The influence of rider weight on horse welfare, health and performance is often debated. Researchers measured the effects of increasing the weight of the regular rider by 15% and 25% on horse behavior, gait symmetry and physiological responses in a standard dressage test. They concluded that increasing the weight of the regular rider by 15% and 25% did not result in significant short-term alterations in cortisol, heart rate, behavior and gait symmetry in horses during low-intensity exercise. Further studies are required to develop appropriate guidelines for rider weight. FEEVA President, Mette Uldahl, was one of the authors of this article.
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