Rider Health: Discussing the Sensitive Topics with Dr Lesley Geoff, Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Lorna Cameron and Stephanie Bradley
Sunday 9th February 2024 @ 10:00 HRS
Rider Health: Discussing the Sensitive Topics
In all walks of life, there are sensitive topics, and without knowing how to address such areas, it is often easier to navigate around them by turning a blind eye. However, these sensitive areas must be addressed to progress as they impact the rider’s health and riding performance and ultimately can affect equine health, performance and welfare. This session will address four key areas that are often not considered and will provide evidence to support future discussions, tips, and advice on how to discuss and move forward on these sensitive topics.
Topics areas
- Pelvic function
- Rider pain and asymmetry
- Breast kinematics
- Perimenopause/Menopause in riders
Session 1: The Rider’s Hip and Pelvis with Dr Lesley Geoff
Optimal horse-rider performance and management of back and pelvic pain in the rider require an understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the rider lumbo-pelvic-hip region.
Knowledge of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting the function of this area in the rider can help riders, coaches, trainers and practitioners to enhance performance and manage injury in the equestrian athlete.
Webinar will cover
- Spine and pelvis and related area biomechanics
- Conditions of the spine and pelvis that affect rider performance
- The importance of sending the rider to the right practitioner/trainer/coach who can assess the above and provide management strategies OR suggest changes to the riders’ techniques
- Demonstration of a few BASIC screening tests for the rider hip and pelvis
Session 2: Does Rider Asymmetry Cause Long Term Health Problems? With Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire
Riders tend to carry on riding even if pain or asymmetry is present; whilst this may appear stoic, what long-term effect does this have on the rider and, consequently, the horse? During locomotion, the body manages the forces generated during locomotion, and if the structures that are absorbing these forces are dysfunctional or asymmetrical, then this gives rise to compromised force absorption. This talk will discuss the rider, the prevalence of pain and asymmetry, and some of the biomechanical demands that riders experience when riding.
Session 3: #BanishTheBounce - breast kinematics in female equestrians with Lorna Cameron
A high proportion of equestrians are female, meaning that breast health and bra issues can be a major concern for not only these individuals, but also those coaching or instructing them. Breast and bra research is relatively common place in other female athletic populations, particularly runners, yet limited research of this kind has been conducted for female equestrians. We have found that horse riding elicits unique breast movement and support requirements may well differ from that offered by traditional sports bras. Join us to hear about some of our most recent research findings and what our next steps may be.
Session 4: How Perimenopause/Menopause can Impact Female Equestrians with Stephanie Bradley
The webinar will cover the key findings of my research on perceived effect of this natural life stage of perimenopause and menopause on female equestrians.
Over 1600 female equestrians shared their experiences in a detailed questionnaire during December 2023. It became very clear through the responses that greater awareness of symptoms was needed by riders and those around them, including coaches.
For example, over 75% of respondents claimed to have a permanent or temporary loss of confidence in their riding, with a high number stopping riding completely. Also, riders described being misdiagnosed, for example, with depression by GPs ill informed as to symptoms of this life stage.
The webinar will consider what this life stage is, when it can occur, how it can manifest within physical, psychological and cognitive symptoms, and how and where to seek support to proactively manage rider wellbeing during this time - and also how those around can also support them.
Let’s do all we can to keep women in the saddle!
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