The aim of this research was to determine whether riders displayed asymmetry in their trunk angle or a reduction in core endurance during a fatiguing riding protocol. Twenty-seven female riders (18 - 50 years old) volunteered to participate on their horses. Participants completed four core endurance tests before and after a 35-minute riding protocol. 2D motion capture (60Hz) identified sagittal plane trunk angles using reflective markers placed on the shoulders and hips. Paired sampled t-test identified trunk test scores were significantly different post riding for prone (p=0.003) and left side plank (p=0.043), but not for right side plank (p=0.055) or supine (p=0.457). ANOVA for repeated measure with Bonferroni adjustment evaluated time, phase of gait and direction variables. For direction, right trunk angles were significantly greater than left trunk angles in the trot in all trials (F(1,26) =14.40, p=0.001): trot 1-inside (p=0.017), trot 1-outside (p=0.001), trot 2-inside (p=0.015), trot 2-outside (p=0.027). Overall, right trunk angles were greater than left trunk angles in the canter (F(1,26) =9.24, p=0.005) but only canter 1-inside was significant (p=0.011). Phase of gait significantly influenced trunk angle in the trot (F(1,26) =70.44, p=0.000) and canter (F(1,26) =93.98, p=0.000), with outside values being greater than inside values. No difference was observed in trunk angle for time in the trot (F(1,26) =1.95, p=0.175) or the canter (F(1,26) =0.22, p=0.658) and no interaction between phase of gait, direction and time was present. These results show that whilst riders experience some fatigue in their core musculature during a training session, rider asymmetry was present throughout the training session and not brought on by fatigue. Reducing rider asymmetry should be a focus for trainers, therapists and strength and conditioning coaches.
