The Animal Health Trust (AHT) is launching a study this year that will help equestrian organizations create science-based guidelines for rider weight. According to AHT, an excessive weight burden can lead to horses with back problems, lameness, chronic pain and resistance to being ridden. The research promises to answer longstanding questions about rider-to-horse weight ratios.
Source: The Horse Channel, June 20, 2017.
The aim of this study is to investigate whether there are any short term measurable differences when horses are ridden. During the study each horse will be ridden by 4 competent riders of different weights. Subjective and objective assessment of gait and behavior when ridden, measurement of forces under the saddle, heart rate during exercise and recovery, cortisol levels and back dimensions before and after exercise will be assessed.