Oxygen Cost of Recreational Horse-Riding in Females

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to characterize the physiological demands of a riding session comprising different types of recreational horse riding in females. METHODS: Sixteen female recreational riders (aged 17 to 54 years) completed an incremental cycle ergometer exercise test to determine peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak) and a 45-minute riding session based upon a British Horse Society Stage 2 riding lesson (including walking, trotting, cantering and work without stirrups). Oxygen consumption (VO₂), from which metabolic equivalent (MET) and energy expenditure values were derived, was measured throughout. RESULTS: The mean VO₂ requirement for trotting/cantering (18.4 ± 5.1 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; 52 ± 12% VO₂peak; 5.3 ± 1.1 METs) was similar to walking/trotting (17.4 ± 5.1 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; 48 ± 13% VO₂peak; 5.0 ± 1.5 METs) and significantly higher than for work without stirrups (14.2 ± 2.9 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; 41 ± 12% VO₂peak; 4.2 ± 0.8 METs) (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The oxygen cost of different activities typically performed in a recreational horse riding session meets the criteria for moderate intensity exercise (3-6 METs) in females, and trotting combined with cantering imposes the highest metabolic demand. Regular riding could contribute to the achievement of the public health recommendations for physical activity in this population.