Core Muscle Recruitment during Horseback Riding: A Pilot Study

Horseback riding is a common activity performed worldwide. Although core muscle strengthening is frequently promoted as beneficial for horseback riding, little is known about muscle activation during riding gaits. We examined activation of four core muscles (erector spinae, gluteus maximus, gluteus minimus, and rectus abdominis) during horseback riding compared with ground exercises.

Nine active members (seven females and two males) of the South Dakota State University Rodeo Club volunteered for the study. Target muscle contraction was measured by surface electromyography (sEMG) using the Delsys Trigno Wireless Biofeedback system. Subjects performed a series of ground exercises to establish a maximal voluntary contraction, followed by horseback riding in a walk, trot, and lope (canter). Muscle activation during the various riding gaits was then compared with maximal voluntary contraction and expressed as a percentage.

All core muscles examined were active during horseback riding, with rectus abdominis showing the greatest activity. There was a positive correlation between percent maximal voluntary contraction and riding gait speed in all core muscles.

Core musculature is utilized during horseback riding, and activation increases with riding gait speed. This study informs protocols for riding rehabilitation and deepens understanding of riding benefits for athletic training and hippotherapy.