians may disrupt rider–horse movement patterns, communication, and welfare. Physical activity (PA) is used to manage CP in other populations. Equestrians engage in high PA across equestrian (EqA), barn work (BW), and non-EqA domains, yet still report high CP rates. This study aims to explore risk and protective PA factors across domains associated with self-reported CP in American equestrians. Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey of adult American equestrians (n = 1,612). All variables were categorical (EqA, BW, and non-EqA volume; participation level; BW tasks). Chi-square tests informed forward binary logistic regression examining odds (ORs) of reporting CP across PA domains. The sample's participation level was 23.0% professionals, 44.5% amateurs, and 32.5% recreational equestrians, with 45% experiencing CP, most commonly in the back (27.8%). Recreational riders had lower odds of experiencing CP (OR = 0.6, P < 0.001), chronic lower-leg (OR = 0.47, P = 0.004), and neck (OR = 0.57, P = 0.01) pain than professionals. Regardless of participation level, equestrians engaging in categories ≤5 hours/week of EqA had lower odds (OR = 0.46–0.62, P = 0.001–0.04) of reporting chronic back pain compared with those spending ≥15.5 hours/week. Regular running was protective against reporting CP, particularly in the back (OR = 0.62, P = 0.007) and pelvic (OR = 0.50, P = 0.02) regions. Participation level emerged as the primary risk factor for CP, followed by EqA volume for chronic back pain. Higher EqA workloads may exceed adaptive capacity regarding chronic back pain, underscoring the need for context-specific prevention strategies addressing workload management, such as physical training programs scaled to participation level and consideration of equipment fit (i.e., saddle).

Objective: The study aims to characterize the workday habits of American jockeys and evaluate the relationship between workday habits and fatigue through changes in postural stability (balance) across their workday. Methods: Thirty-seven jockeys participated in prerace and postrace day testing. Jockeys completed questionnaires on workday habits and a 2-minute balance test with triaxial accelerometers on the unstable surface and sacrum. Results: The median caloric intake during their workday was 263.8 kcal. Wilcoxon signed rank tests reported no significant changes in balance across the workday. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) correlations existed between sleep (τ = −0.41) and number of races ridden (τ = 0.37) with balance variables. Conclusions: American jockeys exhibit weight-cycling behaviors, primarily restricted caloric and fluid intake. No changes were evaluated in balance across the workday. Future research should focus on evaluating other fatigue mechanisms involving abdominal muscle fatigue and cognitive fatigue.

"Corrigendum on: Self-reported acute injury and chronic pain in American equestrian athletes" published on 16 Jan 2024 by Wageningen Academic.

The use of trauma databases for epidemiological study of equestrian injuries is well established. However, such databases fail to capture minor injuries or injuries when medical attention is not sought. Additionally, concerns about chronic pain in equestrians have only been explored in small samples. The current study is the first nationwide survey of American equestrians 12 years and older participating in all equestrian disciplines. This study aimed to evaluate the patterns of self-reported acute injuries, behaviours of seeking medical attention for acute injuries, and chronic pain. A convenience sample of 2,573 American equestrians completed an anonymous online survey with questions on acute injury anatomical region, type, and if they sought medical attention. Additional questions identified frequency and location of chronic pain. In total, 2,049 survey responses were complete, with 96% female and representation from all regions of the United States. Participation status (PS) was categorised as professionals (19%), amateurs (43%), and recreational (38%). PS was associated with acute injury and chronic pain frequency. Only 3.9% had never experienced an acute injury from equestrian activity. Of all injuries, foot injuries were most reported (13% of all injuries; 52% of participants) with only 39% seeking medical attention. Professionals had higher odds of experiencing acute injuries in most anatomical regions. 42% indicated they had encountered a concussion; of those, 71% sought medical assistance due to a suspected concussion. Chronic back pain frequency was reported at 27.5%. This study is the first to evaluate self-reported injury in a large convenience sample of American equestrians. The current study found a higher rate of lower extremity injuries in equestrians than previously captured in trauma databases. Prior concussion and acute injury increased the odds of individuals experiencing regional chronic pain, suggesting that future studies and interventions should focus on improving preventative and rehabilitative care. The use of trauma databases for epidemiological study of equestrian injuries is well established. However, such databases fail to capture minor injuries or injuries when medical attention is not sought. Additionally, concerns about chronic pain in equestrians have only been explored in small samples. The current study is the first nationwide survey of American equestrians 12 years and older participating in all equestrian disciplines. This study aimed to evaluate the patterns of self-reported acute injuries, behaviours of seeking medical attention for acute injuries, and chronic pain. A convenience sample of 2,573 American equestrians completed an anonymous online survey with questions on acute injury anatomical region, type, and if they sought medical attention. Additional questions identified frequency and location of chronic pain. In total, 2,049 survey responses were complete, with 96% female and representation from all regions of the United States. Participation status (PS) was categorised as professionals (19%), amateurs (43%), and recreational (38%). PS was associated with acute injury and chronic pain frequency. Only 3.9% had never experienced an acute injury from equestrian activity. Of all injuries, foot injuries were most reported (13% of all injuries; 52% of participants) with only 39% seeking medical attention. Professionals had higher odds of experiencing acute injuries in most anatomical regions. 42% indicated they had encountered a concussion; of those, 71% sought medical assistance due to a suspected concussion. Chronic back pain frequency was reported at 27.5%. This study is the first to evaluate self-reported injury in a large convenience sample of American equestrians. The current study found a higher rate of lower extremity injuries in equestrians than previously captured in trauma databases. Prior concussion and acute injury increased the odds of individuals experiencing regional chronic pain, suggesting that future studies and interventions should focus on improving preventative and rehabilitative care. The use of trauma databases for epidemiological study of equestrian injuries is well established. However, such databases fail to capture minor injuries or injuries when medical attention is not sought. Additionally, concerns about chronic pain in equestrians have only been explored in small samples. The current study is the first nationwide survey of American equestrians 12 years and older participating in all equestrian disciplines. This study aimed to evaluate the patterns of self-reported acute injuries, behaviours of seeking medical attention for acute injuries, and chronic pain. A convenience sample of 2,573 American equestrians completed an anonymous online survey with questions on acute injury anatomical region, type, and if they sought medical attention. Additional questions identified frequency and location of chronic pain. In total, 2,049 survey responses were complete, with 96% female and representation from all regions of the United States. Participation status (PS) was categorised as professionals (19%), amateurs (43%), and recreational (38%). PS was associated with acute injury and chronic pain frequency. Only 3.9% had never experienced an acute injury from equestrian activity. Of all injuries, foot injuries were most reported (13% of all injuries; 52% of participants) with only 39% seeking medical attention. Professionals had higher odds of experiencing acute injuries in most anatomical regions. 42% indicated they had encountered a concussion; of those, 71% sought medical assistance due to a suspected concussion. Chronic back pain frequency was reported at 27.5%. This study is the first to evaluate self-reported injury in a large convenience sample of American equestrians. The current study found a higher rate of lower extremity injuries in equestrians than previously captured in trauma databases. Prior concussion and acute...

