Welcome to a truly intriguing episode of Equestrian Edge, where we tackle the critical and relatively untouched subject of breast support for horse riders. Ever wondered how your body image influences your performance in the saddle, or have you pondered over the potential bias against larger riders in dressage scoring? Join our enlightening conversation with Lorna Cameron – a  Lecturer at Hartpury University, who is at the forefront of research in this domain. Listen in as we navigate through her captivating research journey, and explore how different breast tissues and support can significantly affect a rider's performance.

The conversation takes us through an in-depth discussion about breast composition, the role of intrinsic and extrinsic support, and the impacts of body image on riders. Lorna brings forth compelling insights into how different ratios of glandular and adipose tissues constitute the breast and how they can influence the effectiveness of support. Furthermore, we delve into the important, yet often unspoken topic of body positivity and its role in breaking down the stigma associated with body image in equestrian sports.

Finally, we explore the realm of breast movement in riding and running, discussing how different levels of support can impact a rider's range of motion in the wrist, shoulder, and elbow. Lorna shares her extensive research on the effectiveness of various breast support products, offering a fresh perspective to all equestrians out there. We round off our episode by highlighting the need for more research in this critical area of equestrian performance. So, saddle up and let's embark on this enlightening journey together.

@riderstrengthcoach
www.riderstrengthcoach.co.uk

Ready to saddle up for an adventure into the heart of endurance riding? We've got Dr. Jane Williams, a seasoned equine scientist and horse sport enthusiast. Together, we venture into the world of endurance riding, examining the role of the rider as an athlete, the synergy of horse and rider performance, and the current preparation gaps amongst endurance riders in the UK. We're set to unearth how we can improve equestarianism by focusing on the evidence at hand.

But our conversation doesn't stop on the  course. We also examine how the concept of how pacing strategy extends to training. We consider how the course terrain, the horse's fitness, and even how the rider's fitness can significantly influence performance. It's a journey into the heart of endurance racing, complete with discussions about emerging tech tools, like heart rate monitors, that are crucial to maintaining equine fitness. We also stress the importance of a team-centered approach to performance analysis that benefits both the rider and the horse.

As we wrap up, we delve into the idea of 'social licence' in horse sports, emphasizing the need to cater to our horses' needs while respecting public opinion. As riders, it's important that we set realistic goals, objectively assess performance, and keep our fitness goals front and centre. We explore the often-overlooked aspect of rider strength, conditioning, and the importance of honest self-assessment when preparing for the next level. And we round it all off by emphasising the importance of promoting ethical equitation and staying informed with the latest research. So, giddy up and join us for this enlightening exploration into the world of horse sports and endurance riding!

@riderstrengthcoach
www.riderstrengthcoach.co.uk