Equestrian sport has various welfare issues and educational needs. To address these complex interactions, we propose an integrated approach called the Triple-E Model, which focuses on the equine, equestrian, and environmental triad. A literature review of existing models suggests that complexities of these interactions are overlooked, despite the significant impact of equine industries on economics, healthcare, and animal welfare. This paper discusses current models and theories used to evaluate equine–equestrian–environmental interactions and introduces the Triple-E Model to foster multidisciplinary collaboration. Unlike the One Health triad, which focuses on disease emergence, transmission, and zoonosis, the Triple-E Model extends to non-infectious research, such as musculoskeletal injury. It promotes collaborative care and rehabilitation within the equestrian community by engaging multidisciplinary, multi-setting, and multi-sectoral teams. Given the nature of human–animal interaction and welfare considerations, this model fills the gap in understanding human–horse interactions. The paper highlights the limitations of existing models and explains how the Triple-E Model guides and encourages holistic team collaboration in the equestrian community.

Background: Over 75% of American adults are not meeting aerobic and muscular physical activity recommendations, with the majority being females. Equestrian activities are a potential avenue to increase physical activity, especially in females who account for approximately 90% of sport participants. This study describes perceptions of equestrian activities and establishes the patterns of self-reported equestrian, barn work, and nonequestrian physical activity engagement to understand participation in activities that may sustain physical activity across the lifespan. Methods: American equestrians (n = 2551) completed an anonymous online survey with questions about perceptions and benefits of equestrian activities, demographics, and engagement in equestrian activities, barn work, and nonequestrian activities. Results: There were 2039 completed responses, (95.6% female), with representation from all regions of the United States. Professionals (20.6%), amateurs (39.1%), and recreational (40.3%) comprised participation status. Significantly fewer recreational participants perceived equestrian as physical activity and as a sport than amateurs (P < .05) and professionals (P < .05). Engagement in equestrian and barn work physical activity was significantly higher in professionals (P < .0001), followed by amateurs (P < .0001), with the lowest in recreational equestrians (P = .001). Professional and amateur equestrians engaged in significantly more nonequestrian physical activity than recreational participants (P < .05). Conclusions: Equestrian physical activity engagement is dependent on the status of participation. Equestrian, barn work, and nonequestrian physical activity do meet physical activity aerobic and muscular recommendations and should be encouraged as a physical activity for females across the lifespan.

Loss of hand strength is a predictor of mortality in aging populations. Despite reliance on the hands to participate in equestrian driving activity, no existing studies focus on associations of hand strength to athletic performance. Therefore, this study 1) established baseline handgrip of equestrian combined drivers in standing and task-specific positions, 2) determined endurance of task-specific handgrip, 3) compared handgrip strength to normative data, and 4) evaluated associations of handgrip and equestrian-specific variables. There were 51 combined drivers (9 males, 42 females) ages 21–78 who completed a survey, standing handgrip, and grip strength and endurance in a task-specific position. Sixty-three percent of participants were 50 years or older. The dynamometer grip bar was normalized by hand size for standing tests; to duplicate sport-specific tasks, the bar was set to the closest setting. Significances were determined at p < 0.05. Drivers with more than 30 years of experience demonstrated highest summed standing (73.1 ± 5.2 kg) and summed sitting (59.9 ± 6.3 kg) grip strength. Females 60-years and older had greater handgrip endurance (Χ² = 8.323, df = 2, p = .0156) in non-dominant (left) hands. Males (60%) reported more cold weather fatigue than females. Glove wearing was associated with bilateral endurance balance; a higher proportion of endurance balance between dominant and non-dominant (49% high-high and 29% low-low; Χ² = 11.047, df = 1, p = .0009) was realized. There were no associations of handgrip and prior injury. Our results have implications in understanding task-specific and normative grip strengths in aging equestrian populations. Bilateral balance in handgrip strength and endurance is important particularly in maintaining strength in non-dominant hands over time. Equestrian driving sport promotes greater endurance in older females. Strength can be improved by participating in combined driving, and engagement in this sport over several years’ benefits hand strength over time. This cohort of equestrian participants provides evidence that participating in hand-specific activities promotes greater strength, which has been previously shown to improve aging outcomes.